Need a Cambridge Dog Attack Lawyer?

A dog attack can be an overwhelming experience — one that leaves you not only with painful physical injuries but also with emotional trauma, medical bills, and unanswered questions about what to do next. In Massachusetts, dog owners are held strictly liable when their animals cause harm, which means you may have the right to pursue compensation without needing to prove the dog had a history of aggression. Reach out to a lawyer at Jim Glaser Law for more information.

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Hands are held up in defense against an aggressive dog with mouth open and teeth bared.

Dog Bite Lawyer Cambridge, MA

A dog bite can turn your life upside down in seconds, and in many cases, the damage goes far beyond the initial injury. Victims may suffer from deep puncture wounds, disfigurement, nerve damage, or even long-term psychological effects, especially in children. If you or someone you love was bitten or attacked by a dog in Cambridge, you have legal rights under Massachusetts law — and a Cambridge dog bite lawyer is here to help you protect them.

Massachusetts follows a strict liability rule, which means the dog’s owner can be held financially responsible even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before. You typically have 3 years from the date of the attack to file a claim, but the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

At Jim Glaser Law, we do the heavy lifting for you. From gathering evidence and working with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit if needed, we’re focused on one thing: getting you the compensation you deserve. That may include coverage for hospital visits, surgery, ongoing care, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

We offer a free case review, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win for you.

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1

We Make Getting Help Easy

Recovering from a dog attack is hard enough already, so we strive to make getting legal help easy. All you have to do is give us a call, and we’ll take care of the rest.

2

We'll Fight for Your Rights

No one should have to suffer due to someone else’s carelessness. If you’ve been hurt by a dog or another pet, you have rights and our Boston personal injury team is here to help you fight for those rights.

3

You Can Afford Quality Legal Help

Our office works on a contingency-fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do! You never have to worry whether you can afford quality legal help.

Table of Contents

What to Do After a Dog Attack in Cambridge, MA

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your ability to seek financial compensation. Here’s what you should do:

1. Get Medical Help Right Away: Your health comes first. Even if the injury seems minor, dog bites can lead to serious complications such as infections (including rabies or cellulitis), deep tissue damage, or scarring. Go to the ER, urgent care, or your primary doctor as soon as possible, and follow all treatment instructions.

2. Report the Attack to Local Authorities: Contact Cambridge Animal Control or the local police department to file an official report. This creates a legal record of the incident and may trigger an investigation into the dog’s behavior or the owner’s history of negligence. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible.

3. Identify the Dog and Its Owner: If it’s safe to do so, get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. Ask for vaccination records, especially rabies shots. If the dog was loose and unaccompanied, provide a detailed description and note the location and time of the attack.

4. Document Your Injuries and the Scene: Take clear, dated photos of your injuries as soon as possible, and continue to take new photos as the wounds heal or worsen. Also document torn clothing, bloodied items, or the location where the attack happened. These images can be important pieces of evidence later.

5. Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the attack happen, get their full name, phone number, and a short description of what they saw. Independent witnesses can play a major role in confirming your version of events, especially if the dog owner disputes responsibility.

6. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies: The dog owner’s insurance company may reach out to you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offers until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Their goal is to minimize payouts — not protect your best interests.

7. Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Cambridge: Massachusetts has specific laws about dog owner liability, and an attorney can help you understand your rights under these laws. At Jim Glaser Law, we’ll review your case for free, explain your legal options, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.

8. Follow Through on Medical Treatment and Keep Records: Continue with any recommended follow-up care, physical therapy, or counseling. Keep copies of all medical bills, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses. This documentation will support your claim for compensation.

9. Start a Pain & Recovery Journal: It may also help to keep a written or digital log of your recovery. Note things like pain levels, emotional distress, sleep issues, or difficulty working. This can demonstrate the full impact of the attack on your daily life and support claims for pain and suffering.

10. Act Quickly — You Have Limited Time to File a Claim: In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims is 3 years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover compensation entirely. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Cambridge Can Help You

At Jim Glaser Law, we take the pressure off you so you can focus on healing. Here’s how our team supports you after a dog attack:

  • Investigate the incident thoroughly. We collect key evidence like medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and photos to build a strong, detailed claim.
  • Communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. You won’t need to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a low settlement. We handle all negotiations for you.
  • Pursue maximum compensation for all your losses. This includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term effects from the attack.
  • Take your case to court, if needed. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and aggressively advocate for your rights at trial.
  • Explain your legal options clearly. You’ll understand how Massachusetts’ strict liability laws and time limits affect your case. No confusing legal jargon, just honest guidance.

Support you every step of the way. From your first phone call to the final resolution of your case, our team is here to answer your questions, provide updates, and make sure you feel confident in the process.

