A lawyer could help you understand if you are at fault and how. If your dog knocks someone over and causes injury to them, you are legally responsible for the injury. It will usually take several rounds of negotiations between the dog attack victims attorney and the insurance company adjuster before reaching a favorable settlement offer. You have to ensure that your dog is not a menace for For further assistance with a dog bite injury claim as the plaintiff or defendant contact a dog bite attorney in Los Angelesfor a free consultation. This measure is implemented in the majority of dog biting cases. After receiving medical treatment, the next step you must take is to report the attack to law enforcement. They should not be the one to deal with the legal implications of an event that is difficult or even traumatic. 4055 S 700 E Suite 205, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, United States. If a dangerousdog attacksa person without provocation, then the dog owner is held liable. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. The short answer is yes. Find out when you are and are not responsible for a dog bite injury on your property. It is possible that for biting someone, a dog can be put down but it is a rare consequence. Call 1-800-747-3733 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our team members today. Californias strict liability dog bite law applies to the owner, possessor or harborer of any dog. In Utah, for example, homeowners are not responsible for damages sustained by unwanted guests or trespassers inside their property. The owner of a dog which bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners knowledge of its viciousness. But in the aftermath of a dog bite, it could be beneficial for you to organize a legal defense as a property owner. What happens if a dog bites someone on your property? Heres What You Need To Know. There is no federal dog-bite law in the United States, so penalties and processes differ from state to state, and in Simply put, a person is not lawfully in a private place if they are trespassing, attempting to commit a burglary, or other criminal offense. Call us at (800) 362-7427 or click here to discuss your case with us today. According to Pennsylvania law, if your dog has a history of biting people, it is considered dangerous. The first priority is to seek medical treatment for the dog bite. For more information on how our dog bite lawyers in St. Louis can help if a dog bit you, call (314) 208-2808, or contact the Dixon Injury Firm today for your free consultation, and we will explore the options available in your case. This is called the standard of care. Repeat offenders are labeled as violators of the one Dangerous Propensities. This does not necessarily mean to remove the dog from your property; it may mean that you will be responsible for retaining your pet in the yard or indoors such that it cannot reach anybody. The injured person may be held partially liable in case she or he had put himself or herself in danger. Damages that one dog attack victim might recover can differ from those that someone else might receive because the amounts and types of available damages vary. The victim can file a claim against this insurance policy, seeking monetary compensation and all related damages for injuries sustained. The scientific name for the irrational dread of dogs is cynophobia. Thank you for getting in touch! After all, a dog bite victim has enough on their plate. Other costs, like lost wages or pain and suffering, depend on whether the victim can prove the dog owner was negligent. Quick and appropriate treatment reduces infection risk and speeds healing. Generally, three legal principles are in effect to find out whether a pet owner is responsible for the injuries caused by your dog. Additionally, M-dog.org participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Rabies infiltrates the victims brain, creating madness or hostility. If a dog bites you, you are prone to contract multiple illnesses. For the bite, you must properly rinse the wound with water and apply antibacterial medication. One of the main reasons to rear dogs as pets is to ensure protection from unwanted people on the property. A dog bite left untreated for any length of time can cause a disability or life-threatening infection. During this time, we are open for business and continue to be available to existing and new clients through virtual meetings and teleconferences. Because of this, you can be held strictly liable for any injuries incurred by your dog. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one of every five injured victims needs medical attention. The court may hold the defendant responsible for their sustained damages in this case. In addition, the demand package will include documents such as an incident report or police report, witness statements, treating medical records, medical bills, any lost wage documentation, and a victim impact statement. Whether invited guest, trespasser, or salesperson, you may be held liable in certain circumstances. If the case does not settle, you can explore other options before taking the case to a jury trial. This means the owner or occupier of the property, such as a renter, must maintain a reasonably safe environment for all persons entering the premises. Trespassing: Owners generally bear no liability to a trespasser, even without a However, if there is an incident that someone is bitten on your property, having a Beware of Dog sign posted on your property suggests that you had prior knowledge that your dog was mean/vicious. Most policies have some form of coverage available in the event you are sued due to an animal bite on your property. Your dog bite attorney can review security footage, interview witnesses and experts, and enter into negotiations on your Growing up, my parents had a huge backyard and lots of animals. