Dog Bites
Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer
The Future of Law is Here
Maximum Recovery. Minimum Stress
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer on your side. Horizon Injury Lawyers has handled dozens of serious dog bite cases over more than 25 years.Massachusetts has strict dog bite laws that often hold dog owners and their insurance companies responsible for injuries—even when the dog has never bitten before. These cases can become complex when renters, landlords, or insurance exclusions are involved, making experienced legal representation essential.
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Free Evaluation + No Fees Unless You Win
Dog Bites
Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer
The Future of Law is Here
Maximum Recovery. Minimum Stress
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer on your side. Horizon Injury Lawyers has handled dozens of serious dog bite cases over more than 25 years.Massachusetts has strict dog bite laws that often hold dog owners and their insurance companies responsible for injuries—even when the dog has never bitten before. These cases can become complex when renters, landlords, or insurance exclusions are involved, making experienced legal representation essential.
Contact Us
Free Evaluation + No Fees Unless You Win
Types of Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite injuries vary widely and often result in serious physical and emotional harm. Common types of dog bite cases we handle include:
Facial Injuries and Permanent Scarring
Bites to the face can require reconstructive surgery and may cause lifelong disfigurement.
Puncture Wounds and Nerve Damage
Deep bites can damage nerves and tissue, resulting in loss of function or sensation.
Dog Attacks Involving Renters or Apartment Buildings
Many dog bite cases involve renters without insurance. In these situations, claims often must be pursued against landlords or property owners—an area where experience matters.
Massachusetts Holds Dog Owners Strictly Liable When Their Animals Cause Harm
The sudden attack
An unexpected dog bite or animal knock-down causes severe physical and emotional trauma. Beyond deep puncture wounds, victims often require emergency room care, tetanus or rabies shots, and reconstructive surgery.
Types of injuries and complications
Animal attacks frequently result in lasting scarring and severe secondary medical complications, especially when young children or elderly individuals are targeted.
Understanding strict liability in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of dangerous behavior.
Securing vital evidence
To build a successful claim, essential records must be collected quickly to confirm animal ownership, verify vaccination status, and document the full scope of physical disfigurement.
How insurance covers dog bite claims
Dog bite claims are typically paid out through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies rather than out of the dog owner's pocket. If the bite occurred on rented property, landlord liability policies may apply.
What insurance defense adjusters will argue
Insurance companies attempt to bypass strict liability by alleging that the victim was trespassing or provoking the animal prior to the attack.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws at a Glance
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Get Medical Attention
Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries appear minor.
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Report the Accident
To the police:
Report the bite to animal control or local authorities, and notify your insurance company without providing detailed statements.
Gather Witness Contact Information
(if available)
Witness accounts can help establish how the attack occurred.
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Document the Injuries
Take photos of injuries, torn clothing, and the scene. Continue documenting healing and scarring.
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Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite claims involve strict deadlines, insurance exclusions, and liability issues. Horizon Injury Lawyers is known throughout Eastern and Southeastern Massachusetts for handling complex dog bite cases and maximizing recovery.
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Why Horizon?
Our team serves clients in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Cape Verdean Creole — which matters in place where a large share of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts a "one free bite" state?
No — strict liability under c. 140 § 155.
What if the dog belongs to a friend or family member?
Liability applies regardless of relationship. You can pursue a claim against a friend's or family member's homeowners or renters insurance policy. Many people are hesitant to sue family, but insurance exists to cover these situations. An attorney can help navigate both the legal and personal aspects.
Who pays a dog bite claim?
The dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance typically pays. If the owner has no insurance or insufficient coverage, you may pursue the owner's personal assets. In rare cases where the owner is judgment-proof, recovery may be limited. An attorney can identify all available sources of compensation.
What if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
It does not matter. Massachusetts strict liability means the owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of prior incidents. Even a first-time bite is fully compensable. The dog's history of aggression is irrelevant to liability under state law.