What Legal Options Do You Have If A Dog Bite Causes Long-Term Injuries?

Boston’s no stranger to dog bite stories. Happens more than you might think — over 300 reports every year, and about a quarter involve kids under 15. That’s just here.

Across the country? The CDC says about 4.5 million bites a year. Around 800,000 of those are bad enough for a trip to the ER. Surprising, right?

Because a lot of these bites happen in what feel like “safe” places — a friend’s backyard, a family member’s kitchen, a neighborhood park.

The thing is, some bites don’t just heal and fade. They leave nerve damage, scars on the face, maybe even mobility issues. And sometimes it’s not just the body — the emotional hit sticks around too.

That’s when you really want someone in your corner who knows the law. In Massachusetts, the rules are strict: dog owners can be on the hook even if their dog never gave a hint of trouble before.

So, if you’re in Boston dealing with something this serious, you must explore your legal options with a thorough understanding of dog bite laws. 

Hi, in today’s blog, we will discuss the legal options you have according to dog bite laws in Boston. Also, we will talk about why knowing your legal options can make a big difference. 

And your first step toward exploring the legal options will be finding a Boston dog bite lawyer. 

Dog Bite Laws: What To Do After A Dog Bite?

First thing — get treated. Sounds obvious, but those medical notes? They’re gold if you end up filing a claim. While you’re at it, call animal control or local authorities. Gets it on the record, which matters later.

If you’re able (or someone with you can help), grab photos — your injuries, the spot where it happened. Get the names of anyone who saw it go down. Might feel like over-preparing, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

1. Understanding Dog Bite Laws And The Liability In Dog Bite Cases

Who’s responsible? Depends on where you are. Here in Massachusetts, it’s simple — strict liability. If a dog bites, the owner is responsible. Period. Even if the dog was the picture of sweetness before.

Other places? Not so simple. You might have to show that the owner knew the dog could be dangerous or that they didn’t bother to keep it under control. It’s the kind of detail a lawyer sorts out quickly, so you don’t waste time guessing.

2. Seeking Compensation For Injuries

It’s not just about covering today’s hospital bill. You can go after costs for follow-up care, lost paychecks, and yeah, the pain and suffering side of it, too. If your injury’s going to affect you for years — surgeries, therapy, limited work — that’s factored in as well.

The trick is proving your pain and suffering. Which means saving every bill, every doctor’s note, and sometimes getting expert opinions to explain the long-term effects. That’s where an attorney really earns their fee — they know what your claim is worth and how to back it up.

3. Understanding The Role of Insurance

Most homeowners’ policies cover dog bites. On paper, filing through insurance should be easy. In reality? Insurance companies have a knack for offering less than you deserve.

If you’ve never gone toe-to-toe with one, it can get frustrating fast. This is where having a lawyer in your corner can save you a lot of stress — they’ll handle the pushback and keep negotiations from turning into a drawn-out headache.

4. Seeking Legal Representation And Support

These cases aren’t always straightforward. One wrong move with paperwork or deadlines, and you could hurt your claim. Having an attorney means they take the lead — filing the right forms, talking to the insurer, and if needed, heading into court.

Choosing the right lawyer matters, though. You want someone with experience in these cases, a record of winning, and someone who actually listens to you. You can usually tell in the first meeting if they’re the right fit.

5. Understand The Types Of Damages In Dog Bite Laws

Your compensation will depend on the type of damages you have faced after a dog bite. Also, it is difficult to state the exact compensation amount for your dog bite injury. 

Nevertheless, based on the severity of the damage, the compensation amount will differ $30000 to 50000 in Boston. 

Also, you can encounter the following types of damage after a dog bite. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages mean:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Cosmetic treatments of scars
• Loss of income caused by dog bite
• Losing the ability to earn money
• Possessions damaged
• Costs of psychological treatment
• Dog bite costs

Non-Economic Damages 

You have to undergo a lot of anguish and suffering after a dog bite. These are the non-economic damages you can seek compensation for. 

Also, trauma caused by the incident can be non-economic damage if it impacts your life. 

Punitive Damages

Was the dog violent before? Did the owner know about this and take no measures? If this is the case, you will be covered under punitive damages. 

Furthermore, thanks to the “Statutory Strict Liability,” the dog owner will have to pay you compensation even if the dog did not have any record of violence before. 

Emotional And Psychological Impact Of Dog Bite: How To Deal With It?

It’s not just skin and stitches. A bad bite can mess with your head — fear around dogs, anxiety in public spaces, even nightmares. Studies say somewhere between 30% and 50% of victims deal with serious emotional effects.

Therapy helps. So does documenting what you’re feeling — the bad dreams, the way you avoid certain places. Those details aren’t just important for recovery; they can be part of your legal case too.

So, don’t forget to seek help from a therapist. 

Know The Dog Bite Laws And Your Legal Rights

Dog bites can throw your life off track in more ways than one. Knowing your rights — and acting fast — is how you protect yourself. Get treatment, keep records, learn the local laws, and don’t be afraid to bring in help.

It’s not about being “out for revenge.” It’s about making sure the costs — physical, emotional, and financial — aren’t all on you. With the right approach, you can start putting things back together, one step at a time.

READ MORE:

• A List of Serious Injuries a Dog Bite Victim May Sustain
• Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury: The Owner, Landlord, or Another Party?
• The Benefits of Hiring a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer to Handle Your Dog Bite Claim