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Understanding Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws

If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Massachusetts, you have legal rights, and it’s important to understand how the law protects you. Massachusetts follows one of the strictest liability laws in the country when it comes to dog bites. Here’s what that means for your case:

Strict Liability for Dog Owners

In Massachusetts, dog owners are automatically liable if their dog causes injury, even if the dog has never been aggressive before, and even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. This means you don’t have to prove negligence, only that the dog caused the injury and you weren’t doing anything to provoke the attack.

Limited Exceptions Apply

There are only a few exceptions to the strict liability rule. If the injured person was trespassing, committing another wrongful act, or was teasing or abusing the dog, the dog owner may not be held responsible. However, when the victim is a child under the age of 7, the law assumes the child wasn’t doing anything wrong, and it’s up to the dog owner to prove otherwise.

You Have 3 Years to File a Claim

Massachusetts law gives you 3 years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury claim. This is called the statute of limitations. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to recover compensation, so take action as soon as possible.

How the Law Supports Your Case

Thanks to this strict liability law, victims often have a clearer path to compensation compared to states with more lenient rules. However, every case is different, and certain defenses may apply. Speaking with a lawyer ensures you understand how the law applies to your specific situation.

Common Injuries From Dog Attacks

Dog bites can result in more than just surface wounds. They often cause serious and sometimes permanent physical and emotional harm. Whether the victim is a child, an adult, or an elderly individual, these attacks can have long-lasting consequences. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Puncture Wounds and Deep Lacerations: Dog teeth can cause deep tissue injuries that damage muscles, tendons, and even bone. These wounds often require stitches, surgery, or reconstructive procedures.
  • Infections, Including Rabies and Cellulitis: Dog mouths carry bacteria that can lead to serious infections like cellulitis or sepsis. If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown, victims may also need rabies treatment — a painful and urgent medical intervention.
  • Facial Injuries and Scarring: Many dog attacks target the face, especially when children are involved. These injuries often require plastic surgery and may result in permanent disfigurement or noticeable scars.
  • Nerve Damage: Bites to the hands, arms, legs, or face can sever or damage nerves, leading to chronic pain, loss of sensation, or impaired movement.
  • Emotional Trauma and Anxiety: Survivors of dog attacks may develop PTSD, anxiety, or a lasting fear of animals. These psychological effects are especially common in children and may require counseling or therapy.

Dog bite injuries should always be taken seriously. Immediate medical attention and legal guidance can make a significant difference in your physical recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation.

How Much Is a Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth?

Every dog bite case is unique, and so is its potential value. The amount of compensation you may be able to recover depends on the specific impact the attack has had on your life, both physically and emotionally. Below are some of the most important factors that influence a settlement or verdict:

  • Severity of the Injury: More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation. This includes deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, facial trauma, or any injury requiring surgery or long-term care.
  • Medical Treatment and Recovery Time: Your total medical costs, including emergency room visits, follow-up care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, all factor into the value of your claim. Longer recovery times often mean greater damages.
  • Lost Income or Missed Work: If you had to take time off work due to your injuries or recovery process, you may be entitled to compensation for those lost wages. In some cases, victims may also be compensated for future lost earning capacity.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Trauma: Dog attacks can leave lasting emotional scars. Victims may suffer from anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress, especially children. Emotional pain is real and compensable under Massachusetts law.
  • Long-Term Disfigurement or Disability: Scarring, especially on visible areas like the face or hands, can significantly increase the value of your case. Permanent damage that affects your ability to work or enjoy life can also lead to larger settlements or awards.

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Wrongful Death From Dog Attacks

At Jim Glaser Law, we understand that no amount of compensation can ever make up for your loss. But a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief and accountability, helping your family cover unexpected expenses and begin the healing process.

Our team will guide you through every step, from identifying who can file the claim under Massachusetts law, to gathering the evidence needed to build a strong case. We’ll help you seek compensation for the loss of companionship, funeral and burial expenses, emotional anguish, and other damages tied to your loved one’s passing.

You deserve answers. You deserve support. And we’re here to help you find both. Reach out today for a free, private consultation.

Why Choose Jim Glaser Law

When you’ve been injured by a dog attack, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Jim Glaser Law, we’ve earned the trust of Cambridge residents by delivering results with compassion, responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Our legal team brings years of experience handling personal injury claims across Massachusetts, including cases involving complex dog bite liability. We understand the laws that protect you, and we know how to build strong claims that insurance companies take seriously.

What sets us apart is how we treat our clients. We’re not a distant law firm. You can reach us easily, and we keep you informed every step of the way. From your first call, we take the time to understand your situation and explain your options in plain language.

Your case review is 100% free, and you pay nothing unless we win. That means you can pursue justice without worrying about legal fees upfront.

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