What is strict liability for a dog bite?

Strict liability for a dog bite is a legal concept that shifts responsibility for damages and injuries caused by a dog onto the dog’s owner. Under Massachusetts law, a person who has been bitten by a dog is considered to be an “innocent victim” of the animal’s actions. The dog’s owner is held responsible even if the dog has never displayed aggressive behavior in the past. Generally, an individual bitten by a dog in Massachusetts has the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner or custodian. This compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and other costs associated with the injury. In addition, the victim may be able to obtain punitive damages, which are designed to punish and deter the dog’s owner or custodian for their negligence. In cases of strict liability, the victim does not have to prove that the dog’s owners or custodian were negligent in order to recover damages. Instead, the victim only has to prove that he or she was injured by a dog owned or controlled by the defendant. This liability applies regardless of whether the defendant had knowledge of the animal’s potentially dangerous behavior. However, if it can be proven that the owner took reasonable steps to protect the public from the animal, then the defendant’s liability may be reduced.

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What is strict liability for a dog bite?

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