A dog attack can leave more than physical injuries. Many people are left dealing with medical treatment, anxiety around animals, and the sudden stress of unexpected expenses. A Massachusetts dog bite lawyer with Trantolo & Trantolo can help you understand what your next steps look like and whether you have a path to financial recovery. Our team takes the time to listen, investigate what happened, and build a claim that reflects the full impact the attack has had on your life.
Our Massachusetts personal injury attorneys have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients, including those harmed by dangerous dogs. We prepare every case with the expectation that it could go to court, and we will not accept less than what your case truly deserves. Contact Trantolo & Trantolo for a free, no-obligation case review. A member of our team will listen to what happened and help you understand your options so you can decide what comes next.
Comprehensive Legal Support From Dog Bite Attorneys Who Care
When you reach out to Trantolo & Trantolo, you receive personalized attention from compassionate attorneys who understand the challenges you face. We know that the financial, emotional, and physical effects of a dog bite can have lasting consequences. Let us help you navigate the confusing aftermath of a dog attack and seek the compensation you deserve.
If you decide to hire us after your initial consultation, we will start by assigning a legal team to your case. Your dedicated team focuses on investigating and building your case while you take the time to heal. They will:
- Obtain witness statements
- Secure copies of the police report
- Identify the dog and owner
- Compile medical records
- Seek prior records of attacks by the same animal
Using this information, they will build a compelling case for maximum damages and file a claim with the liable party’s insurer. Your team handles all negotiations and communication related to your claim, so you don’t have to.
As your case progresses, your legal team maintains constant communication and 24/7 availability. With Trantolo & Trantolo, you never have to guess where your case stands.
Damages We Seek for a Dog Bite Incident in Massachusetts
A dog bite is a serious injury that can require months or years of recovery. Even after victims heal, they may be left with impairments, scarring, and emotional distress that affect their long-term well-being.
At Trantolo & Trantolo, we understand that every dog bite injury affects the victim differently. We are committed to getting compensation for the full scope of your specific losses, which may include:
- Emotional trauma
- Mental distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical costs, both now and in the future
- Lost income
- Wrongful death damages
Insurance companies often try to limit dog bite claims to immediate medical expenses, leaving victims and their families responsible for the long-term consequences of the attack. Our team builds cases that show the true impact of these injuries, from ongoing treatment to lasting psychological harm.
That approach has helped Trantolo & Trantolo recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured clients. We prepare every claim with the evidence and advocacy needed to pursue fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.
Don’t try to handle your fight for compensation alone—call Trantolo & Trantolo today for your free consultation.
Determining Liability in a Massachusetts Dog Bite Case
Massachusetts law strongly protects people who are injured by dogs. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 155, dog owners and keepers are generally responsible for the harm their animals cause. This is known as strict liability, meaning the owner can be held legally responsible for a dog bite even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown aggressive behavior in the past.
For many victims, this law removes one of the biggest barriers to compensation. You do not have to prove that the dog owner knew their animal was dangerous. Instead, the focus is on the harm the attack caused and the losses you have suffered.
However, dog owners and insurance companies sometimes try to avoid responsibility by claiming certain exceptions apply. For example, liability may be disputed if the victim was trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking or abusing the dog at the time of the incident. These arguments are often raised in an attempt to reduce or deny compensation.
Understanding how these rules apply to your situation can be complicated, especially when insurers are involved. A dog bite lawyer serving Massachusetts can review what happened, evaluate how the law applies to your case, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Hear from Our Happy Clients
Timing is Crucial in a Dog Bite Case
Per Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260 § 2A, victims typically have three years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. Sometimes, this time limit is shorter, depending on your case details. If you miss the deadline to file, you may lose the chance to secure compensation.
In addition to filing your case on time, Trantolo & Trantolo’s Massachusetts dog bite attorneys will preserve and gather time-sensitive evidence such as witness statements and videos that could be lost if you wait too long. Quality evidence can make all the difference, so we waste no time investigating your case.
Seek Justice With a Massachusetts Dog Bite Attorney Today
You have a right to legal representation from attorneys focused on getting results. With Trantolo & Trantolo, you can expect attentive, compassionate legal support from our Massachusetts dog bite attorneys throughout your case. Contact our office today for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Massachusetts?
The moments after a dog bite can be confusing, and knowing what steps to take can make a difference for your health and your potential claim.
First, consider your own health and safety. Move away from the animal and seek medical attention right away. Call 911 to report the incident or notify your local animal control office.
If you can safely do so, take down the following important details:
- Dog’s description, including license number, name, color, breed, size, and identifying features
- Owner’s name, address, and phone number
- Location where the dog is housed
- Location where the incident occurred
- Witness contact information
- Police report information
When you can, write out a detailed account of the incident, including a timeline of the attack and whether the dog was under the owner’s control. Avoid making any statements to police or insurers that imply you were at fault. Keep in mind that insurers will use anything you say to reduce their liability.
Once you are safe and have received medical care, contact an attorney to discuss your case. It is a good idea to talk to your lawyer before you talk to the dog owner’s insurance adjusters or attorneys. A dog bite lawyer serving Massachusetts can help you avoid common missteps that could reduce your settlement.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Massachusetts Dog Bite Claim?
Compensation for a dog bite in Massachusetts differs depending on your injury severity and long-term effects. More severe injuries often have higher costs for medical treatment, wage loss, and long-term care, which can lead to higher settlements. A dog bite lawyer in Massachusetts can provide an assessment of your potential compensation during a free consultation.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost in Massachusetts?
Dog bite lawyers in Massachusetts operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front for their services. Trantolo & Trantolo only recovers attorneys’ fees and costs if we win compensation on your behalf. If we don’t win, we don’t get paid.