Boston Dog Bite Attorney
When a dog injures you or your child in Boston, the physical wounds often heal faster than the emotional scars. Severe lacerations, facial disfigurement, nerve damage, and crushing injuries from powerful jaws can require extensive medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, and years of therapy.
Cases involving injuries to children are particularly devastating, with most bites occurring to the face and neck due to their height relative to dogs.
Our experienced Boston dog bite lawyers understand that a dog attack disrupts every aspect of your life. Medical bills accumulate while you miss work for treatment and recovery.
Children may develop lasting phobias that require professional counseling. Parents watch their children struggle with disfiguring scars that affect self-confidence during critical developmental years.
Our dog bite attorneys in Boston, Massachusetts handle the insurance companies and legal complexities while you focus on healing.
At The Law Office of Burns Jain, we have spent decades securing compensation for attack victims throughout Suffolk County, from Beacon Hill to Hyde Park, ensuring families receive the financial support necessary for complete physical and emotional recovery.
Bitten by a dog in Boston? Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist.
What Massachusetts Dog Bite Law Says
If a dog injures you in Massachusetts, you are entitled to compensation from the owner under strict liability law. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155 holds dog owners responsible for all damages their pets cause, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before.
This means you don’t need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.
The law provides only two defenses for dog owners. You cannot recover damages if you were trespassing on the owner’s property or if you were teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog when the attack occurred.
Children under seven years old are legally presumed to have done nothing wrong, making it extremely difficult for owners to use these defenses against young victims.
Massachusetts dog bite law covers all injuries caused by dogs, not just bites. If a large dog knocks you down while running or jumps on you and causes injury, the owner is still liable under the same strict liability standard.
This comprehensive protection ensures victims can recover compensation for any harm a dog causes.
Who Pays After a Dog Bite in Boston
Dog bite claims are typically paid by insurance companies, not the dog owner’s personal finances. Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies often include liability coverage that may protect the policyholder if their pet injures someone, but coverage limits vary by insurer and policy.
- Homeowner’s Insurance: Covers dog bites that occur on or off the property, with most policies providing substantial liability limits.
- Renter’s Insurance: Often includes personal liability coverage that extends to pet-related injuries, even for incidents away from the rental property.
- Umbrella Policies: Provide additional coverage beyond standard homeowner’s or renter’s limits for high-value claims.
Some insurance companies exclude certain dog breeds from coverage, but this doesn’t eliminate your right to compensation. When insurance is unavailable, we pursue recovery directly from the owner’s assets or explore other potential sources of compensation.
If you’re facing mounting medical bills after a dog attack, contact our Boston dog bite lawyers for a free case review.
What Damages Can You Recover
Dog bite victims in Massachusetts can recover both economic and non-economic damages for their personal injury. Economic damages include all measurable financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
Your compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical care including reconstructive procedures.
- Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if permanent limitations result.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Additional damages for permanent facial or body scarring and disfigurement that affects appearance.
- Mental Health Treatment: Therapy costs for PTSD, anxiety, or phobias that develop after the attack.
Massachusetts law also allows punitive damages in cases involving dangerous dogs that have been previously declared a nuisance. These enhanced damages punish irresponsible owners and can significantly increase your total recovery.
What Injuries Qualify for a Dog Bite Claim
Any injury caused by a dog qualifies for compensation under Massachusetts law, whether it results from biting, scratching, knocking down, or chasing. Dog attacks often cause multiple types of injuries that require immediate and ongoing medical treatment.
The severity of these injuries frequently surprises victims who initially thought their wounds were minor.
Common dog attack injuries include:
- Puncture Wounds: Deep holes created by canine teeth that can damage muscles, nerves, and internal structures.
- Lacerations: Jagged tears in skin and tissue that often require extensive stitching or surgical repair.
- Crush Injuries: Bone fractures and soft tissue damage from powerful jaw pressure, especially in hands and arms.
- Infections: Serious bacterial infections including cellulitis, sepsis, and in rare cases, rabies exposure.
- Nerve Damage: Permanent loss of sensation or function in affected areas, particularly hands and face, which can be as serious as brain and spinal cord injuries.
- Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety disorders, and specific phobias that can last for years after the attack.
Facial injuries are particularly common in children due to their height relative to most dogs. These injuries often require plastic surgery and can result in permanent scarring that affects a child’s development and self-esteem.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Boston
Your actions immediately following a dog attack are critical for protecting both your health and legal rights. Quick, decisive steps help establish a clear record of the incident while preserving important evidence that may disappear over time.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical care right away, even if the wound appears minor. Dog mouths contain bacteria that can cause serious infections, and adrenaline may mask the true severity of your injuries. Before cleaning the wound, take clear photographs of all injuries from multiple angles.
