Dog bites are a threat every time of year, but sometimes, the spring and summer can present unique circumstances that can make dog bites more likely.
When the cold and short days of winter come to an end, Massachusetts residents look forward to the warm-up of spring weather. Starting in March, we get more 50+ degree days, sidewalks start clearing up, and that nasty dirt, salt, and exhaust slush mix all over the roads slowly thaws out and is swept away. That first sunny walk can't come soon enough for those cooped up in the house for the cold winter months.
With the coming of spring, it starts to become warm enough to get outside and work on shedding that winter coat (literally and figuratively) you may have acquired over the last few months.
Walking the dog is a great way to become more active. Taking the dog for a walk will naturally happen more frequently as the weather gets warmer. Some of our dogs may be even more excited to get outdoors than we are.
As much as we like to think we know our pets, always keep in mind that all animals have their own set of behaviors, instincts, and rules completely different from our own. Excitement can quickly turn into aggressive behavior, which can lead to a dog bite or a dog attack. This can be especially true if your dog is younger and has been indoors for most of the winter and has not socialized with other people or other dogs yet. No matter the age of your dog, however, a change in routine and circumstances can always present new or more risks. It's important to be aware and vigilant as a dog owner when you start bringing your dog outside more often, and when other people also begin coming outside more often.
Basic Safety Tips for Walking Your Dog in Massachusetts:
As a dog owner, it is essential to maintain control of your dog whenever you walk your dog in public, whether in your neighborhood or downtown. Below are some safety tips to keep others safe from your dog and tips to keep you and your dog safe while out for a walk or outing.
- Use a Sturdy Leash and Collar: Ensure your dog is securely fastened with a durable leash and collar to prevent them from running off or getting into dangerous situations. To keep other people safe from your dog, your leash should ideally be no longer than 6 feet long so you can maintain control over your dog in public places.
- Leash Train your Dog: Train your dog to behave on a leash and seek help to address any behavioral problems.
- Train Your Dog to Heel: Teach your dog to walk calmly beside you rather than pulling ahead or lunging, especially when passing pedestrians.
- Avoid Crowded Areas: If your dog gets anxious or excited around people, try to walk in less crowded areas to minimize interactions.
- Give Space to Others: When approaching pedestrians, keep your dog close to your side and give others plenty of space to pass safely.
- Teach Proper Greetings: Train your dog to remain calm when meeting new people. Ensure they only approach when invited and do not jump or bark.
- Start Small: Begin with short, frequent walks, and take frequent rests as needed. If your pet seems to want to go back home, try driving to a nearby park or less familiar area for your walks.
- Stop & Smell the Roses: Remember that walks are also a means for your dog to enjoy their environment; allow your dog to take "sniff breaks" within reason.
- Keep Your Dog Hydrated: Bring water with you, especially on hot days, to keep your dog hydrated during the walk.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert for potential hazards like traffic, other dogs, or wildlife that could threaten your dog. Stay alert for joggers, cyclists, or other possible triggers that could startle your dog and cause unpredictable behavior.
- Communicate with Pedestrians: If someone asks to pet your dog, make sure they know how to approach safely and always supervise the interaction closely.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Limit your dog's time outside during extreme heat or cold to prevent overheating or frostbite.
- Pick Up After Your Dog: Always carry bags to clean up after your dog to keep your community clean and avoid fines.
- Ensure Your Dog is Visible at Night: Use reflective gear or lights on your dog's collar or leash to increase visibility during evening or early morning walks.
Safety Tips if You Are Walking as a Pedestrian and an Unfamiliar Dog Approaches You:
If you are out for a walk, a jog, or a run and an unfamiliar dog you do not know approaches you, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind, especially if you did not initiate the encounter. Remember that any type of dog can present a safety threat.
- Stay Still & Calm: Avoid yelling, running, or making sudden movements, as this can provoke the dog. Do not panic or make loud noises.
- Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Dogs may interpret direct staring as challenging or threatening. Instead, keep the dog in your peripheral vision.
- Stand Still Like a Tree: Stand still with your arms at your sides and feet together if a dog is approaching. This can make you seem less interesting to the dog. Wait for the dog to pass or slowly back away.
- Protect Your Face, Neck, and Hands: If the dog seems aggressive, try to place something (like a bag or jacket) between you and the dog. Protect sensitive areas in case of an attack.
- Speak Calmly and Firmly: Use a firm voice to tell the dog "No" or "Go home." Avoid yelling or showing fear.
- Slowly Back Away: If the dog loses interest or if you feel it's safe to move, back away slowly without turning your back on the dog.
- Don't Run: Running can trigger a dog's prey drive, causing them to chase you.
