Boston Dog Bite Lawyers
Strong advocacy when dogs bite children and adults
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Most of the time, dogs are our best friends. They’re loyal, cute, and affectionate. Unfortunately, even the friendliest dogs can bite if they’re upset, anxious, or afraid. Dog bites can cause diseases, infections, bite wounds, and other types of physical and emotional trauma.
At Santoro & Gray, we hold dog owners accountable when their dogs bite anyone, from a curious child to a mail delivery person or a visitor to the dog owner’s home. Our Boston personal injury lawyers demand compensation for your (or your child’s) medical bills, pain and suffering, and all other damage. Call us today to discuss your right to compensation.
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Unfortunately, dog bites are a common occurrence. The Insurance Information Institute reports that homeowners' insurers paid more than $1.5 billion in 2024 for “liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries.” The American Veterinary Medical Association states that an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and approximately 334,000 people are admitted to US emergency departments annually with dog bite-associated injuries.
In Massachusetts, dog owners are strictly liable for any bites their dogs cause. There is no need to show that a dog had a propensity to bite or that the owner was negligent. If the dog bites someone—and the victim had a right to be where the bite occurred and didn’t provoke the dog—then the victim can file a claim for their injuries. Also note that in Boston, all dogs that are outside of the owner’s home should be on a leash, although an exception may apply in dog parks.
At Santoro & Gray, we recommend that anyone bitten by a dog should:
- Seek immediate medical attention—even if the wound seems minor. Minor wounds can cause infections. Deeper wounds can cause a range of physical injuries and emotional trauma.
- Determine who the owner is and the type of dog, if possible. Try to get the name of the owner and take pictures of the dog and the location.
- Call animal control or the police, so they can have a record of the incident. Animal control may put the dog under a 10-day quarantine to verify rabies vaccination status.
- Keep any physical evidence, including your clothes and any photographs of your injuries.
- Do not discuss fault with the owner or discuss the incident with the dog owner’s insurance carrier. We’ll speak with the insurance carrier, investigate the accident, file a formal claim, and take all the steps necessary to maximize your claim. We’ll also review all your questions and concerns.
According to the American Kennel Club, some of the reasons dogs bite include the following:
- Fear. Dogs may be aggressive if they fear someone or something is violating their space or comfort.
- Being startled. A dog may bite if it is suddenly awakened or confused. Older dogs are more likely to become upset because they are more likely to have hearing or vision difficulties. Children should be told to be careful not to wake or touch sleeping dogs.
- Protection. A dog may bite to protect their food or toys they don’t want to share. Dogs may also bite to protect their owner or their home if they think danger is nearby.
- Frustration. Dogs who are on a leash or inhibited in some way may bite out of frustration.
- Pain. Dogs don’t understand being sick or injured, which can cause them to bite.
- Play. Some dogs may lightly bite or use their mouth during play to engage with humans.
You should seek medical attention for any type of dog bite. We work with physicians who can diagnose and treat the following types of injuries and diseases due to dog bites:
Minor injuries
These include bruises, scrapes, and rashes.
Severe injuries
These include:
- Injuries to muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons
- Bone fractures, especially facial, hand, and foot fractures
- Torn ligaments
- Avulsions
- Nerve damage, which may cause loss of muscle function and permanent pain
- Death, which is more likely in children and the elderly
Infections and diseases
Possible dog bite infections/diseases include:
- Staph and strep infections. Fevers, joint swelling, cellulitis.
- Pasteurella infections. Redness and inflammation, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, pneumonia.
- Capnocytophaga infections. Blisters around the bite wound, redness, swelling, pus, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, headache, confusion, muscle and joint pain.
- Rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can spread from dogs to humans when dogs bite. Unless there is prompt treatment, rabies is usually fatal.
Treatments, depending on the wound or disease, include cleaning the wound, looking for signs of infection, and removing any dead tissue. The victim may need to take antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. If the dog had rabies (or may have had rabies), victims may need a rabies vaccine.
Other injuries may include:
- Puncture wounds
- Emotional trauma, which may include PTSD
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Injuries due to falls
Tragically, some dog bites can be fatal.
When the victim is a child
Children often fail to appreciate how dangerous dogs can be. When dogs bite children, the injuries can be more serious because the bite can cover a larger portion of the child's body. Children are also smaller, which means dogs are more likely to bite a child’s face than the face of an adult.
There are also liability questions. Generally, children under seven are presumed to be incapable of negligence or provocation.
We consult with your doctors (and our network of doctors when necessary) to show what injuries you or your child has, what medical treatments are necessary, what injuries may be permanent, and how your injuries are affecting every part of your life. Our Boston dog bite lawyers demand compensation for the following:
- Current and future medical bills for every type of medical care by every type of healthcare provider
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Any scars or disfigurement
- The loss of income and benefits because you can’t work
- The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- The loss of any bodily function
- The loss of consortium (enjoyment of spousal relations)
We also file wrongful death claims if a dog bite is fatal.
Who pays the damages?
Normally, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance pays for your damages, depending on the terms of the insurance policy. If the defendant is uninsured, we can review whether the owner’s assets can pay your claim.
At Santoro & Gray, we’re ready to counter any arguments by the insurance carriers or defense lawyers for the dog owner that may deny or limit your claim. Defenses may include:
- The victim was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog
- The victim was trespassing
Our attorneys work with you, your child, any witnesses, animal control, and others to fight these attempts to deny/reduce your claim. Often, these defenses are without merit.
Yes. We meet clients at our Boston Office located at 131 Dartmouth Street, 3rd Floor. If your injuries (or your child’s injuries) prevent you from traveling, we’re able to arrange to see you at your home or another location. Our lawyers also use online platforms like Zoom to consult with clients. Phone calls are always an option.
We can answer all your questions and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Santoro & Gray today if you were injured by a dog bite
Our Boston personal injury lawyers have a strong record of successful verdicts and settlements. We understand the unique challenges in determining the severity of your injuries and the full extent of your damages. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle dog accident cases on a contingency fee basis.