Each state handles dog bite liability differently, and understanding those differences can make or break your case.
In Rhode Island, dog bite claims are generally governed by a strict liability statute—R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-16. This means that a dog owner is liable if their dog bites someone outside the owner’s enclosed property, regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before. Even if the dog had never bitten anyone, the owner can still be held legally responsible.
In Massachusetts, the law also imposes strict liability under M.G.L. c. 140, § 155, but the statute applies even on the owner’s property. In both states, the victim does not have to prove negligence—only that the attack occurred and that they weren’t trespassing, teasing, or provoking the animal.
At Corrao & Robles Law, our attorneys are well-versed in both states’ dog bite laws. Whether your injury happened in Providence, Warwick, Fall River, or Attleboro, we know how to navigate the different legal standards and fight for the best possible result.