Welcome to Kantrovitz & Associates’ Dog Bite website which provides important facts related to dog injuries, bites and Massachusetts ordinances. Our lawyers have successfully represented many clients throughout Massachusetts who have been bitten or attacked by a dog. According to MA state laws and local statutes, a dog’s owner is generally responsible for any injuries inflicted by their animal. If you or a family member has been injured by a dog, contact Kantrovitz & Associates’ attorneys who can help you identify whether you have the basis to file suit against the dog owner for monetary damages. We can also help you understand your rights so that any insurance settlement offer provides you with the maximum compensation available.

The dog population in the United States is estimated at 60 million. While most dogs are loving and social companions, as many as 5 million people nationwide are attacked or bitten by dogs each year. As many as 800,000 victims of dog-related attacks require medical care for the injuries, and between10-20 attacks per year prove fatal. Over half of those attacked are children and one in ten injured is a sleeping infant. The American Humane Association reports that dog bites are the leading public health threat for children, with more dog bites reported than cases of measles, mumps and whooping cough combined.

Dogs attack humans for a variety of reasons including fear, protection of territory or to show dominance. While a person who provokes a dog is not eligible for compensation under the law, children of a certain age may be determined to be incapable of provocation. U.S. hospitals report that the most frequent target of a dog attack is the face and that other injuries include abrasions, lacerations, crushing and puncture wounds, and fractured bones. Some injuries caused by dogs are not bite-related. People are hurt when they are jumped on, chased or knocked to the ground by aggressive animals. These injuries may result in wounds that become infected and disfiguring scars.

Massachusetts' state law enable victims of dog attacks to recover compensation from (1) a person whose negligence caused injury (the dog’s owner or keeper) (2) persons who violated laws prohibiting dogs from running at large and (3) an individual who kept a dog knowing that the animal had a history of injuring people. If a local authority has issued orders pertaining to the control of dangerous and vicious dogs, it must be restrained. When a designated “vicious” animal subsequently injures another person, they may be liable in treble (or triple) the amount of damage sustained.

Every year, hundreds of Bostonians are victims of dog-related injuries. Unprovoked attacks under various circumstances including unleashed dogs that are roaming off their owner’s property, unrestrained animals that bite while on the owners’ property and restrained dogs who are aggressive while on the owner’s premises. Most home owners’ insurance pays for dog-related injuries and the Insurance Information Institute reports that dog bite related claims have quadrupled in five years to about $1 billion in 2000. Insurance companies may seem eager to settle your dog-bite injury claim, but it is important that you know your rights before you accept any offers. Only a qualified attorney who knows Massachusetts law and the City of Boston regulations can provide you with expert advice.

Some important Massachusetts dog ordinances are listed below. These rules were designed to protect animal owners as well as the public.

• Every dog owner must obtain a license for their pet each year. Licenses are issued only to those who provide proof of rabies vaccination. Unlicensed dog owners may be cited for violation of city and state dog licensing laws.
   
• When dogs are not on their owners’ property, they must be on a leash. This rule applies to animals in city parks and public areas.
   
• When not confined to your property (either in the house or a secured fenced yard), your dog must be under control.
   
• The city dog has a dog fouling ordinance which dictates that owners remove and properly dispose of any feces left by their dogs on sidewalks, streets, parks and in your neighbor’s yard.

If you or a family member has suffered a dog related injury as a result of negligence (carelessness or disregard), you may have a legal claim against the owner. You must act quickly if you feel that you have grounds for a claim because the Statute of Limitations specifies a minimum timeframe in which you can file suit. If you do not file a claim within this timeframe, you will permanently lose your right to do so.

Call our attorneys who are experienced in dog bite law, proving negligence and successfully litigating claims and negotiating settlements. Please call us at (800) 335-0147 or contact us via email at info@kantrovitzlaw.com for a professional evaluation of your situation.