What You Need to Know and Do After a Dog Bite in Boston

Dog bites can happen suddenly and catch you off guard, leaving you unsure of what to do next. In moments like these, it's natural to feel scared or confused, but knowing how to act quickly can make a big difference.

Protecting your health and gathering important details should be your first priorities. These steps are not just about the immediate aftermath—they can also help if you need to seek compensation later.

Let's walk through what you need to know and do after a dog bite in Boston so you're prepared.

Understanding Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws

Massachusetts has strict laws to protect dog bite victims. Under the state's strict liability rule, dog owners are held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior before or if the owner was unaware of the risk.

This legal principle makes it easier for victims to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages without needing to prove the owner's negligence.

Liability isn't limited to the dog owner. In some cases, caretakers like dog walkers or pet sitters may also share responsibility.

For example, if a dog walker allows a dog to roam off-leash in a restricted area and the dog bites someone, the walker may be held accountable.

However, if the victim was trespassing on private property, provoking the dog, or committing an unlawful act at the time of the attack, the owner may not be held liable.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs bite for many reasons, often tied to their instincts or how they feel in the moment. Here are the common reasons why dogs might bite:

• Fear or Anxiety: When dogs feel scared or threatened, they may bite as a defense.
• Protective Instincts: Dogs can bite to guard their territory, family, or belongings.
• Pain or Illness: An injured or sick dog may bite if touched in a sensitive spot.
• Lack of Socialization: Dogs unfamiliar with people or other animals might react aggressively.
• Play or Excitement: During play, an excited dog might nip or bite without meaning harm.

Understanding a dog's body language and respecting their space can go a long way in preventing bites.

Common Breeds Involved in Dog Bite Incidents

While any dog can bite, some breeds appear more frequently in bite reports. Here are 10 breeds commonly involved in incidents:

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Chihuahuas
• Bully Breeds
• Terriers
• Dalmatians
• Boxers
• Huskies
• Doberman Pinschers

It's important to note that a dog's behavior depends on training, socialization, and environment. Responsible pet ownership and proper training are essential to prevent bites, regardless of the breed.

Steps You Should Take After a Dog Bite

Dog bites can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can help you stay safe and protect your rights. By acting quickly, you can address your injuries, gather important details, and set yourself up for a smoother recovery.

Here are the key steps to take after a dog bite in Boston.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is your top priority after a dog bite. Clean the wound with soap and water immediately to reduce the risk of infection, but don't stop there—see a doctor even for minor bites.

Rabies is a serious concern, as it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it's completely preventable with timely treatment. If the dog's vaccination status is unclear, your doctor may recommend rabies shots to protect you.

Quick action can prevent serious complications and save your life.

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

It's important to find out who owns the dog after a bite, both for your safety and any legal reasons. Ask for the owner's name, phone number, and address. Check if the dog has had its rabies shots, as this could affect your medical care.

If no one claims the dog, talk to nearby witnesses to see if they recognize it or know where it lives. Take note of the dog's size, breed, and behavior during the incident. These details may be useful later.

Document Everything

Keeping a record of the incident will make things easier down the road. Snap pictures of your injuries, the dog, and the area where the bite happened. Write down everything you can remember—when it happened, where you were, and how the dog approached you.

If anyone saw the bite, get their contact information. Witnesses can help back up your story if you decide to file a claim or report.

Report the Bite

Reporting the dog bite is an important step that helps protect both you and others. Contact Boston Animal Control to file a report and share any details you have about the dog and its owner.

If the owner is uncooperative or the situation feels unsafe, consider filing a police report as well. Having an official record of the incident can strengthen your case when dealing with insurance or legal claims.

This step also helps prevent future attacks by addressing the issue with authorities.

Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can get tricky, especially if medical bills pile up or the owner won't take responsibility.

A dog bite lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights. They'll help you figure out who's responsible, handle insurance negotiations, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Legal help can make the process less stressful and ensure you're treated fairly.

If you are looking for a Boston dog bite lawyer, DiBella Law Office offers free consultations and operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, making it easy to get the help you need.

What Compensation Can You Claim After a Dog Bite?

After a dog bite, you may be eligible for compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of the attack.

Medical expenses are often a major component, covering treatments like emergency care, medications, and follow-up therapies. If the bite caused you to miss work, you can also claim lost wages, including future earnings if the injury impacts your ability to work.

Beyond direct costs, you may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement. In severe cases, compensation for a reduced quality of life may also apply.

A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can evaluate your case, calculate your losses, and fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

What is the Statute of Limitations on a Dog Bite in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, you have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you likely won't be able to seek compensation. Acting quickly is important to make sure all the necessary evidence is gathered.

Keep this timeline in mind to avoid missing your opportunity to hold the responsible party accountable.

Conclusion

A dog bite can be a life-changing event, but taking the right steps can help you move forward with confidence. Recovering from the physical and emotional impact is important, and so is holding the responsible party accountable. Remember that you do not have to navigate this process alone. There is help and support available when you need it.

What is your next step to protect yourself and your rights after a dog bite?

Author Bio
Christopher DiBella is the founding partner of DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers. He knows the pain of injury from his own family's experiences.

With both skill and genuine empathy, Chris is dedicated to helping clients turn their struggles into successful outcomes.