Emergency rooms are equipped to properly clean and treat dog bite wounds. They will also document the extent of your injuries in medical records that become crucial evidence in your case.
Step 2: Identify the Dog and Owner
Obtain the owner’s name, address, and contact information if possible. Ask about the dog’s vaccination history, particularly rabies vaccination status, as this information is essential for your medical treatment. Avoid discussing fault or blame at the scene, as these conversations can be used against you later.
If the owner is not present or refuses to provide information, look for identifying tags on the dog’s collar. Note the dog’s breed, size, color, and any distinctive markings that can help authorities locate the owner.
Step 3: Report the Incident to Authorities
Contact Boston Animal Care and Control to file an official report. While your medical provider is required by law to report the bite, filing your own report ensures the incident is properly documented. This report becomes part of the official record and can be crucial evidence in your case.
Animal control officers will investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to observe for signs of rabies. They can also determine if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or previous bite incidents.
Step 4: Contact a Boston Dog Bite Lawyer
Speak with an experienced attorney before talking to any insurance representatives. Insurance adjusters often contact victims within hours of an incident, hoping to obtain recorded statements or quick settlements before the full extent of injuries is known.
We preserve critical evidence, handle all insurance communications, and protect you from tactics designed to minimize your claim value. Don’t navigate insurance companies alone, contact our legal team for expert guidance.
Do You Have a Case Without a Bite?
Massachusetts strict liability law applies to all injuries caused by dogs, not just bites. Many victims suffer serious harm when dogs knock them down, chase them, or cause them to fall while trying to escape, injuries that share similarities with slip and fall accidents.
These incidents often result in broken bones, head injuries, and other trauma that qualifies for full compensation.
Common non-bite injuries include cyclists who crash when chased by unleashed dogs, elderly individuals who fall when large dogs jump on them, and joggers who trip while running from aggressive animals. The key factor is whether the dog’s actions directly caused your injury, not the specific mechanism of harm.
What if the Owner Claims You Provoked the Dog
Dog owners often claim victims provoked their pets as a defense against liability. However, Massachusetts law defines provocation very specifically, and many actions owners claim as provocative do not meet the legal standard. True provocation requires intentional teasing, tormenting, or abuse of the animal.
| Actions That May Constitute Provocation | Actions That Are Not Provocation |
| Deliberately hitting, kicking, or striking the dog | Accidentally stepping on the dog’s paw or tail |
| Pulling the dog’s ears, tail, or fur intentionally | Petting a dog that appeared friendly and approachable |
| Throwing objects at the dog or poking it with sticks | Walking, jogging, or cycling past the dog’s property |
| Trespassing on clearly marked private property | Making lawful deliveries as postal or delivery workers |
Simply being present near a dog or making normal movements is not provocation. Children are given special protection under the law, as they are presumed incapable of provoking an attack through their innocent actions.
How Long You Have to File in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts law, you have three years from the date of the dog attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, called the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced by courts. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation forever, regardless of how strong your case might be.
For children injured in dog attacks, the law provides extended time. Minors have until their 21st birthday to file a claim, which gives them three years after reaching legal adulthood. However, waiting too long can still hurt your case as evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade.
Starting your case early allows your attorney to gather fresh evidence while witness memories are clear. Medical records are easier to obtain, photographs show injuries accurately, and insurance companies take early claims more seriously than last-minute filings.
How We Prove Your Dog Bite Case
Building a successful dog bite claim requires thorough investigation and meticulous documentation of both the incident and your injuries. At The Law Office of Burns Jain, we immediately begin gathering evidence to build an unshakeable foundation for your case. Our systematic approach ensures no detail is overlooked.
We establish liability and damages through:
- Medical Documentation: Complete records from all treating physicians, including emergency room reports, surgical notes, and therapy records.
- Photographic Evidence: Images of your injuries at various healing stages, the attack location, and the dog involved.
- Official Reports: Boston Animal Care and Control incident reports and any police reports filed.
- Witness Statements: Detailed accounts from anyone who saw the attack or its immediate aftermath.
- Expert Testimony: Animal behavior specialists who can explain why the attack occurred and rebut provocation claims.
We also investigate the dog’s history through veterinary records, previous bite reports, and neighborhood complaints. This background information often reveals patterns of aggressive behavior that strengthen your case significantly.
What if the Dog Owner Is a Friend or Family Member?
Many victims hesitate to pursue claims against people they know personally, but it’s important to understand that you’re making a claim against their insurance policy, not their personal assets.
Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance exists specifically to cover these situations, and premiums don’t typically increase for a single claim.
