Things to Know About Dog Bites in MA

Dogs bite. It happens. Thankfully, it’s relatively rare, but when it does happen, the victim often wants to sue to recover compensation for his or her damages (-). Most people know the basics of how these kinds of lawsuits work, but there are a few picky details you should know about dog bite cases in Massachusetts.

We discuss a few of those details below. For other inquiries you may have, speak to a qualified and experienced attorney.

What if the Biting Dog Belongs to a Child?

The law does not excuse a dog’s actions because a child owns or is responsible for it. According to Massachusetts’ dog bite statute, if a child is the owner or keeper of a dog that bites another person, the parents assume liability.

How Does Massachusetts Law Handle Dog Bites When the Animal Is Provoked?

According to the statute, if you provoke an animal by abusing, teasing, trespassing, or tormenting, the owner is not liable if the dog bites you. However, if a child is bitten and was under age seven when the injury occurred, the law assumes that the child was not involved in an action that provoked the dog to bite.

A Biting Dog Can Be a Public Health Hazard

According to Massachusetts General Laws Part I, Title XVI, Chapter 112, Section 12Z, a doctor who treats a dog bite must report the incident to the town official where the bite occurred within twenty-four hours. A dog that bites is dangerous to both humans and animals. This law protects potential bite victims and will aid in getting the dog in question tested for rabies.