Dog Bites and Related Injuries
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Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 155 addresses dog bite, dog attacks, and other dog related injuries. According to the statute, a dog's "owner or keeper" is liable if:
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Massachusetts's law applies not only to dog bites, but to any injury a dog causes to another person. For instance, suppose you are standing on the sidewalk when a neighbor's dog runs up and jumps on you, knocking you down and causing injury. The Massachusetts dog bite statute would apply in that instance too. The law also applies to property damage caused by a dog, such as when a dog injures livestock, breaks a fence, or chews on things belonging to other people.
Massachusetts is a "strict liability" dog bite state which means that dog owners are still liable for injuries their dogs cause even if the owner had no prior knowledge that the dog would bite or cause injury. In other words, someone who has been injured by a dog does not need to show fault on the part of the owner.
Dog bite or attack claims are usually covered by homeowner’s insurance if coverage exists. Preserving evidence of a dog bite or dog attack is critical to supporting liability and damages and if possible, photos/videos should be taken at the scene or immediately thereafter.
Siskind & Siskind handles only personal injury cases and has been doing so over 50 years. Dog bite/attack cases are handled on a contingent fee basis which means you do not pay a fee unless we obtain compensation. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. If you’ve been involved in a dog bite/attack, contact Siskind & Siskind immediately for a free consultation.
Massachusetts is a "strict liability" dog bite state which means that dog owners are still liable for injuries their dogs cause even if the owner had no prior knowledge that the dog would bite or cause injury. In other words, someone who has been injured by a dog does not need to show fault on the part of the owner.
Dog bite or attack claims are usually covered by homeowner’s insurance if coverage exists. Preserving evidence of a dog bite or dog attack is critical to supporting liability and damages and if possible, photos/videos should be taken at the scene or immediately thereafter.
Siskind & Siskind handles only personal injury cases and has been doing so over 50 years. Dog bite/attack cases are handled on a contingent fee basis which means you do not pay a fee unless we obtain compensation. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. If you’ve been involved in a dog bite/attack, contact Siskind & Siskind immediately for a free consultation.