Dog bites and dog attacks happen far more often than people realize — and when they do, the consequences can be physically and emotionally devastating. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation under Massachusetts law. But knowing who pays and how the system works is key — especially when it comes to homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
At Faneuf Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of personal injury cases reach resolution. We handle the paperwork, negotiations, and legal process while you focus on healing and moving forward. If you’ve suffered a dog-related injury in Massachusetts, here’s what you need to know.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, makes it clear: dog owners (or keepers) are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. That means if a dog bites or attacks you, the owner is responsible — period.
Here’s what the law requires:
The defendant must be the owner or keeper of the dog.
You do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression.
You do not need to show the dog previously bit anyone.
You must show you were not teasing, tormenting, or trespassing at the time of the injury.If the victim is a young child, it’s presumed the child was not teasing or provoking the dog.
This is a victim-friendly law. But navigating it successfully still requires evidence, legal expertise, and most importantly — insurance coverage.
How Homeowner’s Insurance Covers Dog Bites
In most dog bite cases, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is the source of compensation. These policies typically include liability coverage for bodily injury — which extends to injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog.
Here’s how it works:
If the dog owner owns a home, their homeowner’s policy usually provides coverage.
If they rent, a renter’s insurance policy may offer similar coverage.
Most policies cover medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, pain and suffering, and other damages.The policy may also offer “medical payments” coverage regardless of fault — though these amounts are typically lower.
Important: Not all insurance policies cover dog bites. Some have breed exclusions or outright dog-related exclusions.
What If There’s No Insurance?
If there’s no applicable insurance policy — for example, if the dog owner is uninsured or if the insurance policy has a dog bite exclusion — then your only legal option is to sue the owner personally. In those situations, collecting compensation becomes significantly more difficult.
This is why we typically only take cases where there is homeowner’s or renter’s insurance coverage. We focus our resources on helping clients get real, recoverable results — not chasing down uninsured defendants with limited assets.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can leave more than physical scars. Many victims — especially children — suffer long-term trauma. Here are some common injuries we see in dog bite cases:
Scarring and disfigurement (especially facial)
Deep lacerations or puncture wounds
Torn muscles or ligaments
Broken bones (often from being knocked down)
Infections and nerve damage
Emotional distress, PTSD, and anxiety
Children are especially vulnerable. Because of their smaller size, most bites to children occur on the face, head, and neck — often requiring surgery or reconstructive care.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Massachusetts
If you’ve been bitten or injured by a dog, take these steps right away:
Get Medical Treatment Immediately. Your health comes first. Even minor bites can become infected.
Identify the Dog and Owner. Ask for the owner’s name, address, and insurance information. Confirm the dog’s vaccination history.
Take Photos. Photograph your injuries, the dog, the location, and any torn clothing or property damage.
Document Everything. Keep medical records, receipts, and notes about how the injury affects your daily life.
Call an Attorney. Dog bite laws in Massachusetts are favorable to victims — but insurance companies are not. An experienced lawyer can help you build a strong case and pursue full compensation.
Can I Still File a Claim If the Dog Didn’t Bite Me?
Yes. In Massachusetts, a dog doesn’t have to bite you for you to have a valid claim. If a dog chased you, caused you to fall, or otherwise led to injury, you may still be entitled to compensation.
Examples:
A bicyclist swerves to avoid an unleashed dog and crashes.
A jogger falls while fleeing from an aggressive dog.
A child is knocked over by a large dog and breaks an arm.
In each of these situations, if the injury was caused by the dog’s behavior and you weren’t trespassing or provoking it, you may have a case.
How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every case is different. The value of a dog bite claim depends on:
Severity of injury
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Cost of medical care
Lost wages
Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Impact on daily life or activities
Our team at Faneuf Law Group will thoroughly evaluate your case and work to maximize your recovery.
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Take?
It depends. We typically don’t pursue settlement until your doctors determine you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Once you’ve healed or stabilized, we can accurately assess damages and begin negotiations.
Some cases resolve in months. Others may take longer depending on the severity of injury and the insurance company’s response. Rest assured — we handle every step so you can focus on healing.
Talk to a Massachusetts Dog Bite Lawyer Today
At Faneuf Law Group, we know how traumatizing a dog bite can be. Let us take the pressure off. We’ll investigate the attack, deal with the insurance company, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us today at (617) 939-9894 for a free consultation.
We don’t get paid unless you do — and it costs you nothing to get answers.
If the dog owner was insured, we can help. If you or your child was injured by a dog in Massachusetts, contact Faneuf Law Group now.
Let us do the legal work. You focus on recovery.