Massachusetts Dog Bite & Animal Attack Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Massachusetts dog bite and animal attack attorneys who know how to enforce G.L. c. 140 § 155 — one of the strongest strict-liability dog-bite statutes in the country, reaching both owners and keepers. Whether you were bitten in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, or anywhere in Massachusetts, we’ll match you with the right attorney at no cost to get started.

G.L. c. 140 § 155 imposes strict liability — you only need to prove (1) the defendant was the owner or keeper of the dog, (2) the dog caused damage, and (3) the victim was not trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing/tormenting/abusing the dog. Children under 7 are statutorily presumed not to have been trespassing or teasing.

Teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog is a statutory defense — but ordinary “provocation” is not enough. Children under 7 are statutorily presumed not to have done so. The owner bears the burden.

Usually yes. Standard Massachusetts homeowner’s policies include personal-liability coverage that typically applies to dog bites. Breed exclusions exist but are limited by Massachusetts insurance regulation in some respects.

Renter’s insurance often covers dog bites. Under § 155, a landlord can be a “keeper” of the dog if they harbor or keep it — broader liability than most states.

Yes. Massachusetts municipal animal-control officers and the Department of Public Health require quarantine of biting dogs (typically 10 days). Unidentified dogs trigger post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

Massachusetts rabies-control rules require quarantine. Under G.L. c. 140 § 157, a dog can be ordered restrained, muzzled, or destroyed after a dangerous-dog hearing.

Trespass is a statutory defense to § 155. Lawful visitors, contractors, and delivery workers are not trespassers. Children under 7 are statutorily presumed not to be trespassing.

Why Do You Need a Animal Incident Attorney in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts General Laws c. 140 § 155 imposes strict liability on both dog owners and keepers for any damage caused by the dog — no prior-bite history or owner negligence required. The only statutory defenses are that the victim was trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing/tormenting/abusing the dog. Children under 7 are statutorily presumed not to have been trespassing or teasing (§ 155 last paragraph) — a powerful presumption. Massachusetts applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar (G.L. c. 231 § 85) for common-law claims, but the § 155 strict-liability claim is largely insulated. Most claims are paid through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Massachusetts has an equine-activity statute (G.L. c. 128 § 2D). An attorney enforces § 155, defeats statutory defenses, and pursues the homeowner’s carrier.

When Do You Need a Animal Incident Attorney in Massachusetts?

Our network includes Massachusetts animal incident attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Animal Incident Cases in Massachusetts

From the moment you connect with a Massachusetts animal incident attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Not reporting the bite to Boston Animal Care and Control or municipal animal control — critical for rabies-protocol

Failing to photograph injuries, the dog, and the scene

Accepting a cash offer from the dog owner before full medical costs are known

Talking to the homeowner’s insurance without counsel — recorded statements are used to argue teasing/tormenting under § 155

Missing Massachusetts’s 3-year personal-injury SOL under G.L. c. 260 § 2A, or the 2-year MTCA presentment

Settling before scar-revision and PTSD-treatment estimates are complete

Not reporting the bite to Boston Animal Care and Control or municipal animal control — critical for rabies-protocol

Failing to photograph injuries, the dog, and the scene

Accepting a cash offer from the dog owner before full medical costs are known

Talking to the homeowner’s insurance without counsel — recorded statements are used to argue teasing/tormenting under § 155

Missing Massachusetts’s 3-year personal-injury SOL under G.L. c. 260 § 2A, or the 2-year MTCA presentment

Settling before scar-revision and PTSD-treatment estimates are complete

Common Massachusetts Animal Incident Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Massachusetts Animal Incident Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Massachusetts dog-bite and animal-attack attorneys typically work on a contingency-fee basis — 33% to 40% of the total recovery. With § 155’s broad strict-liability framework reaching owners and keepers, the focus shifts to maximizing damages. Case costs are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the final recovery.

What Can Your Massachusetts Animal Incident Compensation Include?

Medical Expenses

ER care, wound treatment, antibiotics, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, plastic surgery, scar revision, and future reconstruction.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain during recovery and ongoing pain. No general statutory cap on non-economic damages in Massachusetts dog-bite cases.

Disfigurement and Permanent Scarring

Compensation for visible scars, especially facial scars on children.

Psychological Injuries and PTSD

Cynophobia, anxiety, and PTSD — common in child victims.

Punitive Damages

Generally unavailable in Massachusetts except by statute. G.L. c. 93A consumer-protection claims may be available against commercial defendants in specific circumstances.

!!!

DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Massachusetts Dog Bite & Animal Attack Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Animal Incident Attorney in Massachusetts?

When Do You Need a Animal Incident Attorney in Massachusetts?

Types of Animal Incident Cases in Massachusetts

Common Massachusetts Animal Incident Mistakes

How Much Do Massachusetts Animal Incident Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Massachusetts Animal Incident Compensation Include?

Ready when you are.

Your help is just

a minute away.

Start your case

in minutes.