Dog Bite Injury
Dog Bite Injuries: What To Do After an Attack
Dog bites and animal attacks can be traumatic, painful, and leave long-term physical or emotional scars. Massachusetts has some of the strongest dog-bite liability laws in the country — and owners are strictly liable when their dog injures someone, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten before.
If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, here is exactly what to do next.
1. Get Immediate Medical Care
Dog bites can cause:
- Deep lacerations
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Tissue loss
- Emotional trauma
You should:
- Clean the wound if possible
- Go to urgent care or the ER the same day
- Follow all medical instructions, including antibiotics and follow-up care
- Get a tetanus update if recommended
Prompt treatment protects your health and strengthens your legal claim.
2. Identify the Dog and the Owner
If you can:
Get the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number
Take photos of the dog if safe to do so
Ask for the dog’s vaccination history, especially rabies status
Note whether the dog was on a leash or running loose
If the owner flees, contact animal control or the police immediately.
3. Document the Injuries and the Scene
Evidence is crucial in dog-bite cases. Make sure to:
- Take photos and videos of all wounds, bruising, torn clothing, and the area
where the attack occurred - Document any torn clothing or belongings and keep them preserved
- Take photos of the fence, gate, leash, broken restraints, or lack of restraints
This documentation will be key in proving liability and damages.
4. Report the Incident
You should always report the attack to:
- Local police
- Animal control or the city/town’s animal inspector
These agencies create official records of the attack, investigate the dog, and verify vaccination compliance. These reports can be essential for your claim.
5. Document Witnesses to the Incident
If anyone saw the attack:
- Get their names, phone numbers, and brief statements
- Witnesses can confirm whether the dog was off leash, aggressive, or improperly
restrained - In many cases, neighbors may have seen the dog roaming or acting aggressively
before
Witness testimony can greatly strengthen the case.
6. Do NOT Speak to the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company
Homeowners and renters insurance typically cover dog-bite injuries.
However, insurance adjusters will try to:
- Minimize your injuries
- Blame you for provoking the dog
- Claim that you were trespassing
- Pressure you into a low settlement
Do not give statements or accept any offers before consulting an attorney.
Massachusetts Is a Strict Liability State
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 140, § 155, a dog owner is automatically responsible for
injuries caused by their dog unless:
- You were trespassing
- You were committing a crime
- You were teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog
Otherwise, the owner is liable — even if the dog has never shown aggression before.