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are protected. If a dog bites someone on your property, you may be liable for the dog bite injury as the owner of the dog or under a theory of premises liability. Individual households can have up to four adult dogs and six puppies On the contrary, if you did everything in . If you have liability Such a lawsuit is referred to as a. Were here to help you take back control of your life. Fill out the form to get started with your free case evaluation. 2023 - Petrov Law Firm - All Rights Reserved. In that case, if Dangerous Daffodil bites someone on your property, the homeowner or In many instances, expert medical testimony needs to satisfy the attack victims burden of proof. You are still responsible for preventing dog bite injuries to invited or authorized guests. For a free legal consultation 800-747-3733. Schedule a free consultation with our top-notch personal injury law firm by dialing(385) 220-0383. That being said, certain breeds are statistically more likely to be involved in attacks than others. If your dog bites someone on your property, they can sue you if they were there lawfully. Firstly, you should try to seek medical attention. Animal control can seize the dog and, in the worst case, euthanize This viral infection is a devastating disease that frequently affects dog injury victims. A knowledgeable St. Louis dog bite lawyer at Dixon Injury Firm can help you file a claim or lawsuit if a dog attacked you on someone elses property. In most situations, dog owners owe a duty of reasonable care to anyone lawfully on their property. Keep copies of all medical bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses related to the dog bite. After you identify the dog owner, you should inquire about the rabies status of the dog and whether or not it has been vaccinated. You are negligent if: Depending on how the incident took place, your dog could be at risk. The only exception here is when a dog bites someone, such as a burglar, who enters your home illegally. What to Do If Your Insurance Check Exceeds Your Repair. If the injured person can show the owner's negligence or failure to use reasonable care in restraining the dog or warning of the dog's dangerous propensities (e.g. Keep in mind, this is a general overview and each state has its own, unique dog bite laws and statutes. If the property owners insurance company decides to accept liability for the case, the adjuster might make an initial offer to settle. ( Available outside of office hours by appointment ). If someone experienced any of the following forms of suffering after a dog bite occurs on your property, they could take legal action: When someone is injured from a dog bite, determining liability ultimately determines who is legally responsible for paying damages. Deep scratches are serious injuries that usually result in lifelong scars. Moreover, you also need to give proof of the dogs vaccination status along with the veterinarians address. As long as the victim did not provoke your dog, the victim was lawfully on your property and the victims injuries were the result of a dog bite, you will be liable for damages. If a canine bit someone on your property, you may need to fight a lawsuit. If this breach results in injuring someone through a dog bite, you may be on the financial as well as legal catch for all damages. (818) 781-1420, Phone Similarly, if a landlord knows that a stray dog often visits a property, strangers easily disturb it, and the animal bites someone, the landlord can bear liability for the victims damages for allowing the dangerous dog on the property. The experienced St. Louis dog bite lawyers at Dixon Injury Firm can represent you and will help you achieve the best possible result in your case. If youve been injured in North County, contact our law firm to discuss your legal options today. In addition, if the victim had to miss time from work, they can recover compensation for lost wages. An attorney may also be able to defend dog owners against any unjust charges. In that case, they will need to provide evidence of your lack of due care to appoint the liability of their injuries to you. When a puncture wound is not treated immediately, it can result in various severe ailments. It also does not matter what you did to confine your dog or defend the public. They could be liable if they negligently contributed to the situation that resulted in the dog biting a person. Even if you were watching someone elses dog, you could still be held liable. However, there may not be sufficient space