Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer: What are You Legal Rights?

At DelSignore Law, we can help you if you were bitten by a dog. A dog bite in Massachusetts can cause significant injuries. It is important to contact us immediately as often you will want to gather evidence and ensure there is money available to pay any recovery you may receive. In many cases, someone injured by a dog bite will be able to pursue a claim against the homeowners’ policy of the dog owner.

Massachusetts Law imposes Strict Liability for Dog Bites—meaning the owner is responsible even if the owner thought the dog would never bite anyone.

In Massachusetts the Dog Bite Statute is G.L c.140, § 155. However, this statute applies to all injuries to person and property caused by dogs. This law is a strict lability law which means that whenever you are bitten by a dog, the dog owner is civilly liable for any damage even if the owner took reasonable care to train or restrain the dog. The dog owner is still strictly liable for the property damage or personal injury even if the dog has never acted aggressively before.

In addition to the statute, a person injured by a dog may also bring a negligence claim. In some cases, you may also have claims against other third parties. For example, if you were bite at a store, you would also have a negligence claim against the store for allowing the customer to bring the dog into the premise. Many stores permit dogs to be on the property while customers’ shop. You may unknowingly scare or surprise the dog while you are walking around the store. The store or business should anticipate that it must protect the safety of everyone. Accordingly, if the store is going to allow a dog to enter the premise, the design must be such that the dog will be visible at all times.

If your child was injured by a dog, DelSignore Law can help you bring a a claim on behalf of your minor child. Dog bite injuries can cause long lasting emotional pain and distress. You are entitled to money to pay for your damages and to the damages of your child and potential future medical expenses.

Types of damages in Dog Bite cases in Massachusetts:

1. Pain an suffering
2. Lost wages
3. Lost earning capacity
4. Scarring; most dog bites will involve significant damages and potential compensation for scarring.
5. Emotional distress

For more information on how to proceed when you are attacked by a dog or your dog has injured someone, contact DelSignore Law at 781-686-5924.