Who is liable for a dog bite?

In Massachusetts, dog owners are typically strictly liable for dog bites. This means that the owner is responsible for any damages caused by their dog regardless of any prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. Injuries caused by dogs must be reported to the victim’s local animal control department. Afterward, a dog bite lawyer is usually recommended, since most homeowner insurance policies exclude dog bites from their coverage. Any party who is found to be legally liable for a dog bite is responsible for covering the victim’s medical expenses, impairment of earnings, and other losses or costs associated with the injury. Massachusetts laws also allow for punitive awards to be made against dog owners in certain cases. Punitive awards are intended to punish certain dog owners for their negligence and are typically higher than the amount of compensation generally awarded for medical expenses. In Massachusetts, dog owners are required to use reasonable care in controlling and caring for their animals. This means that a negligent act or omission by the owner can lead to liability. If it is found that an owner could have prevented the dog bite by exercising reasonable care, such as by not allowing their dog to roam freely, then the owner could be held liable for any resulting damages.

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Who is liable for a dog bite?

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