Getting bitten by a dog is scary. If you’re thinking about calling a Boston dog bite lawyer, you’re not alone. One minute you’re walking down the street, and the next you’re bleeding, shocked, and wondering what just happened.

If this happened to you in Boston, you’re probably dealing with pain, medical bills, and a lot of questions. What are your rights? Is the owner responsible? Will the dog be put down if you report it?

Before you pick up the phone to call a lawyer, here are 10 critical things you should know about dog bite law in Massachusetts. We’ve been handling these cases for over 60 years at Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., and we want you to understand your options, even before you talk to a Boston dog bite lawyer.

Aggressive dog showing teeth representing dog bite danger in Boston Massachusetts

1. Massachusetts Has a Strict Liability Law (What a Boston Dog Bite Lawyer Wants You to Know)

Here’s the bottom line: If a dog bites you in Massachusetts, the owner is responsible. Period.

You don’t need to prove the dog was vicious before. You don’t need to show the owner was careless. The law is on your side from day one.

If you want to read the exact rule, here’s the official law: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 155.

People call this “strict liability.” It means the owner is on the hook even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. That’s a big advantage compared to states where you have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

2. It’s Not Just About Bites, Any Dog-Related Injury Counts

When we say “dog bite,” we’re talking about more than just teeth breaking skin.

Did the dog jump on you and knock you down? Did you trip over a leash and break your wrist? Did a dog charge at you, causing you to fall off your bike?

All of that counts. Massachusetts law covers any injury caused by a dog, not just bite wounds. So if a dog’s behavior hurt you, even without a bite, you may still have a case.

3. The “Keeper” Can Be Held Responsible Too, Not Just the Owner

Say you were bitten by a dog while a pet sitter walked it, or while it stayed with a friend. Who’s responsible?

In Massachusetts, both the owner and the “keeper” of the dog can be held liable. A keeper is anyone who has care, custody, or control of the dog at the time of the attack.

For example:

  • Dog walkers
  • Pet sitters
  • Family members watching the dog
  • Anyone temporarily responsible for the animal

If you were bitten by a dog while someone other than the owner was watching it, you may still have a strong case.

Legal documents being exchanged showing dog bite liability transfer in Massachusetts

4. There Are Two Big Exceptions: Trespassing and Provoking

Strict liability sounds great, but there are limits. The owner isn’t responsible if:

You were trespassing on their property at the time of the bite.

You were teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. This includes provoking the animal in any way.

These exceptions protect owners from people who mess with their pets on purpose or enter private property without permission. But if you had a legal reason to be there, like you were a mail carrier, delivery driver, or invited guest, the law still protects you.

5. See a Doctor Immediately, And Yes, It Gets Reported

Even if the bite seems minor, get medical attention within 24 hours.

Here’s why: Massachusetts doctors must report all dog bites to local authorities. That report starts a required quarantine so officials can make sure the dog doesn’t have rabies.

Don’t skip this step. Medical care protects your health and creates a clear record of what happened. That paperwork can become key evidence if you decide to pursue a claim later.

And no, you won’t get in trouble for reporting it. You’re doing the right thing.

6. How a Boston Dog Bite Lawyer Helps You Recover More Than Just Medical Bills

When you hear “dog bite claim,” you might think it only covers the ER visit. That’s not true.

You can recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages if you missed work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Emotional distress

Massachusetts courts have consistently said victims can collect consequential damages. In plain English, you can get paid for how the bite changed your life, not just the bandages and stitches.

Medical professional treating and documenting dog bite injury for legal claim

7. Reporting the Bite Won’t Automatically Get the Dog Euthanized

A lot of people hesitate to report a dog bite because they’re worried the dog will be put down. Fortunately, that’s rarely what happens.

In most cases, authorities will:

  • Quarantine the dog to check for rabies
  • Require the owner to use a leash or muzzle in public
  • Mandate liability insurance

Authorities usually reserve euthanasia for extreme cases, like repeat incidents or severe, unprovoked attacks. When you report a bite, you protect yourself and your community without automatically “sentencing” the dog.

8. The Hearing Authority Has Three Options

After someone files a dog bite complaint, your local hearing authority investigates and makes one of three decisions:

Dismiss the case if they find no threat.

Declare the dog a “nuisance dog,” which comes with restrictions like mandatory leashing.

Declare the dog “dangerous,” which triggers stricter requirements like muzzles, liability insurance, and confinement.

This system balances public safety with fairness for responsible pet owners. It’s not about punishment. It’s about prevention.

9. Boston Has Strict Leash Laws: And That Matters

In the City of Boston, dogs must be on a leash when they’re off their owner’s property. No exceptions.

If a loose dog bit you, that can strengthen your case a lot. It shows the owner broke city rules and didn’t control their dog.

Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, letting it roam unleashed is a clear violation: and it can make the difference in your claim.

Dog leash on Boston sidewalk illustrating city leash law requirements

10. You Don’t Have Forever to File a Lawsuit: Act Quickly

Massachusetts sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. In other words, you have a deadline to file a lawsuit if you want damages.

The clock starts ticking the day you’re bitten. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation entirely: no matter how strong your case is.

That’s why it’s so important to talk to a Boston dog bite lawyer sooner rather than later. Even if you’re not sure you want to pursue a claim, a free consultation can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Boston, here’s your action plan:

Get medical attention immediately. Document your injuries and start treatment.

Report the bite. Contact local animal control or health authorities.

Gather evidence. Take photos of your injuries, get the dog owner’s contact information, and collect witness statements if possible.

Don’t talk to insurance adjusters without legal advice. They’re not on your side.

Call us for a free consultation. We’ve been handling dog bite cases in Boston for over 60 years. We know the law, we know the process, and we’ll fight to get you every dollar you deserve.

At Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., we work on a no win, no fee basis. That means you don’t pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for you. There’s no risk, no upfront cost, and no obligation.

You’ve been through enough already. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.

Contact us today or call our office to speak with an experienced Boston dog bite lawyer. If you need a Boston dog bite lawyer who can handle everything start to finish, we’re here to help.