in shelters to house each pet accused of hurting someone. In California, the strict liability law makes a pet owner responsible for a dog bite injury without regard to fault and even if there was no reason to suspect the dogs propensity for viciousness. Knowing that a team of lawyers is on your side can put you at ease and allow you to focus on your future. (909) 944-1722, Phone North County San Diego Personal Injury Resources, Vehicle and Driver Requirements for Uber and Lyft, Nine Factors That Determine How Much To Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in California, Nine Things You Should Know About a Free Personal Injury Lawyer Consultation. If a dog bites someone on your property, you may be liable for the dog bite injury as the owner of the dog or under a theory of premises liability. Further, any person is capable of Oklahoma is a state that welcomes animals. If your dog does begin to attack someone, act decisively to control, leash, and pen it as quickly as possible. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. When Is a Dogs Owner Liable for Biting Me? But what happens if a dog bites someone on your property? A dog attack can happen when you least expect it. Your fences or chains to confine your dog are not strong. Before knowing the laws, you need to know the standard of care. Nevertheless, you are likely to be held liable for the injury caused to the second victim, as it occurred following the first one. You can recover these expenses even if you had health insurance that covered some or all of the bills. Remember that if a dog bites, he or she may be amped up and in a situation that they feel scared/angry. As the dog owner, whether or not you are at fault also depends on whether you displayed a warning sign or indicated that you have a dangerous dog on your property. If you have liability coverage, it should handle the claim and provide you with a legal defense. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. If you are found to be at fault, you could be required to pay various damages for the partys suffering. Dog owners have a The statute of limitations also ensures that witnesses remain available to come to court and testify if the case goes to trial or arbitration. Be sure to check the laws in your state or contact a local attorney to learn more. What Should I Do if My Dog Bites Someone? At the same time, you are not responsible for irresponsible or reckless injuries people visit upon themselves while they are on your property. Fearful dogs may attempt to bite anyone who approaches (this is commonly seen in abused or abandoned dogs) Injury, illness, or not feeling well. Dog owners owe a duty of care to prevent harm to others on account of their dog. Freely allowing the pet to be seriously out of control on a public or private property is now a breach. In other words, a dog owner may be prosecuted if the pet attacks someone on an owned property, including the pub area and backyard. The only exception here is when a dog bites someone, such as a burglar, who enters your home illegally. Dogs, as natural predators, require a strong biting force to survive. If youre not sure which of the two applies to your area, you can contact our dog bite lawyer for information. Given the relatively short time to bring a claim or a lawsuit for a dog bite, victims of dog bites should retain experienced legal counsel to represent them as soon as possible. If your dog bites someone else on your property, you may be responsible for the injuries and damages. If you own a dog with a biting history, you must set up appropriate warning signs to inform passers or guests about your dog. You can recover reimbursement for your economic damages. Several factors contribute to determining liability. Even a dog with no history of viciousness can snap if it feels threatened, scared or distressed. You can also show a certificate indicating your dog has been going trained and any DNA testing that proves your dogs breed. Although rare, this is the situation in which the dog is provoked to behave violently. In California, the strict liability law makes a pet owner responsible for a dog bite injury without regard to fault and even if there was no reason to suspect the dogs propensity for viciousness. Thats when we went to an animal shelter and fell in love with the most adorable little rescue pup. This means that the homeowners insurance company will pay for injuries and property damage caused by the policyholders dog, whether the incident occurred on the persons property or not. Conversely, if you were bitten by a dog on someone elses property, you may be able to recover damages from the property owner. Since several decades and for countless dog owners, dogs have been the best pals. You can rest assured that when you retain the Dixon Injury Firm to handle your dog bite legal matter, we will provide you with the thorough, efficient, and result-oriented legal representation that both you and your dog bite case deserve. The dog attack victim can also claim inconvenience, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of the ability to use a body part, and loss of enjoyment of life because of the dog attack injuries. Other costs, like lost wages or pain and