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Massachusetts Law Regarding Dog Bites

Dog bites and other injuries caused by a dog, are terrifying when they happen. They are painful and may become a major medical problem for the person bitten, or knocked over by a dog. If the bite or injury is serious enough, it may require stitches or a cast. Infection is also a problem in this case. Massachusetts law, Part I, Title XX, Chapter 140, Section 155 is specifically written to deal with this personal injury matter.

Is The Dog Owner Always Liable?
Dog bites happen for different reasons and the law takes this into account. If a person is teasing the dog, then the law recognizes this as provocation of the animal. In these limited circumstances, the dog owner will not necessarily be held liable if provocation is a factor. If there is no proven provocation, the responsibility is with the dog owner for the actions of their dog.

Types Of Injury
Injury under Massachusetts law is not always an actual bite on a person by a dog. Being knocked down by a dog and sustaining injury is also covered under this section.  Property injury has the same liability proofs as a dog bite. Types of property injuries might be clothing ripped by the animal or damage to a vehicle or bicycle.

Burden Of Proof
In general, the burden to prove the dog was acting within the law is on the defendant in the case. The plaintiff’s task is proving the dog was not provoked in any legal definition and acted without cause. There must also be proof of injury to either a person’s body or property.

If a dog has injured you, consult the Law Offices of Steven M. Houde, PC to find out if you have a personal injury claim.

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Steven M. Houde

Steven M. Houde

Attorney Houde is a top rated personal injury lawyer serving the Greater Boston region. With law offices in Medway, Attelboro, Needham, and Wellesley, Massachusetts, he will travel to meet clients at their home, hospital, or work. He is skilled at handling all facets of a successful injury claim, from proving liability to looking into all possible sources of insurance coverage to dealing with insurers and defense counsel.

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