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Are you worried you can’t sue for a dog bite injury in Boston because the dog was on a leash? Massachusetts law doesn’t let leash use excuse a dog owner from responsibility. If you were hurt, you could still be entitled to compensation for your injuries – even if the dog was leashed and had never shown aggressive behavior before. An experienced Boston dog bite attorney can review what happened, explain your legal rights, and help you decide what to do next.
Massachusetts’ Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Massachusetts uses a strict liability rule for most dog attack injury cases. That means the dog’s owner or keeper (such as a pet sitter or dog walker) can be legally responsible for injuries or damage the animal causes, even if the dog has never acted aggressively before. It also doesn’t matter if the owner took steps to prevent the bite, such as keeping the dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard.
If a dog bites or injures you in Massachusetts, you don’t need to prove that the owner knew the dog could be dangerous. You also don’t need to show that the owner acted negligently. You only need to show that the dog caused the injury and you weren’t doing anything that might have provoked the dog’s behavior, like trespassing or teasing the dog.
This law applies not only to bites but also to other injuries a dog causes. For example, if a dog jumps on you and knocks you down, breaking your wrist, the owner can still be responsible. It also covers property damage, like if the fall breaks your phone or other belongings.
It’s worth noting that there are a few defenses pet owners can raise under Massachusetts dog bite law. They might avoid responsibility if you were trespassing, committing a crime, hurting the dog, or doing something else to provoke it. However, these defenses don’t usually apply to people who had a right to be where they were, like mail carriers or guests. Additionally, if the victim is a child under seven years old, the law presumes that the child was not intentionally trespassing or provoking the dog.
Leash Laws in Boston and Dog Bite Liability
Boston law requires all dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash when off their property. This includes public parks, sidewalks, and other public areas. Even in places where people often let dogs play, like off-leash parks, owners must follow city rules and keep their dogs under control.
Keeping a dog on a leash can prevent bites. But it doesn’t guarantee the owner is off the hook if someone gets hurt. Under Massachusetts law, a leash does not excuse a dog’s behavior if the dog injures someone. Even if a dog bites someone while fully leashed and under the owner’s control, the owner can still be legally responsible.
Some people think that if the dog was on a leash or had never bitten anyone before, the injured person can’t sue. That’s not true under Massachusetts law. Strict dog owner liability in Massachusetts still applies, so leash use won’t prevent you from filing a claim. The court looks at what happened and whether the injury or damage resulted from the dog’s behavior, not whether the dog was leashed.
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When You Can Sue for a Dog Bite in Boston
Can you sue for a dog bite in Boston? You can if the dog injured you and you weren’t trespassing, hurting the dog, or doing something else that might excuse the dog’s behavior. Massachusetts’ strict liability law makes bringing a dog bite claim possible even if the animal had no history of violence and was on a leash.
Here are some examples of when someone could have grounds to sue after a dog bite in Boston:
- A leashed dog bites someone on the sidewalk, and the victim needs stitches
- A dog jumps up on a child in a park and causes injuries, even though the dog was on a leash
- A delivery worker is bitten while bringing a package to someone’s front steps
- A visitor at someone’s home is bitten without warning
In any of these situations, the dog’s owner can be held responsible under strict liability laws. You might also have a separate dog bite case if another person’s actions contributed to the injury. For example, suppose a landlord ignored complaints about a dangerous dog in a common area, and the dog bit you there. You might have a negligence claim against the landlord as well.
Victims of dog bites in Boston can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, physical and emotional pain, and property damage. If you want to file a dog bite lawsuit, Massachusetts gives you three (3) years from the date of the incident to start your case. If you miss that deadline, the court could throw out your claim. This is why it’s so important to consult a Boston dog bite lawyer as soon as possible if you think you might have a case.
Need Legal Assistance? Contact Our Law Firm Today
Clients trust Earley Law Group when it matters most. After a traumatic dog bite incident, compassionate and responsive legal support can make a difference. Here’s what one client had to say about working with our firm:
“After my daughter was bit by a dog I researched lawyers to call for help. The reviews of Chris were spot on. He was diligent and caring in his response to my questions and very consoling with my daughter and taking her injuries seriously. He is a great person to have in your corner and I highly recommend him because of his professional manner and smarts. Chris is definitely a great lawyer and person.” – Mike N.
Our firm has been helping people who have suffered injuries from dog bites and other incidents in Massachusetts for more than 20 years. In that time, we have recovered millions for our deserving clients, including $250,000 for a dog bite victim. When you contact Earley Law, you’ll get more than legal advice. You’ll get The Earley Experience. That means fast communication, personal attention, and the diligent representation you deserve.
If a dog bit you or someone you love in Boston, contact Earley Law today. We can further explain leash laws and dog bite responsibility in your free consultation.
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