Massachusetts General Laws Part III. Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases (Ch. 211-262) Ch. 253, § 48B

The owner of a dam shall be responsible for liability for damage to property of others or injury to persons, including but not limited to loss of life, resulting from the operation, failure of or misoperation of a dam. The provisions of sections 44 to 48, inclusive, shall not relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, or operating a dam from any damages to persons or property caused by dam defects, nor shall the commissioner be held liable by reason of the inspections required or permits issued.