Lawrence, MA Dog Bites Attorney
If a dog bit you in Lawrence, the owner or keeper is liable under M.G.L. c. 140, sec. 155 without any proof the dog had bitten before; the only defenses are that you were trespassing or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog, and a child under seven is presumed to have done neither.
Last updated
Injured? Jimmy Wins, Or It's Free! No attorney fees unless we win your case.
Lawrence: the short answer
Massachusetts is a strict-liability state for dog attacks under M.G.L. c. 140 sec. 155. The owner or keeper of the dog is liable for the injury without any need to prove the animal had bitten before or that the owner knew it was dangerous, so the common-law one-bite rule does not apply here. The statute provides only two defenses: that the injured person was trespassing, or that the person was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time. A child under the age of seven is presumed by the statute not to have done either, which strengthens claims involving young children. Recovery usually comes from the owner's homeowner or renter insurance. The three-year limitations period under M.G.L. c. 260 sec. 2A applies. Jim Glaser Law evaluates Massachusetts dog-bite cases at no cost. Dog-bite matters are accepted on contingency, meaning no attorney's fee unless and until the matter resolves with a recovery to the client; case-related costs and expenses are addressed in the written fee agreement.
The full Massachusetts rules, statutes and typical timeline are on the dog bites page; this page covers what is specific to Lawrence.
Courts that serve Lawrence for dog bites matters
Under M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1, Lawrence is in the judicial district of the District Court of Lawrence, which also covers Andover, North Andover and Methuen. Lawrence is in Essex County, so a Superior Court case brought by a Lawrence resident goes to the Essex Superior Court.
A District Court civil case can be filed in the district where any party lives or has a usual place of business, or in an adjoining district (M.G.L. c. 223, sec. 2). Where the event happened does not decide it.
| Court | What it hears | District or address |
|---|---|---|
| District Court of Lawrence | Civil claims up to $50,000 | Lawrence, Andover, North Andover and Methuen |
| Essex Superior Court | Civil claims over $50,000 | 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970 |
First steps
- Get medical care and keep every record. Lawrence General Hospital is among the hospitals listed for Lawrence, and the firm requests the records itself once you sign an authorization.
- Know the court: the District Court of Lawrence hears claims up to $50,000 and the Essex Superior Court hears larger ones.
- Call (617) JIM-WINS before you file or appear, so the deadline and the right court are checked against your facts.
Key terms
- Judicial district
- The towns one District Court division serves, as listed in M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1. The District Court of Lawrence serves Lawrence, Andover, North Andover and Methuen.
- Venue
- The county or district where a case may be filed. Massachusetts sets it by where the parties live or work (M.G.L. c. 223, secs. 1 and 2).
Talk to the firm about your dog bite matter
Call us 24/7 for a free case review. Or send us your details and we will reach out to you within one business day.
Results as published by Jim Glaser Law on jimglaserlaw.com. Results vary and depend on the facts of each case. See all results
What clients sayClient reviews as published on jimglaserlaw.com.
“I contacted Jim Glaser Law on several occasions with some legal questions. Although I didn’t have a case, they were very knowledgeable and helpful. I also have several family members who have hired JGL and they were very satisfied with the service. Recommend.”
Barbara D.
“Jim and his team were fast, professional, understanding, and thorough. Jim made us feel at ease from the start, and was with us through the whole experience. I would recommend his firm to anyone.”
John C.
“Jim Glaser works hard and is incredibly responsive. He walked me through any questions I had with both my cases. I would refer him to anyone.”
Melissa P.
Frequently asked from Lawrence
-
Which District Court covers Lawrence?
Under M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1, Lawrence is in the judicial district of the District Court of Lawrence, which also covers Andover, North Andover and Methuen.
-
Where does a Superior Court case go from here?
A Superior Court case is filed in the county where one of the parties lives or has a usual place of business (M.G.L. c. 223, sec. 1). For someone who lives in Lawrence, that is Essex County, and the Essex Superior Court sits at 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970.
Related Massachusetts legal answers
- Do Beware of Dog Signs Affect Liability in Massachusetts?
- Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Massachusetts?
- What Happens When a Dog Bites Its Owner in Massachusetts?
- What Happens When a Dog Attacks Another Dog in Massachusetts?
- What Are the Dog Leash Laws in Massachusetts?
Browse every question in the Massachusetts legal answers library.
Information on this page is published as legal information, not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Attorney advertising under Mass. R. Prof. C. 7.1 to 7.5. Responsible attorney: Jim Glaser, Massachusetts.