- Seek Shelter: If a dog continues to behave aggressively, look for an escape, such as entering a nearby building, car, or fenced area.
- Report Aggressive Behavior: If a dog threatens or attacks you, report the incident to local authorities, including animal control.
Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws: Owners Are Liable for Injuries
According to Massachusetts Law, the owner, or in the case of a minor, the parents of the owner of a dog that damages either the body or property of a person is liable for such damage.
Massachusetts is a strict liability dog-bite and dog-injury state. Massachusetts has one of the strictest dog bite laws in the entire country. Massachusetts' dog bite statute states that if a dog harms you, the dog's owner is liable for any damage or injury the dog causes you. This means that if someone is walking their dog and the dog bites you, or the dog injures you, or if the dog injures someone in the owner's home, the dog owner is automatically liable for any damages. This includes any injury the dog intentionally or directly causes, such as a bite or attack, and any indirect injury – such as knocking you over or off your bicycle.
There are some exceptions to this "strict liability" rule. If a dog injured you, but the owner proves that you were trespassing on their property or that the dog only hurt you because you teased, tormented, or otherwise abused or provoked the dog, then the dog owner may not be liable for the attack or harm the dog caused.
While the dog owner is responsible for the injuries caused by their dog, it is typically the dog owner's insurance company that will compensate you if you are injured by someone's dog.
Dog Bite & Dog Attack Statistics
According to estimates provided by the Insurance Information Institute, the dollar value of insurance claims (settlements and verdicts) due to dog bites or injuries caused by dogs has more than doubled in the past decade. Below is a chart showing a breakdown of the estimated numbers from 2014 to 2023. The chart includes information on the value of dog bite claims in millions of dollars, the number of claims, and the average cost per claim in thousands of dollars nationwide.
The Insurance Information Institute also has some good additional information on liability and safety tips for dog owners that are worth a read.
| Year | Value of Claims ($ millions) | Number of Claims | Average Cost Per Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $530.8 | 16,550 | $32,072 |
| 2015 | $571.3 | 15,352 | $37,214 |
| 2016 | $602.2 | 18,123 | $33,230 |
| 2017 | $686.3 | 18,522 | $37,051 |
| 2018 | $674.9 | 17,297 | $39,017 |
| 2019 | $796.8 | 17,802 | $44,760 |
| 2020 | $853.7 | 17,597 | $50,245 |
| 2021 | $881.9 | 17,989 | $49,025 |
| 2022 | $1,136.0 | 17,597 | $64,555 |
| 2023 | $1,116.0 | 19,062 | $58,545 |
|
% change, 2022-2023 |
-1.8% | 8.3% | -9.3% |
|
% change, 2014-2023 |
110.2% | 15.2% | 82.5% |
Injured by a Dog in Massachusetts? You Have Options, We Can Help
Roughly half of the country's households own at least one dog – so the dog bite injury numbers above should not be too much of a surprise. In fact, dog ownership is the highest it has been since 1982 when records were first kept on this statistic. These attacks can leave victims with permanent scars or disabilities. Assessing the true extent of damage is complicated with dog attack cases. If you've been injured by a dog, whether you were bitten or not, it is crucial for you to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer while the details are still fresh in your mind. This is the best way for an attorney to help you, as you will have the most information at this time and it will be the most accurate and more difficult for an insurance company to challenege the details if you shared them soon after the dog injury incident.
The sooner you speak with the attorneys at Spada Law Group, the better chance you have of successfully resolving your claim. We will start building your case soon after our first consultation. Contrary to what some people believe, a lot of work goes into properly handling a dog attack case. There are the issues of ownership, available insurance, and the proper presentation of the scarring and injury component of the case. We have successfully handled many dog attack cases over the last 25 years. Let us help you.
Reach out for a FREE Consultation With a Massachusetts Dog Bite and Dog Injury Lawyer
Dog bite and dog injury cases can be pretty severe. Injuries from a dog bite can be life-changing.
If you or a loved one were a victim of a dog bite or dog injury in Massachusetts, you have rights and may be able to get compensation for your medical bills, time lost from work, pain and suffering, and more. Our experienced dog bite attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
Over the last three decades, we've helped thousands of people in Massachusetts get the recovery they need after a dog attack injury. Recently, Boston Magazine named Attorney Spada one of Boston's Top Personal Injury Lawyers. As personal injury lawyers, you never pay us a penny until we win your case. We're here and ready to help.
We have three offices but proudly serve the entire state with the ability to meet with you remotely from the comfort of your own home. Contact us for a free consultation so we can learn more about your dog bite or dog injury case and see how we can help you get the recovery you deserve after your situation occurs. The consultation is free, and there is absolutely no obligation to hire us.
