New Hampshire Dog Bite Injury Attorney
Last Updated 3.14.26
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Apis Law represents victims of dog bites across New Hampshire, helping clients recover compensation for medical bills, scarring, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Attorney Keith F. Diaz has 22 years of experience in New Hampshire personal injury claims, protecting the rights of injury victims and holding negligent dog owners accountable.
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Free case evaluation — no fees unless we win
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Serving Goffstown, Manchester, Bedford, Concord, Nashua, and nearby towns
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Experienced with New Hampshire’s strict-liability dog bite law (RSA 466:19)
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We manage insurance claims, medical billing, and negotiations directly
Start your free consultation today — call (603) 785-1013 or visit ApisLaw.com/contact
Trusted by clients across New Hampshire
BBB Accredited | NH Bar Member | Five-Star Rated on Google
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Apis Law (Keith) was great in helping me with a dog bite / personal injury, I am extremely satisfied with his assistance and professionalism. He’s an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him.
S. Marchesseault
Apis law handled my dog bite case, my attorney was very forthcoming was very clear on possible outcomes and got me more than I expected in my settlement great law firm and I had a great lawyer! If I ever need an attorney again I know where I'll be going.
Scotty Russell
New Hampshire protects dog bite victims under a strict liability statute, RSA 466:19. This law holds dog owners responsible when their animal injures another person, even if the dog never bit anyone before. Victims do not need to prove that the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous.
Under RSA 466:19, an injured person may recover compensation from anyone who owns, keeps, or controls a dog that causes harm. The law applies whether the injury came from a bite or other “mischievous conduct,” such as a dog knocking someone down or chasing a cyclist.
What You Must Prove to Win a Dog Bite Case in New Hampshire
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The dog was owned, kept, or controlled by someone other than you;
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The dog bit or injured you; and,
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The attack caused physical or emotional harm
That’s all New Hampshire law requires — no need to show prior attacks or negligence. This strict standard gives victims a stronger path to compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable
Owners, Keepers, and Possessors
NH Law Holds More Than Just the “Owner” Liable
Under RSA 466:19, liability extends to anyone who owns, keeps, or has possession of the dog that caused the injury. New Hampshire courts have defined each of these terms specifically, and understanding them matters because the person who was walking, housing, or watching the dog may be legally responsible — even if they are not the registered owner.
What “Owns” Means Under NH Law
Ownership means managing, controlling, or caring for the dog in the general way that dog owners customarily look after their animals. You do not need to hold a license or registration to be considered the “owner” for purposes of liability. See Janus v. Akstin, 91 N.H. 373 (1941).
What “Keeps” Means
A person “keeps” a dog when they exercise a substantial number of the incidents of ownership, even without being the actual owner. Simply allowing a dog’s casual presence on your property does not make you the keeper, nor does temporarily feeding or sheltering a stray. But if you undertake to manage, control, and care for the dog in the way owners typically do, you become the keeper and can be held liable. See Raymond v. Bujold, 89 N.H. 380 (1938).
What “Possession” Means
Possession under the dog bite statute requires more than just being near the dog. It means having the right to control, supervise, and direct the animal — to determine how and where it is kept and to direct its movements. A person has possession when they exercise care, custody, or control over the dog, even temporarily. See Glidden v. Szybiak, 95 N.H. 318 (1949); Janus v. Akstin, 91 N.H. 373 (1941).
Why This Matters: In many dog bite cases, the registered owner is not the person who had control of the dog at the time of the attack. The dog may have been in the care of a friend, family member, dog walker, or landlord. Attorney Diaz identifies every potentially liable party — not just the owner — to maximize the sources of recovery available to you.
The Trespass Defense — and Why It Rarely Applies
When the Dog Owner Cannot Use the “Trespass” Defense
Under RSA 466:19, a dog owner has only two defenses to strict liability: the injured person was trespassing on the owner’s property, or the injured person was engaging in tortious conduct (such as provoking the dog). Your page already covers provocation. The trespass defense deserves equal attention because insurance companies regularly raise it — and it rarely holds up.
NH courts narrowly define “trespass” under the dog-bite statute. It does not include a person who uses or attempts to use a walkway to another’s building or premises if the use was for a lawful purpose and made in a lawful, reasonable manner under reasonable circumstances. See Frenette v. Gillis, 106 N.H. 210 (1965).
