What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident
You were minding your own business, maybe taking a walk, visiting a friend, or just checking the mail, and then it happened. A dog came out of nowhere and bit you. Now you’re dealing with pain, shock, and a flood of questions: What do I do next? Is the owner responsible? Does it matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Take a breath. Here’s what you should know.
Massachusetts Has Your Back
Massachusetts is one of the most victim-friendly states in the country when it comes to dog bites. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause. That means you generally do not have to prove the owner was careless or that the dog had a history of aggression. If the dog bit you and you were not trespassing, teasing, or tormenting the animal, the owner is on the hook for your damages.
Think of it this way: in many states, dogs get a “free bite” before the owner faces liability. Not in Massachusetts.
Steps to Take Right After a Dog Bite
The moments after a dog bite are chaotic, but a few smart moves right away can make a real difference down the road:
- Get medical attention immediately. Dog bites can cause serious infections, nerve damage, and scarring. See a doctor even if the wound looks minor.
- Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and contact information. Ask for proof of rabies vaccination.
- Report the bite. Contact your local animal control office. An official report creates a record of the incident.
- Document everything. Photograph your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and any torn or bloody clothing. Do this as soon as possible.
- Gather witness information. If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information.
- Keep records of your expenses. Save medical bills, receipts for any out-of-pocket costs, and notes about time missed from work.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Dog bites can lead to more than just physical injuries. Victims may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and emotional distress. The severity of the bite, the location of the injury, and the impact on your daily life all factor into what your claim may be worth. Scarring and disfigurement, in particular, can have long-lasting effects that go well beyond the initial treatment.
It is also worth knowing that many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog bite liability. That means there may be a real insurance policy standing behind your claim, not just an individual who may or may not have the resources to compensate you.
Speak with a Boston Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite cases in Massachusetts may seem straightforward given the state’s strict liability law, but insurance companies do not always make it easy. They may dispute the severity of your injuries, question whether you provoked the animal, or simply drag their feet. Having experienced Boston dog bite attorneys on your side levels the playing field. At the Law Office of Joseph Linnehan, Jr., we have spent more than 30 years fighting for injury victims throughout the Boston area, and we are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Source:
malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section155
