Dog Bite

Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Serving Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Few experiences are more terrifying than an unexpected animal attack. Whether provoked or not, pet owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their animals do not pose a threat to others. When a dog’s instincts take over, the resulting injuries can be severe—causing physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can change a victim's life forever.

Dog bites are a serious public health concern that impact individuals of all ages, often leading to significant medical expenses, emotional trauma, and lasting scars. The severity of these injuries depends on factors such as the breed and health of the dog, the victim’s size and health, and access to prompt medical care. For over 50 years, the personal injury attorneys at Kiley Law Group have been fighting for injured victims across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, protecting them from unfair insurance settlements and holding negligent pet owners accountable.

We are dedicated to securing the compensation you need and deserve to cover medical bills, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering—helping you rebuild your life after an attack. While financial compensation cannot undo the trauma, it can provide the resources needed to move forward with confidence. Our dog bite legal team understands the complexities of these cases and will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Dog Bite Lawyers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Attorneys for dog bites serving Massachusetts and New Hampshire

What to Do After a Dog Bite:

Seek immediate medical attention.
Take photos of your injuries.
Obtain contact information from witnesses and the pet owner.
Contact Kiley Law Group.

Massachusetts Dog Bite Law:
Strict Liability

Massachusetts is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog if:

The victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place at the time of the attack, and
The victim did not provoke the dog.

This means the owner cannot escape liability by claiming they did not know their dog was dangerous or that the dog had never bitten anyone before. The so-called "one bite rule" that applies in some states does not apply in Massachusetts. If the above conditions are met, the owner is liable, period.
The strict liability standard places a powerful legal tool in the hands of injured victims. However, insurance companies representing dog owners will still look for ways to reduce or eliminate their exposure. They may argue that the victim was trespassing, that the victim provoked the animal, or that the injuries were less severe than claimed. An experienced dog bite attorney can anticipate and counter these defenses.

New Hampshire Dog Bite Law

New Hampshire also holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs under RSA 466:19. As in Massachusetts, a victim does not need to show that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is liable if the victim was not trespassing and did not provoke the animal.

New Hampshire's law extends liability to the keeper of a dog, not just the legal owner, which can be significant when a dog is being watched or boarded by someone other than its owner at the time of the attack.

Kiley Law Group represents dog bite victims throughout both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The laws in each state share a common framework but differ in important procedural and damages-related ways. Understanding which state's law governs your case is one of the first questions our attorneys will address.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bites are not minor injuries. The force of a dog's jaw, combined with the tearing and shaking that often accompanies an attack, can produce wounds that require emergency surgery, hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. Common injuries our clients sustain include:

Deep lacerations and puncture wounds requiring surgical repair
Tendon, ligament, and nerve damage in the hands and extremities
Facial injuries, including damage to the lips, nose, and ears
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Infections, including cellulitis, MRSA, and in rare cases, rabies
Broken bones caused by the force of the attack or a fall during the attack
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and phobias, particularly in child victims
Wrongful death if the attack was fatal

This means the owner cannot escape liability by claiming they did not know their dog was dangerous or that the dog had never bitten anyone before. The so-called "one bite rule" that applies in some states does not apply in Massachusetts. If the above conditions are met, the owner is liable, period.

The strict liability standard places a powerful legal tool in the hands of injured victims. However, insurance companies representing dog owners will still look for ways to reduce or eliminate their exposure. They may argue that the victim was trespassing, that the victim provoked the animal, or that the injuries were less severe than claimed. An experienced dog bite attorney can anticipate and counter these defenses.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Dog Bite?

Unlike some personal injury cases, dog bite liability in Massachusetts and New Hampshire does not require proof of negligence. However, identifying who bears financial responsibility can still involve multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the attack.

The dog's owner is the primary party in most dog bite cases. Under Massachusetts and New Hampshire strict liability statutes, the owner is directly responsible for injuries caused by their dog if the conditions of the law are met.

A dog keeper or harborer may also bear liability. If a person other than the owner was caring for or controlling the dog at the time of the attack, such as a dog sitter, boarding facility, or family member, that person may also be liable under New Hampshire's expanded statute.