In Frenette, the NH Supreme Court held that a plaintiff who entered the defendant’s property on lawful business, at a reasonable hour, without being warned or asked to leave, and without disturbing or damaging the property, was not a “trespasser” under RSA 466:19. The trespass defense failed.
This means that delivery drivers, mail carriers, guests, customers, neighbors walking to the front door, and children visiting a friend’s home are almost never considered trespassers. The defense is essentially limited to people who unlawfully enter private property — not to people conducting normal, everyday activities.
Key Takeaway: If the dog owner’s insurance company argues that you were trespassing, do not accept that characterization without speaking to an attorney. The legal definition of trespass under the dog bite statute is narrow, and most visitors to a property do not meet it.
Comparative Causation in Dog Bite Cases
How Fault Works Differently in Strict Liability Dog Cases
New Hampshire’s comparative fault statute (RSA 507:7-d) applies to dog bite cases, but it works differently than in a typical negligence case like a car accident. The NH Supreme Court addressed this directly in Bohan v. Ritzo, 141 N.H. 210 (1996), establishing the standard that governs every dog bite case in the state.
Comparative Causation, Not Comparative Negligence
In a strict liability dog bite case, the jury does not compare the “negligence” of the plaintiff and defendant the way it would in a car accident case. Instead, the court uses a “comparative causation” instruction. The jury considers whether the plaintiff knowingly put themselves into a dangerous situation or provoked the dog, thereby creating or exacerbating their own risk of harm.
When the Defense Applies
The comparative causation instruction is only appropriate when the evidence actually shows that the plaintiff did something to provoke the dog or knowingly put themselves in danger. If there is no evidence of provocation or misconduct by the victim, the instruction should not be given at all. In Bohan, the trial judge properly refused to give a comparative fault instruction because the evidence did not show any misconduct by the plaintiff. The NH Supreme Court upheld that decision.
What This Means for You
This is a significant protection for dog bite victims. In a car accident, the insurance company can argue you were partly at fault for speeding, not braking, or being distracted. In a dog bite case, the bar is higher — they must show you actually provoked the animal or knowingly put yourself in harm’s way. Simply being near the dog, walking through the owner’s yard, or failing to avoid the dog is not enough.
Insurance Tactic: Adjusters in dog bite cases frequently argue that the victim “should have known” the dog was dangerous or “should have avoided” the animal. Under Bohan, this argument fails unless there is actual evidence of provocation. Attorney Diaz challenges these assertions with the specific legal standard the court applies.
You Don’t Need to Prove a Bite —
“Mischievous Conduct” Is Enough
Injuries Without a Bite Are Fully Compensable
A common misconception is that the dog bite statute only covers actual bites. That is not the law. Under RSA 466:19, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog’s “vicious or mischievous acts.” The victim does not need to prove an actual bite or other direct physical contact, so long as the injury was caused by the dog’s conduct. See Allgeyer v. Lincoln, 125 N.H. 503 (1984).
The leading case is Bohan v. Ritzo, 141 N.H. 210 (1996). In Bohan, the defendant’s dog ran into the road and frightened the plaintiff, who fell off his bicycle and was injured. There was no bite. The NH Supreme Court held the dog’s owner liable because the injury was caused by the dog’s mischievous conduct. The court confirmed that the strict liability standard under RSA 466:19 applies to all injuries caused by a dog’s vicious or mischievous behavior, not just bites.
This means that if a dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, lunged at you causing you to fall, or caused a car accident by running into the road, the owner can be held strictly liable for your injuries under the same statute.
Practical Example: Apis Law has represented clients injured when a dog jumped on them, chased them while they were running, or caused a fall on the stairs. These are all compensable claims under RSA 466:19 — the key question is whether the dog’s conduct caused your injury, not whether the dog physically bit you.
Compensation Available After a Dog Bite
in New Hampshire
A dog bite can leave lasting physical scars, emotional trauma, and steep medical bills. Under New Hampshire law, victims are entitled to full compensation for every harm caused by the attack — not just medical expenses. Apis Law helps clients recover every dollar available through insurance or civil judgment.
