Boston Dog Bite Lawyer – Advocating for Dog Bite Victims in Massachusetts
Dog attacks and dog bite incidents can cause severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. If you or a family member has been injured by a dog in Boston, Dorchester, or anywhere across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you have legal rights under the state’s strict liability dog bite law. At Gavagan Law, LLC, our experienced Boston dog bite attorneys (“keeper of a dog” liability too) fight for full compensation on behalf of dog bite victims.
Do You Have a Dog Bite Case?
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 Section 155, the strict liability law holds the dog’s owner or keeper responsible for any injuries caused by their animal, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression. You may have a valid dog bite claim if:
- A dog bit, scratched, knocked down, or chased you, resulting in serious dog bite injuries or nerve damage.
- You sought immediate medical attention or medical treatment, generating medical records and medical bills.
- The dog owner or keeper of the dog had control over the animal.
- You did not provoke the dog by teasing, tormenting, or abusing it (one-bite rule does not apply in MA).
Even non-bite injuries—such as fractures or head injuries from being knocked over—are covered by the statute. If a landlord’s tenant-owned dog, pet owner, or property owner allowed dangerous conditions, you may pursue a dog bite lawsuit or premises liability claim.
Understanding Massachusetts Dog Bite Law
- Strict Liability (M.G.L. c.140, § 155): Victims of dog bites or canine attacks need only prove the dog caused the injury—not the owner’s negligence.
Owner vs. Keeper: Liability extends to the owner of the dog and to any keeper (dog walkers, sitters).
Exceptions: No recovery if the injured person was trespassing or abusing the dog; victims under age seven are presumed not to have provoked the dog.
Common Dog Attack Scenarios
Dog bite cases arise from various animal attacks and dog causes, including:
- Unprovoked Dog Bites: Sudden attacks by aggressive dogs with no warning.
- Domestic Dog Attacks: Injuries from neighbor or family pets, even without prior incidents.
- Dog-Charge Injuries: Victims knocked down, leading to fractures or traumatic brain injuries.
- Dog-on-Dog Incidents: Bystanders injured when intervening in dog fights.
- Public and Private Property Attacks: Canine attacks in parks, rental properties, or on sidewalks.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites and Attacks
Victims of dog attacks often endure serious injuries requiring extensive medical care and medical costs:
- Puncture Wounds & Lacerations leading to infection risk and nerve damage.
- Facial Injuries & Scarring requiring plastic surgeon intervention.
- Fractures & Sprains from falls after being charged.
- Internal Injuries such as punctured organs and internal bleeding.
- Emotional Trauma & PTSD including anxiety around animals.
- Wrongful Death claims are possible in fatal dog attacks.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite or Attack
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health and documentation of injury are top priorities.
- Report to Authorities – Notify animal control or police to create an official record.
- Gather Contact Information – Get the dog owner’s name, insurance company, homeowner’s insurance policy details, and witness information.
- Photograph Evidence – Capture your injuries, the dog, and scene conditions.
- Preserve Medical Records – Keep all bills, treatment notes, and disease control advisories.
- Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer – We’ll explain your legal options and protect your legal rights before insurers contact you.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Under a dog bite lawsuit, victims of dog bites or attacks may recover:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Income lost during recovery or from permanent disability.
- Pain & Suffering (non-economic damages) – Physical pain and psychological trauma.
- Scarring & Disfigurement – Reconstructive surgery costs.
- Property Damage – Clothing or personal items destroyed in the attack.
- Punitive Damages for egregious conduct by the owner of the dog.
Landlord & Third‑Party Liability
Third parties can share liability in certain scenarios:
- Landlord Liability: If a property owner knew of a tenant dog’s dangerous nature and failed to act.
- Dog Walkers & Sitters: As keepers of the dog, they can be liable under the statute.
- Premises Liability: Unsafe conditions on property enabling dog attacks. [See Brown v. Bolduc, 29 Mass. App. Ct. 909 (1990).]
What Will a Dog Bite Attorney Do to Help Your Claim?
- Obtain and preserve evidence (medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, surveillance footage).
- Work with medical experts to document injury severity and treatment needs.
- Coordinate with insurance companies, including homeowners, renters, and liability carriers, to secure appropriate coverage.
- Advise on premises liability claims against landlords or property owners when applicable.
- Negotiate settlements or take the case to trial to pursue full and fair compensation.
Criminal Liability for Dog Owners
In Massachusetts, dog owners may face criminal penalties if their dog causes serious harm. Local ordinances can impose fines or animal control orders when owners fail to leash or confine a dangerous dog.
Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites
Most homeowners and renter insurance policies cover dog bite claims up to policy limits. However, some insurers exclude certain breeds or may deny coverage. We will review the owner’s insurance policy, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your coverage is properly applied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a lawyer if the dog owner’s insurer offers a quick settlement?
A: Insurance companies often undervalue claims. A skilled dog bite lawyer ensures you receive full compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and future treatment.
Q: What if the dog owner has no insurance or is uninsured?
A: Policies may cover dog attacks under homeowners or umbrella liability insurance. If not, we explore other liable parties or premises liability claims.
Q: Can a child under seven be barred from recovery for provoking a dog?
A: Under the statute, children under seven are presumed not to have provoked the dog, protecting their right to recover.
Q: How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
A: You generally have three years under M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A from the date of the attack.
Q: What compensation can I recover in a dog bite lawsuit?
A: You can recover medical costs, lost wages, pain & suffering, scarring, and in severe cases, punitive damages.
Statute of Limitations
Under Massachusetts law, you generally have three years from the date of the dog attack to file a personal injury claim (M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A).
Why Choose Gavagan Law for Your Dog Bite Case?
- Experienced Dog Bite Attorney: Over a decade of handling Massachusetts dog bite claims.
- Comprehensive Legal Team: Personal injury attorneys, medical experts, and plastic surgeons collaborate on your case.
- Contingency Fee Basis: No legal fees unless we secure compensation.
- Local Knowledge: In‑depth familiarity with Suffolk County, Middlesex County, Essex County, Norfolk County, and the Boston area.
Serving Dog Bite Victims Throughout Massachusetts
We represent injured victims across:
- Boston (Downtown, Dorchester, Back Bay, South End)
- Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Plymouth, and Bristol Counties
- North Shore, South Shore, Cape Cod, and Western Massachusetts
Free Consultation – Schedule Your Dog Bite Case Review Today
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact our Boston dog bite lawyers for a free consultation. Use our contact form, call us, or send a text message to discuss your case. Let Gavagan Law fight for your full compensation and protect your legal rights every step of the way.
Gavagan Law – Proudly Protecting Dog Bite Victims in Boston & Across Massachusetts