Property owners may be liable if a dog attack occurred on their premises due to negligent maintenance or failure to warn of a known dangerous animal.

Landlords may face liability in cases where they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to take action to address the risk.

Identifying every responsible party requires a careful investigation of the facts. The dog bite attorneys at Kiley Law Group begin building your case immediately after you contact us.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

Dog bite injuries can generate significant economic and non-economic losses. Under Massachusetts and New Hampshire law, injured victims may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and wound care
Future medical costs for reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
Diminished earning capacity if your injuries permanently limit your ability to work
Pain and suffering caused by the physical trauma of the attack
Emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and fear of animals
Scarring and disfigurement, which may warrant separate damages beyond medical costs
Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed
Wrongful death damages if a family member was killed in the attack, including funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship

The value of a dog bite case depends on the severity of your injuries, the number of responsible parties, the applicable insurance coverage, and other factors specific to your situation. At Kiley Law Group, we will not recommend settling your case until we have a full and accurate accounting of your damages, including the long-term costs that are not always apparent immediately after an attack.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in
Massachusetts or New Hampshire?

The steps you take in the days immediately following a dog bite can significantly affect both your physical recovery and the outcome of your legal claim. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, take the following steps:

Seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, including serious bacterial infections that can spread rapidly. Even injuries that appear minor should be evaluated by a medical professional. Follow your doctor's treatment instructions completely.

Report the bite to local animal control. An official report creates a record of the incident and triggers an investigation into the dog's vaccination and bite history. In Massachusetts, dog bites must be reported to the local board of health.

Document the scene and your injuries. Photograph the location of the attack, the dog if possible, and your wounds as they develop and heal. Photograph any damage to your clothing. Keep a written record of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.

Identify the dog and its owner. Obtain the owner's name, address, and contact information. Ask for proof of the dog's rabies vaccination. If witnesses were present, collect their names and contact information.

Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. The dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance carrier may contact you quickly after the attack. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. Early settlement offers rarely reflect the full value of your claim.

Contact a Massachusetts dog bite lawyer right away. Evidence must be preserved, and the statute of limitations begins running from the date of the attack. The sooner you contact Kiley Law Group, the better protected your claim will be.

What Is the Process for Filing a Dog Bite Claim?

Dog bite claims involve more complexity than they may initially appear. Insurance coverage issues, liability questions, and the assessment of long-term damages all play a role, making it critical to have an experienced attorney guiding you through every stage of the process.

The general process looks like this:

Consult with a dog bite attorney to evaluate the facts of your case, identify all liable parties, and determine all viable claims.

Investigate and preserve evidence, including animal control reports, the dog's bite history, veterinary records, witness statements, medical records, and photographic documentation of your injuries.

Identify all insurance coverage, including the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, which typically covers dog bite claims.

File an insurance claim and handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company on your behalf.

Negotiate a fair settlement. Our attorneys will fight for the full value of your claim, including compensation for future medical care, scarring, and emotional distress.

File a lawsuit if necessary. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we will file suit and prepare your case for trial, all within the three-year statute of limitations under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2A.

Proceed to trial if needed. The attorneys at Kiley Law Group have more than five decades of litigation experience and are fully prepared to take your case before a jury.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including dog bite cases, is three years from the date of the attack under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2A. If you miss this deadline, the court will dismiss your case and you will lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

Three years may seem like ample time, but dog bite cases require careful documentation of medical treatment, long-term injury assessment, and thorough investigation. Starting the process as early as possible gives your attorney the best chance to preserve critical evidence and build the strongest possible case.

In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is also three years from the date of the injury under RSA 508:4. As in Massachusetts, this is a hard deadline that should not be approached without an attorney guiding the process.

Exceptions to the standard limitations period may apply in limited circumstances, such as when the injured victim is a minor. You should not rely on any exception without speaking directly with an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Dog Bites in Massachusetts

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, don't wait. Contact Kiley Law Group today for a free consultation. We have proudly served families across Massachusetts and New Hampshire for over 50 years and recovering over $1 Billion dollars. At Kiley Law Group, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Should I get a lawyer for my dog bite injury?