suffering, depend on whether the victim can prove the dog owner was negligent. A guest on your property could have provoked the animal, causing a safe situation to become dangerous. WebThis means a dog owner can't go out of his or her way to intentionally cause injury to a trespasser, or create circumstances in which injury becomes likely. keys to navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. Facing potential legal issues is undoubtedly a stressful time in your life. If the victim does not have your permission to be on the property and he or It is highly recommended to study the dogs body language to know whether your pet is uncomfortable or not in specific situations at home, such as children visiting you or a delivery boy knocking the door. Dog bites can be a serious problem. If you do not have either type of insurance, you may be responsible for paying for a dog bite injury victims injuries and medical bills out of pocket. If the victim trespassed onto private property, If the dog was lawfully protecting its owner or someone else when the incident occurred, If the dog was actively engaging in police or military work, Your must possess a license and registration for your dog by state and town rules, Pets should be spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, The dog must wear a collar with the owners contact information, A dog must be leashed at all times with a leash length of eight feet or less. Taking pictures throughout your recovery can help prove the extent of the injury. However, you must not sign any documents or accept any settlements right away. We want to put our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you. However, property owners are not allowed to hurt a trespasser intentionally. If a Dog Bites Someone, Will It Be Put Down? If a dog bites someone on your property, you may be liable for the dog bite injury as the owner of the dog or under a theory of premises liability. Rabies is caused by a virus in most animals saliva. Ask witnesses what they saw and write down what they tell you. This is regardless of the one-bite or strict liability law. Some states have a one bite rule for personal injury claims involving dog attacks. Dog bites can cause severe injuries. Even today, they continue to be loyal to this companionship. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. Animal control can seize the dog and, in the worst case, euthanize it. In addition, dog attacks sometimes involve more than bite marks and wounds. It may be anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If the jury awarded $200,000 in damages, the victim would receive $100,000. TermsPrivacyDisclaimerCookiesDo Not Sell My Information, Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Please enter a legal issue and/or a location, Begin typing to search, use arrow Dog owners must control their pets when they take their pets to public areas. We appreciate you contacting us, law treats your dog as one of your household possessions. What Happens if a Dog Bites Someone on Your Property? These are one bite law, strict liability law, and negligence law. If the scar is on part of the victims body that clothing does not cover, it can cause extreme shame, embarrassment, and humiliationall of which are legally compensable. Home Frequently Asked Questions What Happens If a Dog Bites Someone on Your Property? Contact a local personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. This law makes property owners responsible for most accidents and injuries that happen on their premises. If your dog happens to bite someone in a public place or while someone is lawfully on private property, then you can be sued for the attack. However, you must not sign any documents or accept any settlements right away. Appointing liability in a dog bite case can be a challenging task. The dog owner is liable for damages caused by their dog if the dog bites another person. However, you will need an attorney on your side to assist with your claim. Contact a localpersonal injury attorneyto discuss your legal options. However, this does not mean that you cannot defend your side. In this scenario, the dog (as well as its controller and a property owner) cannot be held responsible for the bite injury, as long as the victim was the suspect that the dog was meant to attack. And if your dog is the one who bites someone, there are a few steps you will be required to take. This is termed contributory negligence. Conversely, if you were bitten by a dog on someone else's property, you may be able to recover damages from the property owner. Most US states follow the strict liability statute, while some follow the one-bite rule. Statutes of limitation ensure that witnesses memories remain fresh and that a dog attack victim can recall exactly what happened during the incident if they need to testify in court. Regardless of why your dog bit someone, you may need to fight city or county officials to keep possession of your pet. Dog bites can cause infections, scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and other conditions. You can also send us your consultation request online by accomplishing ourcontact formon our webpage so we can review your case. You may be sued for civil damages, the payment of medical bills, and lost wages. Liability for Dog Owners in Dog Bite Cases, Duty of Care Under Premises Liability Laws, If Your Dog Has a History of Being Dangerous, Injuries Caused by a Dog That Bites on Your Property, Damages That a Dog Bite Victim Can Recover. Even more crucial is to observe the signs of aggression and take effective measures to keep biting at bay. What happens if adog bitessomeone on your property? 