Common Physical Injuries from Dog Attacks
The force of a dog’s jaw can cause deep puncture wounds, tissue tears, and nerve damage. Victims frequently experience broken bones when defending themselves, along with severe lacerations that require stitches or reconstructive surgery. Many clients also develop scarring or disfigurement that affects their daily life and confidence.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Beyond physical harm, victims often experience post-traumatic stress, nightmares, anxiety, and fear of animals. These symptoms can make daily life difficult and are compensable under New Hampshire law as emotional distress damages.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
• Medical Expenses: Hospital visits, surgery, therapy, medication, and future care costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering, plus reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for lasting pain, emotional trauma, and anxiety
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Visible or permanent injuries that affect appearance or mobility
• Emotional Distress: Nightmares, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When your injuries limit daily activities or social interactions
Apis Law documents each element of loss through medical records, expert reports, and psychological evaluations. This ensures your case fully reflects both your visible and invisible injuries.
Long-Term Recovery and Financial Impact
Recovery from a dog bite may require hospitalization, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. Some victims lose weeks or months of income while healing. Apis Law works with medical professionals and insurers to document every cost, ensuring your settlement reflects both current and future damages.
Average Dog Bite Settlements in New Hampshire
While no two cases are alike, New Hampshire dog bite settlements often range between $30,000 and $75,000, depending on the severity of the injury, scarring, and insurance limits. Cases involving unvaccinated dogs or rabies treatment can exceed $80,000 due to the cost and trauma of post-exposure vaccination.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often undervalue dog bite claims — especially when victims lack experienced legal counsel. Attorney Keith F. Diaz negotiates directly with insurers, using medical and photographic evidence to maximize recovery. If the insurance carrier refuses a fair offer, Apis Law is ready to litigate.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in New Hampshire, don’t settle for less than your case is worth. 📞 Call (603) 785-1013 or visit Apislaw.com/contact for a free case evaluation.
Bystander Emotional Distress —
What NH Law Does Not Allow
An Important Limitation on Emotional Distress Claims
While victims of dog attacks can recover for their own emotional distress, New Hampshire law does not allow recovery for bystander emotional distress under the dog bite statute. In Douglas v. Fulis, 138 N.H. 740 (1994), the NH Supreme Court held that RSA 466:19 does not authorize damages for a person who witnesses a dog attack on someone else but is not physically injured themselves.
This means that if you watched your child or a family member get attacked by a dog, you may not have an independent claim for your own emotional trauma under the strict liability statute. However, the person who was actually bitten or injured retains their full claim for all damages, including their own emotional distress, pain and suffering, and psychological treatment costs.
Transparency Note: Addressing this limitation openly on the page builds trust with prospective clients. It shows that Attorney Diaz provides honest legal assessments rather than overpromising. Clients appreciate knowing the boundaries of their claims upfront.
Delivery Drivers and Dog Bites in New Hampshire
Delivery drivers face one of the highest risks for dog bite injuries in New Hampshire. Postal carriers, Amazon drivers, DoorDash couriers, and gig workers enter unfamiliar yards and porches daily — often without knowing if a dog is present or restrained.
Why Delivery Workers Are at Higher Risk
Each stop brings a new environment, and even friendly dogs can become aggressive when strangers approach their homes. Dogs instinctively protect their territory, and fast-moving or uniformed workers can trigger that instinct. Tight delivery schedules only add to the danger, forcing workers to move quickly without time to assess the surroundings.
Delivery Drivers in New Hampshire are Most At Risk for Dog Bite
The risk of dog bites isn’t limited to just one type of delivery driver. While USPS workers are often the most publicized due to the sheer volume of mail delivered, other companies face the same risks. UPS drivers, DHL, GrubHub, Instacart, Uber Eats, FedEx personnel, Amazon couriers, and DoorDash delivery workers all navigate homes and businesses where dogs may be present. The constant interaction with unfamiliar dogs increases their chance of encountering an aggressive pet. Companies like Amazon and DoorDash, who deal with residential deliveries regularly, are especially vulnerable as more people stay home and order from their devices.
Legal Rights for Delivery Drivers in Dog Bite Cases
Under RSA 466:19, delivery personnel are protected the same as any other victim. The law allows full recovery from a dog’s owner or keeper for any injury caused by the dog’s bite or attack — even if the animal never showed aggression before.
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, workers may recover compensation for permanent scarring, emotional distress, and lost earning capacity. If the injury occurred during employment, workers’ compensation and civil damages may both apply.
