Massachusetts Dog Bite Injury Laws and Owner Liability Rules

The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • April 22, 2021

Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in this country annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half the states have “dog-bite statutes” that hold dog owners liable if their canines cause injury whether or not the dog owners had reason to believe their dogs were dangerous. Most laws cover all kinds of dog-inflicted injuries, not solely dog bites. In other states, the “one-bite rule” makes dog owners legally responsible for an injury if they knew the dog was likely to cause that type of injury. Bite victims must prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the injury occurred because the owner was negligent in controlling the dog, the owner is liable.


Owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their pets. In Massachusetts, we have a strict liability statute. Therefore, in most dog-bite cases, the dog’s owner (or keeper) can be held responsible for any harm caused by a dog attack. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.


If you have been the victim of a dog bite or other animal attack, Mort Shuman will fight for your legal rights. We specialize in personal injury claims and help out clients every day in need whether it’s: car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, workers comp, and social security disability claims.


Contact our law office today and tell us about your case! You can either call our office at (508) 879-4040 or send us an email at mshuman@mortonjshumanlaw.com. We are located at 855 Worcester Rd in Framingham, MA 01701.

Lawyer in suit writing, with scales of justice and gavel on desk.

Personal Injury Attorney in Framingham You Can Trust

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • November 4, 2025
Seeking out a personal injury lawyer after an accident can be overwhelming. With so many options, you may not know who to trust.  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , has been serving the Framingham, MA, community for over sixty years. When you need an attorney,  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  has the record to prove our commitment.
Man injured at work, aided by a colleague.

Machinery-Related Injuries: Who’s at Fault When Equipment Fails?

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • October 7, 2025
Workplaces throughout Massachusetts rely on heavy machinery and equipment to operate efficiently. In construction sites, factories, warehouses, and beyond, employees and contractors rely on machines every day to perform critical tasks. When equipment fails or malfunctions, the consequences can be devastating. Severe injuries, long recoveries, and lost wages are too common. After an accident, important questions can arise about who is legally responsible for injuries.
Motorcycle on its side in road, damaged.

Who’s Liable in an Electric Scooter Accident in Natick, MA?

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • September 9, 2025
Electric scooters are becoming more and more common on the streets of Natick, MA, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. As their popularity grows, so do questions about liability in the event of an accident. Unlike cars and motorcycles, e-scooters are not considered motor vehicles in Massachusetts. That distinction changes how accident claims are handled and who may be liable.
Person wearing wrist device gestures over document on table.

Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims: What to Do Next

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • August 8, 2025
If you’ve been injured at work and your workers’ compensation claim was denied, don’t panic–you still have options. Denials are more common than you might think, and with the best legal support, you may still receive the benefits you’re entitled to. At  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , we help injured Massachusetts workers fight for compensation through the appeals process.
Angry brown and black dog baring teeth, chained outside in the snow.

Can You File a Claim if a Dog Injures You Without Biting?

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • July 8, 2025
When most people think of dog-related injuries, they immediately picture dog bites–but there are other ways dogs can cause harm. In Massachusetts, you can pursue a personal injury claim even if a dog injures you without biting. At  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , we help clients throughout Framingham, Natick, Marlborough, and Milford understand their rights when it comes to dog-related injuries.
Two people tending to a person on the ground, wearing a neck brace, mask, and construction vest.

Construction Site Accidents: Protecting Workers in Massachusetts

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • June 6, 2025
Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in Massachusetts. From falling objects to faulty equipment, workers face risks every day. When safety measures fail or negligence causes injury, the results can be life-changing or even fatal. At  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , we help injured workers and their families understand their rights and pursue justice.