Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Understanding Dog Bite Law in Massachusetts
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 2.8 million children are victims of dog bites each year, and the majority of these dog bite injuries require medical attention.
If your child has been bitten by a dog in Massachusetts, you undoubtedly want to know who is liable for your child’s injuries and medical bills. A personal injury lawyer is the best place to start, as he or she can help you better understand the dog bite laws in Massachusetts.
Dog Bite Law in Massachusetts
According to the General Law of Massachusetts (Chapter 140, Section 155), dog owners are liable for any harm their dog causes to another person. If your child has been bitten by a dog, the owner of that dog is liable for your child’s injuries. However, certain circumstances present an exception to the dog bite law and could limit the dog owner’s liability.
Exceptions to the Dog Bite Law
There is one general exception to the Massachusetts dog bite law that can limit the dog owner’s liability in the case of a dog bite. If your child was bitten by a dog while they were trespassing on private property, or if they were abusing or tormenting the dog, the dog’s owner may not be liable for the dog bite.
However, this exception generally does not apply to children under the age of seven. If your child is less than seven years old, the dog bite law generally recognizes that the child is not capable of consciously trespassing or abusing a dog.
Importance of a Personal Injury Lawyer
While any kind of legal representation is beneficial after your child suffers a dog bite, a personal injury lawyer is really your best bet. Many personal injury lawyers specialize in dog bites and dog attacks, and they can help you understand your legal options.
Watching your child go through this painful and traumatic event can be especially difficult for parents, and having the right support is crucial. Personal injury lawyers have experience assisting clients during these stressful times, and can be an invaluable resource for parents.
Support Resources
Beyond legal support, parents of dog bite victims may also benefit from support and advocacy groups that focus on dog bites affecting children. DogsBite.org provides several resources that can assist parents and children.
In particular, DogsBite.org features several children’s books that can help your child process their dog bite and dog bite injuries. One story follows Molly the Pony, who was bitten by a pit bull, and her recovery from her dog bite injuries. Books like these are useful tools to show children that they are not alone.
If you or your child has been injured due to a dog attack, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Kiley Law Group, LLP. We will evaluate your case for FREE, call 1-888-208-1695.
