Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Massachusetts, knowing your legal rights is crucial.
Massachusetts has strict liability laws that hold dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog had no history of aggression. However, navigating these legal waters can be complex, which is why hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer is essential.
This guide provides a detailed list of the top 10 dog bite lawyers in Massachusetts for 2025. These attorneys are known for their expertise, client satisfaction, and ability to secure maximum compensation for victims.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Massachusetts
Dog bite cases in Massachusetts are governed by strict liability laws under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 155. This means that dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether they were negligent or unaware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
However, there are exceptions: owners may not be liable if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime at the time of the attack.
Hiring a lawyer ensures you can:
- Navigate complex legal processes.
- Prove liability and damages.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- Secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
Benefit of Hiring a Lawyer | Description |
Legal Expertise | Knowledge of Massachusetts’ strict liability laws and exceptions. |
Evidence Collection | Gathering medical records, witness statements, and photos to strengthen claims. |
Negotiation Skills | Dealing with insurance companies to maximize settlements. |
Court Representation | Advocating for your rights if the case goes to trial. |
How We Selected the Top Dog Bite Lawyers
The lawyers on this list were chosen based on:
- Experience: Years of handling dog bite cases specifically.
- Client Reviews: Positive testimonials reflecting client satisfaction.
- Success Rates: Proven track records of securing favorable settlements and verdicts.
- Accessibility: Availability across Massachusetts and free consultations.
Top 10 Dog Bite Lawyers in Massachusetts
1. Breakstone, White & Gluck (Boston)
- Why They Stand Out: With over 100 years of combined experience, this firm specializes in personal injury cases, including dog bites. They have secured significant settlements like $525,000 for a pit bull attack victim.
- Services Offered: Free consultations and no fees unless compensation is awarded.
- Office Location: Boston.
2. DiBella Law Offices (Beverly)
- Why They Stand Out: Known for compassionate service and strong advocacy, DiBella Law Offices handles cases involving severe injuries such as scarring and emotional trauma.
- Notable Case: Secured $150,000 for a babysitter bitten in the face by a homeowner’s dog.
- Office Locations: Burlington, Methuen, Beverly.
3. Jason Stone Injury Lawyers (Boston)
- Why They Stand Out: Their “Stone Cold Guarantee” ensures no upfront fees and quick settlements while maximizing compensation.
- Specialty: Focuses on efficient resolution of claims involving medical expenses and lost wages.
- Office Location: Boston.
4. Sweeney Merrigan Law LLP (Boston)
- Why They Stand Out: Recognized for aggressive representation in personal injury cases and extensive experience with insurance negotiations.
- Client Success Story: Helped a victim secure substantial compensation after reconstructive surgery.
- Office Location: Boston.
5. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers (Boston)
- Why They Stand Out: Offers expertise in both settlement negotiations and trial litigation while maintaining transparency with clients.
- Specialty Areas: Cases involving permanent disfigurement or psychological trauma.
- Office Location: Boston.
6. Keches Law Group (Taunton)
- Why They Stand Out: Handles high-profile cases with significant settlements while offering multilingual support to diverse clients.
- Specialty Areas: Complex injury claims involving children or elderly victims.
- Office Locations: Taunton and other areas.
7. Law Office of John J. Sheehan (Cambridge)
- Why They Stand Out: Known for personalized legal strategies tailored to each case and free consultations with detailed evaluations.
- Specialty Areas: Cases involving emotional trauma alongside physical injuries.
- Office Location: Cambridge.
8. Morgan & Morgan (Multiple Locations)
- Why They Stand Out: A national law firm with local offices specializing in dog bite claims using extensive resources like expert witnesses and evidence collection teams.
- Specialty Areas: High-value claims involving reconstructive surgery or long-term care needs.
- Office Locations: Multiple locations across Massachusetts.
9. Altman & Altman LLP (Cambridge)
- Why They Stand Out: Over five decades of experience handling personal injury cases with a focus on client satisfaction and compassionate representation.
- Specialty Areas: Cases involving children under seven years old who are protected under strict liability laws.
- Office Location: Cambridge.
10. Parker Scheer LLP (Boston)
- Why They Stand Out: Extensive experience handling severe injury cases like facial reconstruction or psychological harm from attacks.
- Notable Case Outcome: Settled a claim involving visible facial scars for significant compensation after mediation.
- Office Location: Boston.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Bite Lawyer
Factor | Description |
Experience | Look for lawyers with years of handling dog bite cases specifically. |
Track Record | Check success rates and notable case outcomes related to dog bites. |
Client Reviews | Read testimonials to gauge client satisfaction and trustworthiness. |
Accessibility | Ensure the lawyer is available locally and offers free consultations. |
Common Questions About Dog Bite Lawsuits in Massachusetts
What is the statute of limitations?
Victims have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim under Massachusetts law.
What damages can I claim?
You can claim compensation for:
- Medical expenses (e.g., surgeries, rehabilitation).
- Lost wages due to recovery time or disability.
- Pain and suffering (e.g., emotional trauma).
Damage Type | Examples |
Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, reconstructive surgery costs |
Lost Wages | Income lost during recovery |
Pain & Suffering | PTSD, anxiety around dogs |
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
- Seek immediate medical attention to treat injuries and prevent infections like rabies.
- Report the incident to local authorities or animal control within 24 hours.
- Document evidence:
- Take photos of injuries and the location where it occurred.
- Collect witness contact information if available.
- Contact one of these top-rated dog bite lawyers in Massachusetts to evaluate your case.
Takeaway
Dog bites can leave lasting physical scars and emotional trauma that require significant financial resources to address. Hiring one of these top-rated dog bite lawyers in Massachusetts ensures you have an advocate who understands local laws, knows how to deal with insurance companies, and will fight for your rights in court if necessary.
Don’t delay—Massachusetts law limits your time to file a claim after an incident occurs. Contact one of these experienced attorneys today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing justice and fair compensation.