Documenting Your Injury for Maximum Recovery
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Seek immediate medical care and photograph all visible injuries
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Notify your employer and request a written report
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Identify the property address and the dog’s owner, if possible
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Contact local authorities for animal control documentation
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Speak with a dog bite attorney before the insurance company contacts you
If you’re a delivery driver, postal worker, or contractor bitten by a dog in New Hampshire, you may have multiple claims available.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 or visit Apislaw.com/contact for a free consultation.
Municipal Liability for Dog-Related Injuries
When a City or Town May Be Liable
In certain cases, a municipality may bear liability for injuries caused by dogs. The NH Supreme Court has addressed this in Cui v. Chief, Barrington Police Department, 155 N.H. 447 (2007). Municipal liability may arise when animal control officers fail to enforce leash laws or impound a known dangerous dog, when the municipality has notice of a dangerous animal and takes no action, or when government employees are involved in the dog’s handling or control. These claims involve additional procedural requirements and notice provisions that differ from standard dog bite cases. Attorney Diaz evaluates whether municipal liability applies as part of his investigation of every dog attack case.
Rabies Vaccination in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bites involving unvaccinated animals often lead to larger settlements in New Hampshire. The reason is simple: rabies exposure requires an expensive and painful course of treatment that adds both medical and emotional damages to the victim’s claim.
Rabies Treatment After a Dog Bite
When a dog’s vaccination has expired, the victim must undergo a series of post-exposure rabies injections — often five or more shots administered over several weeks. The average cost exceeds $10,000, including immune-globulin therapy and follow-up care.
Beyond the cost, rabies treatment causes significant stress and fear. The anxiety of potential infection and the physical discomfort of multiple injections are compensable damages in civil court.
Steps to Take After a Potential Rabies Exposure
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Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 minutes
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Seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations
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Report the incident to local law enforcement or animal control
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Ask the dog’s owner for proof of current vaccination
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Contact a personal-injury attorney before speaking to any insurance adjuster
If you were bitten by a dog that was not vaccinated against rabies, Apis Law will pursue full compensation for your medical bills, treatment pain, and emotional distress.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 or visit Apislaw.com/contact for a free consultation.
ADVOCATE | COUNSELOR | LITIGATOR
Why Choose Apis Law for Your Dog Bite Case
Apis Law combines deep legal experience with personal commitment. Led by Attorney Keith F. Diaz, the firm has represented injury victims across New Hampshire for 22 years, including cases involving dog bites, animal attacks, and other negligence claims.
Proven Results in Dog Bite and Injury Claims
Attorney Diaz has secured substantial settlements for clients suffering from dog bite injuries — from children bitten in neighborhood yards to delivery drivers attacked while on duty. His approach blends strategic negotiation with trial readiness, ensuring that insurers know the case will go to court if they refuse fair compensation.
Focused on You — Not the Insurance Company
At Apis Law, you deal directly with your attorney — not a call center or case manager. Every case begins with a free consultation and personalized evaluation. From start to finish, your lawyer communicates with you directly, providing honest advice and clear expectations.
Local Representation with a Statewide Reach
From Manchester to Concord, Bedford, and Keene, Apis Law represents clients in communities across the state. The firm’s office in Goffstown, New Hampshire, is centrally located for easy access to clients throughout Hillsborough County and beyond.
No Fees Unless We Win
Apis Law handles all personal injury and dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless the firm successfully recovers compensation for you. That means no hourly rates, no retainers, and no financial risk to you.
📞 Call (603) 785-1013 or visit Apislaw.com/contact to schedule a free consultation today.
Get straightforward advice, clear expectations, and powerful representation from a firm that fights to win.
"Attorney Keith Diaz is the best personal injury lawyer I have worked with. From the beginning, he explained everything to me and was always very responsive when
I had questions. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney, I highly recommend his law office and would definitely work with Keith again." M.Gosselin
About the Author
Keith F. Diaz, Esq. | New Hampshire Bar No. 15831
Attorney Keith F. Diaz has practiced law in New Hampshire since 2003. He began his career as a criminal prosecutor in Rockingham County before transitioning to civil litigation in 2005. Today he represents individuals in personal injury and employment law matters throughout Southern New Hampshire. He is admitted to practice before the New Hampshire Supreme Court, the New Hampshire Superior and Circuit Courts, and the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. He founded Apis Law in 2022.
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