What Should I Do if My Child Is Bitten by a Dog in Massachusetts?

Few experiences are as frightening for a parent as seeing their child injured by a dog. Even a seemingly friendly dog can bite unexpectedly, leaving a child with painful injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting scars. In the moments after a dog bite, your first concern is getting your child the medical care they need. Once your child is safe, you may begin asking difficult questions. How did this happen? Who is responsible? Will my child recover fully? What are my legal rights?

Massachusetts law provides important protections for people injured by dogs, especially children. Understanding those rights can help your family make informed decisions while focusing on your child’s recovery.

Why Dog Bites Can Be Especially Serious for Children

Children are more likely than adults to suffer severe injuries in a dog attack because of their size and height. Many bites involve the face, neck, hands, or arms, which can result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, or emotional trauma.

Beyond the physical injuries, many children develop a long-lasting fear of dogs or experience anxiety after the attack.

Depending on the severity of the injuries, treatment may include emergency care, stitches, reconstructive surgery, infection prevention, physical therapy, counseling, or additional follow-up care.

Prompt medical treatment is essential, even if the bite initially appears minor.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

The first priority is always your child’s health.

After seeking medical care, there are several additional steps that may help protect both your child’s well-being and your family’s legal rights.

Seek medical treatment immediately and follow all recommendations from your child’s healthcare providers.

If possible, identify the dog’s owner and obtain their contact information.

Report the bite to your local animal control department or local health officials.

Take photographs of your child’s injuries, the location where the incident occurred, and the dog if it is safe to do so.

Keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, and any communication related to the incident.

If anyone witnessed the attack, ask for their contact information before leaving the scene.

These records may become important if questions arise about liability or compensation.

Understanding Massachusetts Dog Bite Law

Massachusetts has one of the stronger dog bite laws in the country.

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155, a dog’s owner is generally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.

This differs from the laws in some states where victims must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

Because every case is unique, an attorney can explain how Massachusetts law applies to your family’s specific circumstances.

You can read the full law on the Massachusetts Legislature’s website:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section155

Can Parents Recover Compensation?

If another person’s dog injured your child, compensation may be available for both current and future losses.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, counseling, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and other damages recognized under Massachusetts law.

Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the nature of the injuries and their long-term impact.

What if the Bite Happened at Someone’s Home?

Many dog bites occur at the home of a friend, relative, neighbor, or family acquaintance.

Parents often hesitate to pursue a claim because they do not want to create conflict with someone they know.

In many situations, however, compensation comes through the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy rather than directly from the owner’s personal finances.

Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options before making any decisions.

What if My Child Has Permanent Scarring?

Dog bites frequently leave visible scars, especially when injuries involve the face.

Because children are still growing, scars may change over time and may require additional medical treatment or reconstructive procedures in the future.

The emotional effects can also last well beyond the physical healing process.

These long-term consequences are important factors when evaluating a personal injury claim.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

Not every dog bite requires legal action.

However, speaking with an attorney may be appropriate if:

• Your child suffered significant injuries.
• Surgery or ongoing treatment is required.
• Your child has permanent scarring.
• Medical expenses continue to increase.
• Liability is being disputed.
• An insurance company contacts you for a statement or settlement.

An experienced Massachusetts Child Injury Lawyer can review the circumstances, explain your legal rights, and answer your questions during a consultation.

How an Attorney Can Help

After a serious dog bite, parents are often overwhelmed by medical appointments, insurance paperwork, and concern for their child’s recovery.

An attorney can help investigate the incident, preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, calculate damages, and protect your family’s legal interests while you focus on your child.

If your child’s injuries include permanent impairment or emotional trauma, understanding the full extent of future medical needs is especially important before resolving a claim.

You may also find our article What Compensation Can Parents Recover After a Child Is Seriously Injured? helpful for understanding the types of damages that may be available after a serious injury.

If the attack resulted in a head injury, our guide on What Happens if My Child Suffers a Concussion Because of Someone Else’s Negligence? explains additional issues families should consider when a traumatic brain injury is involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if my child is bitten by a dog in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law often allows injured victims to pursue compensation from a dog’s owner. Every case depends on its specific facts, so it is best to speak with an attorney.

What if the dog never bit anyone before?

Unlike some states, Massachusetts generally does not require proof that the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies before liability can exist.

Should I report every dog bite?

Yes. Reporting the incident helps protect your child, creates an official record, and may prevent future attacks.

What if the bite happened at a friend’s house?

You may still have legal rights. Many claims are handled through homeowners insurance rather than directly against the individual.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Massachusetts law establishes deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Because every situation is different, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible helps protect your rights.

Helping Massachusetts Families After Serious Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite can change a child’s life in an instant. While medical treatment focuses on healing physical injuries, parents are often left dealing with emotional stress, insurance questions, and uncertainty about the future.

Understanding your legal rights can help you make informed decisions and ensure your child receives the care and resources they may need for years to come.

For more than 50 years, Swartz & Swartz has represented injured children and families throughout Massachusetts. If your child has been bitten by a dog, our attorneys are available to review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options during a free consultation.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know, needs help from a lawyer, contact the law offices of Swartz & Swartz, use our live chat, or send us a message using the form below and we’ll get in touch to assess your case and how we can help.