In the aftermath of a dog bite injury, it can be difficult to know which actions to take, which is why it is important to contact an attorney to help explain those fundamental steps. On average, less than 1 percent of dog bite victims get compensated because many do not contact a lawyer.

Some people attempt to get compensation without hiring a lawyer, but dealing with the insurance companies on your own isn’t advisable, as insurance companies are often focused on limiting their own liability and paying out as little as possible. Having an experienced attorney in your corner who knows what you should and should not say to the insurance companies could save you thousands of dollars.

I don't want the situation to get more messy by involving lawyers. Is hiring a lawyer really necessary?

Not all dog bite injuries go to court. In fact, at least 98 percent of all bodily injury cases are settled before going to court. Hiring an experienced attorney won’t prolong the case, it’s actually more likely to speed the case up and ensure things are done accurately and efficiently. Retaining an attorney early in the process allows the attorney to work with the insurance adjuster to make certain the claim is easier to settle.

What is the compensation like for a dog bite?

In addition to the physical and emotional trauma of a dog bite, sometimes these incidents come with substantial medical bills. Severe dog bite injuries can leave victims out of work while medical bills stack up. When a dog bite is due to negligence, victims have a right to look into legal action. Kiley Law Group offers free case evaluations for all potential clients, and we will work diligently on your behalf to get you everything you deserve.

Does the dog have to have bitten someone before for the owner to be liable?

No. Massachusetts and New Hampshire are strict liability states for dog bites. The owner does not need to have known the dog was dangerous, and the dog does not need to have a prior bite history. As long as the victim was not trespassing and did not provoke the dog, the owner is liable for injuries under state law.

What if the dog belongs to a friend or family member?

Dog bite claims are almost always paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, not out of pocket. Filing a claim does not mean your friend or family member will personally pay. It means pursuing the coverage they are likely already paying for. Our attorneys handle these situations with sensitivity while ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Can I recover compensation if the bite happened at a dog park or public space?

Yes. If you were lawfully in a public place and did not provoke the dog, the strict liability standards under Massachusetts and New Hampshire law apply regardless of where the attack occurred, including dog parks, sidewalks, public parks, and beaches.

What if I was partially at fault for the attack?

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative fault rule under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 85. If you are found to be partially responsible for the attack, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. However, you can still recover as long as your share of fault is less than 51 percent. New Hampshire applies a similar comparative fault standard under RSA 507:7-d. An experienced dog bite attorney can help ensure that fault is accurately assessed and that you are not held responsible for more than your fair share.

What if the attack was by a dog being walked by someone other than the owner?

Liability may extend to the person walking or caring for the dog at the time of the attack, depending on the circumstances. In New Hampshire, the statute specifically includes keepers and harborers of dogs in addition to owners. Your attorney will investigate the full relationship between the dog and anyone who may have been responsible for controlling it at the time of the attack.

What if the bite injured my child?

Children are among the most frequent and most seriously injured victims of dog attacks, particularly to the face, head, and neck. In cases involving minor victims, additional considerations apply, including the statute of limitations, which is typically tolled until the minor reaches adulthood. The emotional and developmental impact of a serious attack on a child is also a significant factor in damages. Contact Kiley Law Group immediately so we can begin protecting your child's rights.

What if a family member was killed in a dog attack?

If a loved one was killed in a dog attack, Massachusetts and New Hampshire law may allow eligible family members or the estate's personal representative to bring a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost income the deceased would have earned, and compensation for the loss of companionship and care. Contact Kiley Law Group as soon as possible, as wrongful death claims are also subject to a statute of limitations.

Does the insurance company represent my interests after a dog bite?

No. The dog owner's insurer represents the dog owner, not you. Their goal is to minimize the amount they pay on any claim. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the attack and may seem helpful or sympathetic, but their interests are directly opposed to yours. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before consulting with a dog bite attorney.

This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Massachusetts law cited includes M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 155 (dog bite liability) and M.G.L. Chapter 260, Section 2A (statute of limitations). New Hampshire law cited includes RSA 466:19 (dog bite liability), RSA 508:4 (statute of limitations), and RSA 507:7-d (comparative fault). Laws and regulations change; consult a licensed Massachusetts or New Hampshire attorney for advice specific to your situation. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future outcomes in any specific case.