If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Boston, you deserve trusted legal support. At GED Lawyers, our team of Boston dog bite lawyers understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can cause. Massachusetts law holds dog owners accountable, and our team knows how to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
With a history of winning for injury victims since 1995, our Boston personal injury lawyers have recovered millions for clients across the state. We offer mock trials to help prepare your case and multilingual support to serve Boston’s diverse communities. Call us today for a free consultation — pay nothing unless we win.
Our Lawyers Can Help You Hold Owners Responsible for their Dog’s Behavior
Dog bite cases in Boston can be more complicated than they seem. While Massachusetts law generally holds dog owners responsible for injuries, building a strong case takes more than proving a bite occurred. Medical records, animal control reports, witness statements, and even property details can all play a role in determining the outcome of your claim. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame — that’s why having the right legal team in your corner matters.
At GED Lawyers, our Boston dog bite lawyers have been helping injury victims since 1995. We know how to gather critical evidence, work with medical experts, and prepare for every stage of your case — including mock trials, which allow us to test legal strategies before stepping into a courtroom. With over $100 million recovered for our clients, we’re committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve. Our team is available for evening or weekend appointments, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Dog Bite Victims Deserve Compensation
Dog bites often result in more than just minor wounds. Victims may suffer deep lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, or severe infections like rabies or tetanus. Some injuries lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, or loss of mobility. Beyond the physical harm, many people — especially children — experience lasting psychological effects such as anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress.
If you were injured by a dog in Boston, you may have the right to seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and follow-up treatment
- Future medical needs, rehabilitation, or therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or psychological trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Disability or loss of quality of life
At GED Lawyers, we’ve been standing up for injury victims since 1995. Our team works to build strong cases that reflect the full impact of your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws and Your Case
Massachusetts has strict laws in place to protect dog bite victims, and those laws apply throughout Boston. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 155, dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs — even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before. This is known as a “strict liability” standard, meaning the victim doesn’t have to prove the dog was dangerous in the past or that the owner was negligent.
There are some exceptions. Dog owners may not be held liable if the injured person was trespassing, teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of the incident. However, when a child under the age of seven is bitten, the law assumes the child was not provoking the animal, shifting the burden to the dog owner to prove otherwise.
How Dog Owners and Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Liability
Even though Massachusetts follows a strict liability law for dog bites, dog owners and their insurance companies may still try to avoid paying full compensation. It’s common for them to look for ways to reduce or deny your claim. Some of the most common defenses they might raise include:
- Claiming You Provoked the Dog: The owner may argue that you teased, tormented, or provoked the dog, which can reduce or eliminate their liability under state law.
- Accusing You of Trespassing: If the bite happened on private property, the owner might claim you were trespassing or didn’t have permission to be there, which can affect your ability to recover damages.
- Minimizing Your Injuries: Insurance companies may downplay the seriousness of your injuries, question your medical treatment, or suggest your condition existed before the incident.
Having an experienced legal team can help counter these tactics, protect your rights, and strengthen your case for fair compensation.
Dog Bite Lawsuits Are Time Sensitive
In Massachusetts, dog bite victims generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim per Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260 § 2A. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it can prevent you from recovering any compensation for your injuries.
While three years may seem like plenty of time, acting quickly is still important. The sooner you take legal action, the easier it is to gather critical evidence, such as medical records, photographs, animal control reports, and witness statements. Over time, details fade, documents get misplaced, and witnesses become harder to reach — all of which can weaken your case.
Insurance companies also move fast after a dog bite. They may contact you early, hoping you’ll accept a low settlement before understanding the full impact of your injuries. Taking action promptly helps protect your rights and gives your legal team time to build the strongest case possible. If you’ve been bitten, don’t wait — speak with a Boston dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack in Boston
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Boston, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor — dog bites can lead to infections or other complications.
Next, report the incident to Boston Animal Care and Control or your local police department. This creates an official record of the bite and may help identify whether the dog has a history of aggression. If possible, gather the dog owner’s contact information, along with the names and numbers of any witnesses.
It’s also important to document your injuries. Take photographs of your wounds, any torn clothing, and the scene where the bite occurred. Keep copies of your medical records and expenses.
Call Our Boston Team After a Dog Bite to Fight for Fair Compensation
Finally, consider speaking with a legal team familiar with Boston dog bite cases. Acting quickly can help preserve evidence and put you in the best position to pursue compensation for your injuries.
