Fall River Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites are traumatic events that can leave lifelong physical and emotional scars. When an animal attack happens in Fall River or anywhere in Bristol County, victims deserve swift medical care and equally swift legal support. Our Fall River dog bite lawyers have protected injured Massachusetts residents for over 30 years, and our dedicated team fights to ensure that every client receives the full compensation the law allows.

Below is an in-depth guide to Massachusetts dog bite law, the claims process, and how our Fall River personal injury team can help you rebuild after an attack.

Massachusetts imposes strict liability on dog owners under M.G.L. c.140 § 155. That means a victim does not have to prove negligence on the part of the defendant. Instead, the plaintiff must show:

• The defendant owned or “harbored” the dog
• The dog caused the injury (a bite, knock-down, or other action)
• The victim was not trespassing, teasing, tormenting, or abusing the animal at the time

Key takeaways:

• Even first-time bites create owner liability; “one free bite” is not the law in Massachusetts
• Landlords may share responsibility if they knew a dangerous dog lived on the premises and failed to act
• Parents may be liable for injuries caused by a minor child’s dog
• Comparative negligence does not apply unless the victim is older than seven years; children under seven receive special statutory protection.

• Deep lacerations, puncture wounds, and avulsions can introduce serious infections such as MRSA or rabies.
• Crushed or fractured bones, especially in hands, wrists, face, and lower limbs
• Nerve damage leading to chronic pain, tingling, or loss of sensation
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring that may require multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and cynophobia (fear of dogs)

Because scarring and emotional injuries are easy for insurance companies to undervalue, retaining a lawyer who regularly handles dog bite cases is critical.

Decades of focused personal-injury experience, including hundreds of animal-attack claims across southeastern Massachusetts

• Local knowledge of Fall River ordinances, law enforcement practices, and the Bristol County court system
• A proven network of medical experts, plastic surgeons, and life-care planners to fully document injury severity and future costs
• No fees unless we win—our contingency-fee structure means you never pay out of pocket.
• Direct access to an attorney, not just a case manager, and 24/7 support.

• Seek emergency medical attention—tell the provider you suffered a dog bite so they can follow infectious-disease protocols
• Identify the dog and its owner; photograph the animal, its enclosure, property gates, and any “Beware of Dog” signs
• Report the incident to Fall River Animal Control (508-324-2037) or the Fall River Police Department so an official bite report is generated
• Preserve clothing, torn fabric, and any blood-stained items in sealed plastic bags
• Obtain witness names, phone numbers, and short written statements if possible
• Contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyersbefore speaking with the dog owner’s insurance adjuster

• Past and future medical expenses, including rabies prophylaxis, skin grafts, and cosmetic surgery
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity if scarring or disability impacts your career
• Pain and suffering include both physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Loss of consortium for spouses
• Home-health services and mobility devices in severe cases
• Punitive damages were awarded where the owner’s conduct was grossly negligent or in violation of local restraint ordinances

Insurance policies that may provide coverage include:

• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for the dog owner
• Commercial general liability for bites occurring at a business premises
• The landlord’s liability policy applies if negligent supervision contributed to the attack

• Scene Investigation. We visit the location, photograph hazards, measure fence heights, and obtain any available security-camera footage within days.
• Medical Documentation. Our team works with treating physicians to compile surgical reports, plastic surgery opinions, and psychological evaluations that prove the proper scope.
• Animal Control & City Records. We pull prior bite reports, quarantine orders, and leash-law citations to demonstrate knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.
• Insurance Negotiation. Presenting a fully developed demand package often leads to settlement, but we prepare every dog bite file as though a trial were imminent.
• Trial Advocacy. If the insurer refuses fair payment, our litigators file suit in Bristol County Superior Court and leverage expert witnesses such as canine behaviorists and vocational economists.

• The standard Massachusetts personal injury statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury (M.G.L. c.260 § 2A).
• Claims on behalf of minors may toll until the child’s 18th birthday, but do not wait; evidence fades.
• If the defendant is a government entity (for example, a municipal animal control officer fails to act), a presentment letter must be served within two years under the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act.
• Insurance carriers often require prompt notice; some homeowners’ policies void coverage if the insured fails to notify within 30 days of an incident.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery, so contacting an attorney early is essential.

Although state statutes establish broad obligations, cities and towns may enact more stringent rules. Fall River ordinances require:

• Dogs are to be always leashed when off the owner’s property, except in designated dog parks
• Immediate removal of animal waste from public ways
• Up-to-date rabies vaccination and licensing by six months of age

Violations can result in fines and may serve as evidence of negligence or recklessness in a civil case.

Q: “Do I have a case if the dog did not bite me but knocked me down?”

Yes. The strict-liability statute covers any injury caused by a dog, including falls and collisions.

Q: “Can I recover if the attack happened while jogging on a sidewalk?”

Almost certainly, provided you were not provoking the dog. The sidewalk is public, so you were lawfully present.

Q: “The owner claims my child was teasing the dog. Does that defeat the claim?”

Children under seven are presumed not to have teased or trespassed; the defendant bears the burden of proof to disprove this presumption.

Q: “What if the dog that bit me was a stray?”

You may still recover from a negligent property owner if the animal was known to be on the premises.

Q: “How much is my dog bite worth?”

Settlement value depends on the severity of the injury, the location of scarring, the victim's age, occupation, and the available insurance limits. After reviewing your medical records, our attorneys can provide an individualized valuation.

Q: “Will I have to testify in court?”

Most cases settle, but if the insurer refuses a reasonable figure, we will thoroughly prepare you for testimony and support you throughout the process.

Healing should be your priority; fighting insurance companies is ours. If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog in Fall River, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers at (508) 974-3304 or fill out our secure online form for a free, no-obligation case review. Our office serves clients across the entire South Coast region. We can also visit you at your home or hospital room if necessary.

Fall River Office

99 S Main St #350
Fall River, MA 02721
Phone: (508) 974-3304