Plymouth Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bites can cause sudden medical crises, lifelong scarring, and unexpected financial hardship. In Plymouth, Massachusetts, strict liability rules and local leash laws give victims powerful legal tools, but only if they are understood and used effectively. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers has spent decades guiding injured residents through the aftermath of attacks, holding negligent owners accountable, and helping families rebuild. The following in-depth guide explains your rights, outlines the claims process, and shows how our firm can maximize recovery while advancing community safety.

Massachusetts imposes strict liability on dog owners and keepers for injuries their animals cause. Under Mass. Gen.. Laws c. 140, § 155, a victim does not need to prove that the dog had bitten before or that the owner acted carelessly; the mere fact that the dog inflicted harm generally establishes civil liability. An owner escapes responsibility only if the injured person was trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of injury.

• No “one-bite” rule: Even a first-time bite triggers liability.
• Keeper liability: Someone who temporarily controls or harbors the dog, such as a pet-sitter or friend, can be sued alongside or instead of the formal owner.
• Minor owners: If the dog’s owner is under 18, the child’s parent or guardian is responsible.

Although strict, the statute carves out defenses:

• Trespassers: If you entered private property without permission, recovery may be barred.
• Provocation: Teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog defeats liability.
• Comparative negligence overlay: Massachusetts applies a modified comparative negligence system to personal injuries. If the victim is found 51 percent or more at fault (for example, by ignoring posted warnings), damages are prohibited; if the victim is 50 percent or less at fault, damages are reduced proportionally.

Local rules strengthen state protections. Plymouth’s Chapter 23 Dog Control bylaw requires owners to leash or otherwise restrain dogs in public areas and authorizes impoundment of dangerous animals. Violations can support negligence per se claims, enhance punitive damages, and supply valuable evidence of the owner's disregard for public safety.

• Puncture and tearing wounds that lead to infection or nerve damage
• Facial lacerations and scarring, especially traumatic for children
• Crush injuries and fractures occur when larger dogs knock victims down
• Psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress and cynophobia (fear of dogs)
• Rabies and bacterial infections, requiring painful prophylaxis

National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show an average of 43 deaths per year nationwide between 2011 and 2021 from dog attacks, with the highest annual total, 81 deaths, recorded in 2021. Serious nonfatal bites vastly outnumber fatalities and often impose steep medical costs.

1. Seek medical attention even for seemingly minor wounds; infection can set in within hours.
2. Identify the dog and owner; photograph the animal, leash condition, and surrounding area.
3. Report the incident to Plymouth Animal Control for official documentation and rabies verification.
4. Preserve evidence: Keep clothing, obtain witness names, and save medical bills.
5. Contact an experienced attorney before speaking with any insurance carrier.

Prompt action both protects health and builds a compelling legal record.

Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers coordinates an evidence-driven investigation that may include:

• Photogrammetric analysis of bite patterns to match the suspect dog
• Veterinary vaccination records to address rabies concerns and establish ownership
• Town citation history to demonstrate prior aggressive behavior or leash violations
• Expert testimony from plastic surgeons, infectious-disease specialists, and child psychologists
• Economic analyses calculating future scar-revision surgery, lost earning capacity, and assistive counseling

Dog-bite compensation usually comes from one of three sources:

• Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, Massachusetts policies commonly cover dog liability up to the limit purchased.
• Commercial general liability if the attack occurs at a business establishment (e.g., a grooming facility).
• Personal assets where insurance is absent or inadequate.

Insurers often move quickly to secure statements and push low settlements. Engaging counsel early prevents inadvertent admissions and ensures inclusion of all future costs, particularly plastic-surgery revisions that may not occur until growth plates close in child victims.

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, infection treatment)
• Future medical costs (scar revision, therapy)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Permanent disfigurement and loss of bodily function
• Property damage (e.g., torn clothing or broken glasses)
• Wrongful death damages in fatal cases, including funeral costs and loss of consortium

Most dog-bite lawsuits in Massachusetts must be filed within three years of the injury. Certain exceptions, such as claims by minors or delayed discovery of infection, can toll the period, but relying on tolling is risky. Missing the deadline typically bars recovery entirely.

Even under strict liability, the comparative negligence statute may reduce or eliminate damages if the plaintiff’s own conduct substantially contributed to the incident. Examples include:

• Ignoring a clearly posted “Beware of Dog” sign and entering a fenced yard.
• Attempting to pet an eating dog after verbal warnings from the owner.

Massachusetts’ 51-percent bar means strategic negotiation and presentation of facts are essential to preserving full compensation.

• Extensive Track Record: Our firm has recovered millions for Massachusetts injury victims, including six-figure settlements for dog-bite scarring in children.
• Local Knowledge: Familiarity with Plymouth Animal Control procedures, local leash ordinances, and Plymouth District Court judges accelerates case resolution.
• Medical-Legal Network: We maintain close relationships with South Shore plastic surgeons and infectious-disease experts, ensuring accurate assessments of future care costs and leveraging authoritative testimony.
• Trial-Ready Approach: Insurers respect firms that prepare every file for trial. By conducting interviews, retaining experts, and drafting court paperwork early, we often drive higher pre-trial offers.
• Client-Centered Communication: You receive direct attorney contact, bilingual staff assistance, and digital status updates.

Yes. Leashing may reduce negligence exposure, but strict liability applies regardless of restraint unless a statutory defense (trespass, provocation) is proven.

Absolutely. Section 155 covers any damage to the body or property caused by a dog. Falls, fractures, and torn ligaments all qualify.

You may have both a workers’ compensation claim against your employer and a third-party claim against the dog owner. Coordinating the two avoids double recovery pitfalls and maximizes the net outcome.

Healthcare providers must report bites to local animal control, and Plymouth Animal Control encourages victims to file a separate incident report, aiding rabies monitoring and public safety.

Settlements for minors require Probate and Family Court approval to safeguard funds. Our attorneys petition the court and arrange structured settlements when prudent.

Not necessarily. Civil claims seek compensation, not punishment. Plymouth officials may order restraint training, fencing, or, in extreme cases, humane euthanasia following a dangerous-dog hearing separate from your lawsuit.

Dog ownership and public safety are not mutually exclusive. When irresponsible handling causes harm, vigorous civil enforcement deters future negligence, funds public education, and encourages responsible pet practices. Each successful claim signals that Plymouth values both animal welfare and human well-being. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers is proud to advance that mission, one case at a time.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Plymouth, secure experienced counsel immediately. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and insurers act quickly. Contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our Boston-based team will travel to your home or hospital, explain your rights in plain language, and pursue maximum compensation while you focus on healing.