If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Many dog owners carry insurance to cover these kinds of claims. Our experienced Boston dog bite lawyers will not charge you unless they can obtain an award or settlement on your behalf. Call us 24/7 at 617-544-3399 or fill out our contact form online for a free (no obligation) consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Boston?
The statute of limitations in Massachusetts for filing a dog bite claim is three years, according to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260 section 2A. The clock starts ticking on that three year time limit from the time of the dog bite. A dog bite case can be complicated, so it is important that you contact an experienced Boston dog bite lawyer as soon as you can after receiving medical treatment, so your attorney has plenty of time to build your best case and maximize the compensation you receive.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury?
Under Massachusetts law, there are various people a dog bite victim can hold liable for their injuries, according to Massachusetts general law §155. In MA a dog bite victim can hold the owner of the dog liable for the injuries sustained, as long as the victim was not trespassing or engaging in a tort at the time of the attack, and the victim did not incite the dog to attack.
A dog’s owner can automatically be held responsible for the harm caused by their dog. Because MA is a strict liability state, the victim of a dog bite is not obligated to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in order to recover compensation for their injuries.
Although the dog’s owner is going to be the most likely to be responsible for their dog’s harmful conduct, another possibility is for a landlord to be held responsible for a dog bite when they were aware that the tenant had a dangerous dog. Read more here.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Statistics
In Massachusetts, the most demographic most likely to fall victim to dog bites is children younger than age 15. Read more
Over 4.5 million people suffer dog bites every year in the United States. Close to 1,000 Americans need emergency medical assistance for dog bites every day.
What Should I Do if I Was Bitten by a Service Dog?
If you were bitten by a service dog, a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer may be able to help you prove that the dog’s owner is responsible for their behavior. Additionally, obtaining information concerning the expectations of the dog’s behavior may also be helpful in this situation.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
- Seek emergency medical treatment for injuries. Read more
- Report a Massachusetts Domestic Animal Bite Here
- Document your injuries, the scene, and, if possible, the dog that attacked you. This could involve taking pictures, getting reports, and getting witness statements.
- Be sure to get the homeowner’s insurance information of the dog’s owner.
- Contact an experienced MA dog bite attorney soon after you are injured to ensure your lawyer has sufficient time to investigate your case and to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Contact an Experienced Boston Dog Bite Lawyer
Our Boston dog bite lawyers have the expertise to help you settle your dog bite claim. You might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and suffering, among other losses. You pay no fee unless we settle your case and win an award on your behalf. Call us toll free anytime at 617-544-3399 or fill out a contact form for a free (no-obligation) case evaluation.