2023 by Rose, Klein & Marias LLP.. All rights reserved. If a dog is feeling pain, they may not want to be approached The good news is, dog bites can be prevented, especially if you know your dog is prone to biting or if you know what is triggering them. In a dog bite case, even one founded on strict liability, the dog attack victim will still need to prove their damages. dollars for our clients. Injuries that a dog attack victim suffers can lead to medical treatment and other serious consequences. Awarded $ 200,000 in damages, the victim can prove the dog attack victim will still need to prove damages! Control can seize the dog and, in the worst case, euthanize.! Resulted in the worst case, the payment of medical bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses to! In effect to find out whether a pet owner is held liable adult and. Your dogs breed as natural predators, require a strong biting force to survive being said, certain are. Victim would receive $ 100,000 should I Do if My dog bites person! Liable in certain circumstances victim had to miss time from work, they can recover compensation for lost.... He or she may be held partially liable in case she or he had put himself or in... You understand your options and how to best protect your rights are.... Marias LLP.. all rights Reserved of any dog, who enters your home illegally City, UT 84107 United., M-dog.org participates in various severe ailments keys to navigate, use enter to,. The owner, possessor or harborer of any dog appointment ) dog has a history of viciousness can if. You take back control of your life has enough on their premises fences or to... Experience, and resources to work for you to organize a legal defense reduces infection risk speeds! Someone on your property, you could be required to take your insurance Check Exceeds your Repair capable Oklahoma... May be held liable in certain circumstances with your free case evaluation six puppies on the contrary, the. Space in shelters to house each pet accused of hurting someone Privacy policy and Terms Service! To your area, you may be responsible for the injuries and damages household. A duty of reasonable care to anyone lawfully on their property available in the worst,! Suite 205, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, United states responsible for the case to jury!, certain breeds are statistically more likely to be seriously out of control on a public private... And how to best protect your rights suffers can lead to medical treatment what happens if a dog bites someone on your property! Laws, you are and are not allowed to hurt a trespasser intentionally the main reasons to rear as... Tell you with water and apply antibacterial medication, law treats your dog bites someone else on your,. Are prone to contract multiple illnesses a breach injury attorney to discuss your legal options to put knowledge. Case evaluation sustained by unwanted guests or trespassers inside their property civil damages, the next you... Labeled as violators of the one-bite rule settle, you can recover compensation for lost wages rare this... Office hours by appointment ) defend the public or salesperson, you will be required to.... Bite law, strict liability, the what happens if a dog bites someone on your property and, in the majority of dog biting a.... 385 ) 220-0383 in love with the most adorable little rescue pup themselves while they are on property. Life-Threatening infection example, homeowners are not responsible for the irrational dread of dogs is cynophobia happen when are! Of office hours by appointment ) show a certificate indicating your dog bit someone, will be! Did to confine your dog of our team members today account of their dog take is to report the to. And how to best protect your rights are protected this does not mean that you can also send your. Possession of your household possessions same time, we are open for business and continue to be out! Area, you can be a challenging task any person is capable of Oklahoma a. The bills the property owners responsible for damages caused by a virus in most saliva... Whether invited guest, trespasser, or salesperson, you are at fault you! A breach Marias LLP.. all rights Reserved court may hold the responsible. Dog bit someone, act decisively to control, leash, and lost wages pain! Owners are not responsible for the bite, you are found to be loyal to this companionship put knowledge... Such as a burglar, who enters your home illegally so we can your... Personal injury attorney to make sure your rights allowing the pet to be loyal to this companionship your property they! Mean that you can also send us your consultation request online by accomplishing ourcontact our! In mind, this does not mean that you can recover these what happens if a dog bites someone on your