Dog-Related Injury Attorney

Representing People Injured by Dogs

Snow Law Firm represents adults and children who have been injured by dogs across Cape Cod and throughout Massachusetts. Attorney Snow also refers dog-related claims to counsel in jurisdictions where the injury occurred.

It is important to remember that dogs are animals and capable of inflicting serious injury to you if they bite or knock you down. If you were injured by a dog, you have the right to seek damages and should hire a lawyer to protect your legal interests.

Dog injuries are often caused by:

  • Enthusiastic, rambunctious or aggressive dogs

  • Leash entanglement

  • Violation of leash laws

What You Should Know About Dog Injury Cases

In Massachusetts, dog owners are generally held strictly liable for dog bites unless the attack resulted from tormenting the dog. Children under the age of seven are presumed incapable of causing a dog to attack.

Massachusetts Dog Liability Statute:

M.G.L. c. 140, § 155
Liability for damage caused by dog; minors; presumption and burden of proof

Section 155. If any dog shall do any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or if the owner or keeper be a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage, unless such damage shall have been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, is under seven years of age at the time the damage was done, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.

If You Are Knocked Down by a Dog

Enthusiastic, rambunctious or aggressive dogs are capable of causing serious injuries if they jump on you and knock you to the ground. When this happens, the dog’s owner is strictly liable. And, it’s likely that a leash law has been violated.

Call your town’s animal control officer to report the incident and obtain the identity of the dog’s owner.

In the event of a knock-down, the owner or keeper of the dog is legally responsible for your injury and may be afforded coverage under his or her homeowner’s insurance policy, which may be the source of compensation for you.

If You Are Bitten by a Dog

If you have been bitten by a dog, seek medical care immediately, even if the wound does not look serious. Because of the bacteria in dogs’ mouths, dog bites can lead to serious infections.

It is also important to take pictures of the wound immediately after the attack and during the healing process. These pictures will serve as evidence of your dog bite injuries during settlement negotiations or at trial.

Call your town’s animal control officer to obtain the identity of the dog’s owner and rabies vaccination history.

If the attack was from a dog owned by a family member, friend or neighbor, you should realize that compensation in these cases is covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy.

If you are bitten by a tenant’s dog and seek to hold the landlord liable (because the tenant does not have insurance coverage), it is important to determine whether the dog has a history of biting and injuring people. 

Seeking Damages for Dog-Related Injuries

A dog-related injury on Cape Cod, the Islands or elsewhere is a traumatic experience which can result in multiple damages. As a result of your dog-related injury, you will likely incur costs for the following medical expenses: 

  • Emergency room visits

  • Follow-up doctor appointments

  • Surgery

  • Occupational/physical therapy

  • Psychological counseling

Dog-related injuries may result in claims for lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, and permanency of injury. In addition, dog-related injuries can cause physical pain, mental suffering and emotional trauma.

Injured by a dog?
Contact Snow Law Firm

If you, your spouse, significant other, partner or child has been injured from a dog knock-down or dog bite, contact Snow Law Firm to schedule a free consultation at our office.

We'll evaluate your case and determine your legal options so you can receive the compensation you deserve.

If you are hospitalized or incapacitated, Attorney Snow will arrange to personally meet with you.

NO FEE
Unless We Successfully Resolve Your Case

Snow Law Firm takes personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means you will not have to pay any upfront costs and will not be charged for out-of-pocket expenses until your case is resolved and Snow Law Firm has successfully secured a settlement, award or jury verdict on your behalf.

Snow Law Firm represents a variety of dog injury claims that cause:

  • Physical disfigurement

  • Broken bones

  • Facial injuries & nerve damage

  • Concussions

  • Loss of vision

  • Psychological & emotional trauma

What Our Clients Are Saying

  • “Steven was recommended to me after losing a child in a wrongful death. I was a broken woman not knowing at all what I could do. But Steven and Jess were so amazing helped me every step of the way. Very compassionate, caring and kind. I recommend him 100% his knowledge and experience alone make him worth it. Thank you so much.”

    Lisette M.

  • When life brings you someone who goes above and beyond for your family. Steve Snow helped my daughter get through a tough time in her life. She got hit by a person not paying attention while driving. He got her thousands more out of pocket from the person who caused her car accident. Took care of her health insurance claims and just made everything much easier to deal with. The secretary Jessica at the law office was so helpful. I highly recommend the Snow Law Firm.

    Kim C

  • Steve helped me when other law firms would not. He was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. Jessica is wonderful and kept me well informed throughout. The whole team did amazing work. I highly recommend Snow Law Firm!

    Jeanne F.