Dog Bite Liability in Massachusetts
Whether a dog owner in Massachusetts is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. If a dog damages a person's body or property, the owner or keeper (or the parent or guardian of a minor owner) is liable, unless the injured person was trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. M.G.L. c. 140, § 155
| Dog bites | Strict liability. If a dog damages a person's body or property, the owner or keeper (or the parent or guardian of a minor owner) is liable, unless the injured person was trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. A child under 7 is presumed not to have been doing any of those things. Source: M.G.L. c. 140, § 155 |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years. Tort actions, and contract actions to recover for personal injuries, must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues, unless another law provides otherwise. Source: M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A |
More Massachusetts personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Massachusetts
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Massachusetts
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Massachusetts
- Car Accident Claims in Massachusetts
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Massachusetts
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Massachusetts
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Massachusetts
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Massachusetts
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Massachusetts
- Truck Accident Claims in Massachusetts
- Construction Site Injuries in Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Massachusetts?
Strict liability. If a dog damages a person's body or property, the owner or keeper (or the parent or guardian of a minor owner) is liable, unless the injured person was trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. A child under 7 is presumed not to have been doing any of those things.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Massachusetts?
Three years. Tort actions, and contract actions to recover for personal injuries, must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues, unless another law provides otherwise.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.