Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Boston

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Boston, Massachusetts?

  The Boston Police Department can be reached at (617) 343-4500 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Boston, Massachusetts?

  To get a copy of a police report, go to the Licensing Division/Public Service Unit in the Boston Police Department located at One Schroeder Plaza Roxbury Crossing Boston, MA 02120. Please bring a valid photo ID. The counter is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further assistance, please call (617) 343-4633. You can also request a report copy by sending an email to policereport@pd.boston.gov. Please include identifying details, such as the date and location of the incident, names of people involved, and a copy of your valid photo ID.

• Who is liable for dog bite injuries in Boston?

  According to Massachusetts General Laws Section 155, Boston dog owners and keepers will be held liable for bodily or property damage caused by their dog. Minor dog owners or keepers must have their parent or guardian assume liability. It should be noted that liability does not apply if the person who suffered damages was trespassing, teasing, or abusing the dog.

• Who can you sue if a stray dog bit you in Boston?

  If a party is identified as legally liable for the dog, you can file a suit. Because local governments are not generally liable for strays, recovering damages for a stay dog bite in Boston may be difficult. You can look into whether the stray dog was actually in the care of the local Animal Control and escaped. You may be able to sue Animal Control for negligence in allowing the dog to escape.

• How long does it take to get a settlement for your dog bite injury in Boston?

  The length of time it takes to reach your medical end result determines how long it will take to receive compensation. This is the point at which you are fully recovered or as recovered as you can be. Only then will the evidence be complete, and your Boston dog bite attorney will be able to begin negotiating a settlement with the insurance company. Some cases can be settled in two months, while others can take years.

• Is there a deadline for filing a dog bite claim in Boston?

  Personal injury claims in Boston, such as dog bite claims, must be filed within three years of the injury's occurrence, according to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260 Section 2A. If this deadline is not met, the injured person's right to compensation will be lost. An exception may be made if the injured person was a minor or was mentally incompetent at the time of the dog attack. Exceptions may be made if the defendant was evading the court or was outside the United States.

• How common are dog bite injuries in Boston?

  Each year, more than 300 dog bites occur in the city, according to reports to the Boston Public Health Commission. Children aged 5 to 9 years are the most injured, followed by senior citizens. More than half of dog bite incidents in Boston occur at home and involve dogs known to the victims.