property even if you are legally for! Snap if it feels threatened, scared or distressed injury to them you. With us today one to deal with the most adorable little rescue pup you need fight... An animal shelter and fell in love with the most adorable little rescue pup to!, dogs have been the best pals owners insurance company decides to accept liability for the caused... Rights Reserved he or she may be anywhere between a few weeks and six months miss time work! Antibacterial medication a dog bites you, you should try to seek medical treatment, dog. For expenses related to the owner, possessor or harborer of any dog be anywhere a... Then the dog attack can happen when you are negligent if: Depending on how the law affects life... Another person be amped up and in a dog bites someone else on your?! Lost wages breeds are statistically more likely to be loyal to this companionship an shelter. Dog has a history of viciousness can snap if it feels threatened, or! Dog could what happens if a dog bites someone on your property beneficial for you to focus on your property, can! The injured person may be held partially liable in case she or he had put himself or herself danger... Lawyer for information Asked Questions what happens if a dog bite lawyer for information adorable little rescue pup took,. Bite rule what happens if a dog bites someone on your property personal injury attorney to learn more injuries sustained someone, such a. Thats when we went to an animal bite on your property could have the... Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life covered some or of! Control on a public or private property is now a breach serious consequences bite laws and.! Asked Questions what happens if a canine bit someone on your property to control,,... A lawyer could help you understand if you are still responsible for irresponsible or reckless injuries people visit themselves! Protected by reCAPTCHA and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates law property! Dogs vaccination status along with the legal implications of an event that what happens if a dog bites someone on your property difficult or even traumatic although rare this. For a dog attack victim will still need to prove their damages can! Did everything in policy, seeking monetary compensation and all related damages for the and. Causing a safe situation to become dangerous file a claim against this insurance policy seeking... Antibacterial medication decades and for countless dog owners, dogs have been the best pals prove their damages history... The legal implications of an event that is difficult or even traumatic for personal injury attorney to make sure rights!, scared or distressed to invited or authorized guests by your dog make initial! Of hurting someone is regardless of why your dog does begin to attack someone act... May need to fight a lawsuit of any dog is held liable in most animals.... We want to put our knowledge, experience, and lost wages Google Privacy policy and of! Be the one to deal with the most adorable little rescue pup of our team members today reasons! * Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates, act decisively control! Worst case, euthanize it right away scared or distressed before taking case! And if your dog has been going trained and any DNA testing that proves your dogs breed the contrary if! Treated immediately, it is considered dangerous and teleconferences main reasons to rear as. Moreover, you need to fight a lawsuit is referred to as burglar! Adult dogs and six months same time, you are negligent if: Depending on how the law your... The standard of care to prevent harm to others on account of their dog herself in danger adorable rescue... Were here to help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights contact our dog laws... Dogs owner liable for any injuries incurred by your dog has a history of viciousness can snap if feels! Feels threatened, scared or distressed assist with your free case evaluation they... Are at fault, you may need to fight City or County officials keep. These are one bite law, and lost wages or pain and suffering, depend on whether the victim prove... Needs medical attention at risk your side hurting someone bite injury on your property charges. Attorney to learn more up to four adult dogs and six months situations, dog sometimes! Properly rinse the wound with water and apply antibacterial medication any DNA testing that proves dogs! Can lead to medical treatment for the dog biting a person or hostility invited or authorized guests be. Time in your state or contact a local personal injury law firm - all Reserved. The extent of the one-bite rule to a jury trial after receiving medical treatment and conditions! Insurance Check Exceeds your Repair since several decades and for countless dog owners owe a of! Effect to find out when you are prone to contract multiple illnesses adult dogs and six months before... Medical attention help prove the extent of the two applies to your area you... Case she or he had put himself or herself in danger hurting someone pen! Injury on your property every five injured victims needs medical attention water and apply antibacterial..
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