Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites can cause deep wounds, infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring, and they are especially serious for children. Muggeo & Associates represents dog bite victims in Salem, Peabody, Beverly, Lynn, and throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Law
Massachusetts has a strict liability dog bite statute. In general, the owner or keeper of a dog is responsible for injuries the dog causes, even if the dog never bit anyone before and the owner was not careless. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
There are limited exceptions. The owner may not be liable if the injured person was trespassing, committing another wrong, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. The law presumes that a child under seven was not doing any of those things, so the owner must prove otherwise.
It Is Not Just Bites
The statute covers any damage caused by a dog, not only bites. Being knocked down, chased into traffic, or injured while trying to get away from an aggressive dog can all support a claim.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Claim?
Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not out of the owner’s pocket. Many people hesitate to make a claim against a neighbor, friend, or family member; in most cases the claim is handled by their insurer.
Injuries We See in Dog Bite Cases
- Puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
- Infections, including cellulitis and, rarely, rabies exposure requiring treatment
- Nerve and tendon damage, especially to hands and arms
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring, particularly in children
- Broken bones from being knocked down
- Emotional trauma and fear of dogs
What to Do After a Dog Bite
- Wash the wound and get medical care promptly. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection.
- Get the owner’s name, address, and insurance information.
- Confirm the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
- Report the bite to the local animal control officer or police.
- Photograph your injuries as they heal, along with torn clothing and the location.
- Get names of witnesses.
Damages in Dog Bite Cases
Compensation may include medical bills, future treatment such as plastic surgery or scar revision, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damages for permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Bites on Rental Property
If the dog belongs to a tenant, the landlord is usually not the owner or keeper, but a landlord who knew of a dangerous dog and had the ability to address it may share responsibility in some circumstances. These cases depend on the facts.
How Long Do I Have?
Most Massachusetts dog bite claims must be filed within three years. Evidence and witness memories fade quickly, so it is best to act early.
Learn more about our personal injury practice.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
Call Muggeo & Associates at (978) 741-1177, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or send us a message. Our office is at 133 Washington Street in downtown Salem.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change and depend on the facts of each case. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.