Dog Bites in MA & NH: What You Need to Know This Summer

In New England, summer equals more time outside — more family walks, parks, and neighborhood hangs. Nearly half of U.S. households have at least one dog, so it’s no secret that dogs are a part of everyday life in towns like Lowell, Andover, Manchester, and Nashua.

But with more outdoor activity also comes an increase in dog bite cases. Each year in the United States, there are more than 4.5 million dog bites, and nearly 800,000 of those require medical treatment, according to the CDC. Dog bites are frightening, painful, and costly. And if you’re a victim in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, knowing your legal rights is critical.

At Kiley Law Group, we’ve helped injured victims across New England for over 50 years, recovering billions in awards and earning hundreds of five-star Google reviews. If you or a family member has been bitten, we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Massachusetts and New Hampshire Dog Bite Laws Explained

Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws

Massachusetts follows a strict liability rule. This means the dog owner is automatically responsible for any harm caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s history or past behavior. The victim does not need to prove negligence.

New Hampshire Dog Bite Laws

New Hampshire requires victims to prove negligence in order to seek compensation. This may involve showing that the dog owner:

• Allowed the dog to roam freely
• Ignored local leash laws
• Overlooked signs of aggression
  

Understanding the difference between these state laws is essential when building your case.

Why Dog Bites Increase in Summer

Summer brings ideal conditions for dog-related injuries:

• More foot traffic near homes and neighborhoods
• Children playing outside who may not know how to safely approach dogs
• Larger public gatherings and overstimulation for pets

Most dog bites don’t come from inherently aggressive animals — they result from poor owner supervision, lack of training, or failure to leash. Preventing bites is a shared responsibility, but when owners fall short, the law protects victims.

What To Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog

Take these steps immediately after a dog bite:

1. Seek medical attention. Even minor bites can lead to infection.
2. Document the scene. Take photos of injuries, the dog, and the surroundings.
3. Collect the owner’s information. Get contact details and vaccination records.
4. Report the incident. Notify local animal control or the police.
5. Contact an experienced attorney. A personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and help secure compensation.

Why Choose Kiley Law Group?

Whether your injury happened in a backyard in Andover or on a trail in Nashua, our team knows how to navigate the legal systems in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fee unless we win
• Proven results in dog bite and injury cases
• Compassionate, results-focused legal support
  

We understand the devastating impact dog bites can have, especially on children. We’ll help you recover medical costs, emotional damages, and lost income.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Bites

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
You have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit in both states. In New Hampshire, prompt documentation strengthens your case.

Can I still sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. In Massachusetts, the owner is liable regardless of prior behavior. In New Hampshire, you'll need to prove negligence.

What if the dog was off-leash in a public area?
That may support your case, especially in towns with leash laws. Allowing a dog off-leash can be considered negligence.

Are some breeds more likely to bite?
While certain breeds have reputations, any dog can bite under stress. Courts focus on owner behavior, not breed.

Can children file a dog bite claim?
Yes. A parent or guardian can file a personal injury claim on behalf of a minor child.

Protect Yourself. Know Your Rights.

Dog bites aren’t just accidents — they’re preventable. If you’ve been injured by a dog in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, don’t gamble with your recovery.

Contact Kiley Law Group today for a free consultation. We bring care, experience, and a track record of results to every case we handle.

978-474-8670
https://tomkileylaw.com/practice-areas/dog-bite-lawyers/