Professional legal representation actually helps preserve relationships by removing you from direct negotiations. We handle all communications with the insurance company, eliminating awkward conversations between you and your loved one. This professional buffer allows your personal relationship to heal while ensuring you receive proper compensation.
Insurance companies often try to exploit personal relationships by suggesting victims shouldn’t “hurt” their friends or family. This emotional manipulation is designed to reduce claim values and should never influence your decision to seek fair compensation for serious injuries.
What It Costs to Hire Our Dog Bite Lawyers
You pay absolutely nothing upfront to hire The Law Office of Burns Jain for your dog bite case. We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning our payment comes only from the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
This arrangement allows injured victims to access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. We advance all case expenses, including expert witness fees, medical record costs, and court filing fees. You never receive a bill for these expenses unless we successfully resolve your case.
Our contingency fee is a percentage of your total recovery, and we only collect after you receive your settlement or jury award. This aligns our interests with yours, we succeed only when you do. Learn your rights risk-free by scheduling your free consultation at 617-227-7423.
Why Choose The Law Office of Burns Jain
When you’ve been injured by a dog attack, you need attorneys who combine extensive trial experience with genuine compassion for your situation. The Law Office of Burns Jain has spent decades holding negligent parties accountable while providing the personal attention and clear communication our clients deserve.
Our approach sets us apart:
- Proven Trial Experience: We prepare every case for trial, which gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready if insurance companies refuse reasonable offers.
- Personal Attention: You work directly with founding partners Neil Burns and Roshan Jain, not junior associates or paralegals.
- Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in building your case, often uncovering evidence other firms miss.
- Clear Communication: We believe you should never wonder about your case status, so we keep you informed at every step.
We understand that dog attacks are traumatic experiences that affect every aspect of your life. Our role extends beyond legal representation to providing support and guidance during your recovery process.
Start Your Free Consultation Today
You’ve already endured the trauma of a dog attack, don’t compound that stress by trying to navigate the legal system alone. The Law Office of Burns Jain is here to handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing and recovery.
Our free consultation allows you to understand your rights without any financial risk or obligation.
During your consultation, we’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions about the claims process. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what to expect and how we can help you move forward.
Time is critical in dog bite cases, as evidence can disappear and witness memories fade. Complete our confidential contact form to schedule your free case evaluation.
Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs
Can I Sue if the Dog Didn’t Actually Bite Me but Caused Other Injuries?
Yes, Massachusetts strict liability law covers all injuries caused by dogs, including falls, crashes, and other trauma that results from a dog’s actions. Whether you were bitten, knocked down, or injured while trying to escape, you have the right to seek compensation.
Will Filing a Claim Affect My Relationship with the Dog Owner?
Your claim is against their insurance policy, not their personal finances, and having an attorney handle all communications helps preserve your personal relationship. Insurance exists specifically for these situations, and professional representation removes the emotional burden from both parties.
What Happens if the Dog Owner Has No Insurance Coverage?
We investigate alternative sources of recovery, including the owner’s personal assets (which raises important questions about protecting assets after causing injuries), other insurance policies, or potentially liable third parties. Even without insurance, options may exist to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
Initial offers are typically much lower than the true value of your case, especially before the full extent of your injuries is known. Insurance adjusters hope to settle quickly before victims understand their rights or consult with attorneys.
How Long Will My Dog Bite Case Take to Resolve?
Case timelines vary depending on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while complex cases involving permanent scarring or psychological trauma may take a year or more.
What if the Dog Has Bitten Someone Before?
Previous bite incidents strengthen your case significantly and may qualify you for enhanced damages under Massachusetts dangerous dog laws. We investigate the dog’s history through animal control records, veterinary files, and neighborhood complaints.
Can My Child File a Claim Years After a Dog Bite?
Massachusetts law gives minors until their 21st birthday to file dog bite claims, but starting early preserves evidence and witness memories. Children under seven are legally presumed to have not provoked the attack, making these cases particularly strong.
Will the Dog Be Put Down if I File a Claim?
Your personal injury claim is separate from any animal control proceedings regarding the dog’s future. While authorities may investigate the incident independently, your decision to seek compensation doesn’t directly determine the dog’s fate.
What Evidence Should I Preserve After a Dog Attack?
Save all medical records, photographs of your injuries and the scene, contact information for witnesses, and any correspondence with the dog owner or their insurance company. Keep damaged clothing and document all expenses related to your treatment and recovery.
How Do You Handle Cases Where the Owner Claims I Was Trespassing?
We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your presence on the property, including whether you had permission, were making lawful deliveries, or were on public property. Trespassing claims often fail when examined closely, and property owners have duties to warn about dangerous conditions.