Dog Bite Lawyer in Massachusetts

Were You or Your Child Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in Massachusetts?

If you or your child was bitten or attacked by a dog in Massachusetts, you have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner for medical expenses, scarring, lost wages, and pain and suffering under Massachusetts strict liability law. Massachusetts holds dog owners legally responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. This strict liability standard is one of the strongest victim protections in the country. Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey will help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

All consultations are free. You pay nothing unless Attorney Lavey wins your case.

What Does Massachusetts Dog Bite Law Provide?

Under Massachusetts law, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites or attacks a person, unless the injured person was trespassing, committing another tort against the owner, or provoking the animal. The law covers not just bites but any injury caused by a dog, including knockdown injuries when a large dog jumps on or runs into a person.

This strict liability standard means that an injured victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. The fact that the dog caused the injury is sufficient to establish the owner’s liability, subject to the limited defenses noted above.

Beyond the dog’s owner, other parties may also bear responsibility in certain circumstances. A landlord who knew a dangerous dog was kept on rental property and failed to take action, or a dog walker or pet-sitter who had control of the animal at the time of the attack, may share liability. Attorney Lavey evaluates all potential defendants in every case.

What Injuries Do Dog Bites Cause?

Dog bite injuries range from minor to catastrophic. Serious dog attacks can cause:

• Deep puncture wounds and severe lacerations, often requiring surgery
• Nerve and tendon damage: particularly to the hands, arms, and face
• Significant scarring and disfigurement, especially facial injuries
• Infections, including risk of rabies, MRSA, and other serious bacterial infections
• Fractures from the force of the attack or from falling while trying to escape
• Psychological trauma: post-traumatic stress disorder, fear of dogs, nightmares, and anxiety are common, particularly in children

Injuries to children deserve particular attention. The psychological impact of a dog attack on a child can be lasting, and facial injuries to a child who is still growing may require multiple corrective surgeries over years. Attorney Lavey makes sure the long-term costs of these injuries are fully accounted for in every claim.

What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Massachusetts?

A successful dog bite claim in Massachusetts can recover:

• Medical expenses: emergency treatment, surgery, wound care, reconstructive surgery for scarring, and all follow-up care
• Lost wages: income lost while recovering from the injury
• Pain and suffering: the physical pain of the attack and injuries, and the emotional distress that follows
• Costs of psychological treatment: therapy for PTSD, anxiety, and the lasting emotional effects of the attack
• Future costs: anticipated costs of additional surgeries, reconstructive procedures, or long-term psychological care

Most dog bite claims in Massachusetts are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Attorney Lavey handles all communication with the insurer and negotiates aggressively for the full value of your injuries.

What Steps Should You Take After a Dog Bite in Massachusetts?

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites carry a serious risk of infection. Get evaluated and treated promptly, and follow all wound care instructions.
2. Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and contact information. Ask whether the dog is vaccinated against rabies: this is critical information for your medical provider.
3. Report the bite. Contact your local animal control officer. A report creates an official record and may trigger investigation of the dog’s history.
4. Document your injuries. Photograph wounds before and after treatment, and at regular intervals during healing. Keep records of all medical visits and expenses.
5. Contact Attorney Lavey before speaking to the owner’s insurer. Insurance companies may reach out quickly with settlement offers designed to close the claim before the full extent of your injuries is known.

How Does Attorney Lavey Handle a Dog Bite Case in Massachusetts?

A Massachusetts dog bite claim generally moves through the following stages:

• Identifying the dog and its owner. Attorney Lavey verifies ownership, the dog’s history, and whether the incident was reported to animal control. Local animal control records and prior bite reports are reviewed.
• Identifying the applicable insurance coverage. Most dog bite claims in Massachusetts are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Attorney Lavey identifies the policy and works directly with the insurer.
• Documenting injuries thoroughly. Photographs of wounds taken at multiple stages of healing, medical records, surgical notes if applicable, and documentation of any psychological treatment are compiled to present the full picture of the injury.
• Evaluating future costs. Serious dog bite injuries: particularly those involving facial scarring or disfigurement, nerve damage, or psychological trauma: may involve significant future costs for reconstructive surgery, therapy, or ongoing treatment. These are included in the claim.
• Negotiating with the insurer or filing suit. Attorney Lavey presents a comprehensive demand supported by medical evidence and negotiates aggressively for full compensation. If the insurer does not offer fair value, he is fully prepared to file suit.

What Mistakes Can Hurt a Dog Bite Claim in Massachusetts?

• Failing to report the bite to animal control. A report creates an official record and triggers investigation of the dog’s history. This documentation can be critical evidence.
• Not seeking immediate medical attention. Dog bites carry serious infection risk. Delayed treatment both endangers your health and gives the insurer a basis to dispute the severity of the injury.
• Accepting an early settlement offer. Insurers often approach dog bite victims quickly with offers designed to close the claim before reconstructive needs, therapy costs, and the full emotional impact of the injury are clear.
• Failing to document psychological effects. PTSD, fear of dogs, and anxiety are compensable injuries. Seeking mental health treatment and documenting these effects strengthens the claim, particularly for children.

What Is the Process for a Dog Bite Claim in Massachusetts?

Most Massachusetts dog bite claims are resolved through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance without filing a lawsuit. The process typically proceeds as follows:

Step 1: Report and documentation. The bite is reported to local animal control, creating an official record. Attorney Lavey gathers medical records, photographs, the animal control report, and any relevant prior bite history.

Step 2: Insurance identification. Attorney Lavey identifies the applicable homeowner’s or renter’s policy and submits a claim on your behalf.

Step 3: Medical and damages documentation. All medical records, bills, surgical notes, therapy records, and documentation of scarring and psychological impact are assembled. For children, this includes documentation of the specific psychological effect of the attack and any anticipated reconstructive needs as the child grows.

Step 4: Demand and negotiation. A comprehensive demand is submitted to the insurer. Attorney Lavey negotiates for the full value of the claim, including future costs that the insurer’s initial offer typically ignores.

Step 5: Filing suit if necessary. If the insurer does not offer fair compensation, Attorney Lavey files suit in Massachusetts Superior or District Court. Dog bite cases in Massachusetts proceed under strict liability, which simplifies the liability portion of the trial.

Attorney Lavey handles all communication with the dog owner’s insurer from the outset, protecting clients from the pressure tactics and early lowball offers that insurers typically deploy in dog bite cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Massachusetts