Lynn, MA Dog Bites Attorney
If a dog bit you in Lynn, 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.
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What Lynn residents should know about dog bites
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 Lynn.
Courts that serve Lynn for dog bites matters
Under M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1, Lynn is in the judicial district of the District Court of Southern Essex, which also covers Swampscott, Saugus, Marblehead and Nahant. Lynn is in Essex County, so a Superior Court case brought by a Lynn 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 Southern Essex | Civil claims up to $50,000 | Lynn, Swampscott, Saugus, Marblehead and Nahant |
| Essex Superior Court | Civil claims over $50,000 | 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970 |
First steps
- Get medical care and keep every record. Salem Hospital and Lawrence General Hospital are among the hospitals listed for Essex County, and the firm requests the records itself once you sign an authorization.
- Know the court: the District Court of Southern Essex 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 Southern Essex serves Lynn, Swampscott, Saugus, Marblehead and Nahant.
- 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.
“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.
“They were very knowledgeable and informative to all the issues I was experiencing. They also were very prompt in returning phone calls which is very important to me. Excellent experience.”
Linda R.
“Excellent service and advice. A true professional and responded very quickly to my questions.”
Robert L.
What do Lynn residents most often ask?
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Which District Court covers Lynn?
Under M.G.L. c. 218, sec. 1, Lynn is in the judicial district of the District Court of Southern Essex, which also covers Swampscott, Saugus, Marblehead and Nahant.
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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 Lynn, 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.
This page is legal information for $Lynn, Massachusetts readers, not legal advice for any particular matter. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Attorney advertising under Mass. R. Prof. C. 7.1 to 7.5. Responsible attorney: Jim Glaser, Massachusetts.