We already discussed the liabilities accompanying if your dog bites another person. The victim will simply sign a release that states that they will not file a claim or lawsuit at any point in the future arising from the same incident. Both can be important if a report is filed. Fill out the form to get started with your free case evaluation. This is regardless of the one-bite or strict liability law. Its vital to talk to your lawyer about the injuries you sustained from a dog attack. After receiving medical treatment, the next step you must take is to report the attack to law enforcement. Conversely, if you were bitten by a dog on someone else's property, you may be able to recover damages from the property owner. Please fill out our form below to get started today. 2023 - Petrov Law Firm - All Rights Reserved. For the bite, you must properly rinse the wound with water and apply antibacterial medication. In the absence of valid insurance coverage, you could pay the medical expenses of the injured person and even reimburse the other losses apart from paying your legal fees. Petrov Law Firm | October 21, 2022 | Personal Injury. If you had a dangerous or untrained dog on your property at the time of the bite, you could be held liable for resulting injuries and damages. 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. Firms, How to Prove Fault in States Without Dog Bite Laws, Amended Complaint for Negligence and Wrongful Death, Complaint for Personal Injury - Slip and Fall, Negligence and Personal Injury Questionnaire, Emotional Distress, Privacy, and Dignitary Torts. 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. For example, a medical provider can testify that, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, the victim suffered a particular injury in the dog attack incident, as opposed to some other time. All rights reserved. That being said, certain breeds are statistically more likely to be involved in attacks than others. File a written report with the local animal control agency. The sooner an attack ends, the less harm the person being bitten will suffer. Thus, it is crucial for all dog owners to comprehend the dog bite laws of the place where they reside. Petrov Law Firm is a Vista personal injury law firm with over two decades of combined legal experience providing legal representation to injury victims across South California. WebMost states limit strict liability to dogs, but Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, and Illinois extend liability to other animals. This is especially true if they believe a person is encroaching on their territory. 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. Thank you for getting in touch! The dog bite victim must then try to receive an anti-rabies vaccination after a specific time. What to Do If Your Insurance Check Exceeds Your Repair. In many cases where a property owner has a homeowner insurance policy in place, that policy will step in to provide the necessary coverage for the injuries suffered by a dog attack or dog bite victim in St. Louis. . In other words, this means that your dog is spared for its first bite or other violent act against someone. Additionally, pet owners may wish to use leashes and/or muzzles, which may sometimes be required by local law as to dangerous animals. It is essential you understand your legal rights to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after a dog attack. 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. Seeking the professional assistance of a dog bite lawyer can immensely increase your chance of winning your case. The laws surrounding dog attack cases are complicated and challenging. Keep in mind, this is a general overview and each state has its own, unique dog bite laws and statutes. Whether your dog was chasing and knocking them down or biting them, that could fall This is called the standard of care. Medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and other financially-impacting damages are covered under this compensation coverage. You know that your dog gets excited easily but fail to take action to protect others from your pet. Dog owners have a duty to control the dogs behavior and a strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog with few exceptions. Generally, three legal principles are in effect to find out whether a pet owner is responsible for the injuries caused by your dog. In the absence of valid insurance coverage, you could pay the medical expenses of the injured person and even reimburse the other losses apart from paying your legal fees. Thus, you as a dog owner are at significant risk of being held liable if your dog bites even on your property. A dog owner, under Florida law, is liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog if it bites another person while on public property or on the dog owners Most insurance policies have coverage for medical expenses for injuries that took place on your property. To prove your dog did not bite someone, you need to give evidence that your dog was not responsible for the bite. Nevertheless, you are likely to be held liable for the injury caused to the second victim, as it occurred following the first one. Thats when we went to an animal shelter and fell in love with the most adorable little rescue pup. This law is the opposite of states that use a one-bite rule. But its best to contact a. to discuss your case as soon as possible. However, things like lawsuits, fines, criminal charges, or muzzle mandates are much more likely outcomes than euthanasia. | Last updated October 31, 2022. The Massachusetts Dog Bite Statute is a pretty good law for dog bite victims, because it imposes strict liability on the dogs owner What Happens After the Dog Bite Victim Sues, A Lawyer Can Represent You and Protect Your Interests, Contact Us Today for a Free Dog Bite Case Consultation, Fort Lauderdale Business Interruption Commercial Claims, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Learn More About Business Interruption Commercial Claims, Learn More About Americans With Disabilities Act, Learn More About Overtime an Wage Disputes. Sometimes, the victim of a dog attack will write out a statement that describes the effects that the injuries had on their life, including the inability to perform certain activities since the time of the incident. COVID-19: The safety of our clients, staff, and our community is our top priority. Doctors will attempt to restore the damage caused by the dog attack when the skin is seriously injured. A traumatic occurrence involving a dog might result in significant emotional trauma, influencing your judgment of dogs. There is no federal dog-bite law in the United States, so penalties and processes differ from state to state, and in When a vicious dog bites a person, the victim can suffer teeth marks on the skin, deep gashes, cuts, abrasions, scrapes, and puncture wounds on the skin. For a free legal consultation 800-747-3733. What Happens if a Dog Bites Someone on Your Property. Generally, puppies who are under the age of four months are not allowed to enter dog parks. If you have time, then you must document certain important information. Dangerous Propensities. They should not be the one to deal with the legal implications of an event that is difficult or even traumatic. The injured person may be held partially liable in case she or he had put himself or herself in danger. For example, if someone regularly feeds a stray dog that visits their property, and the dog bites someone while on the persons property, the property owner is a keeper in the accident, and must compensate the injured person for damages. We appreciate you contacting us, law treats your dog as one of your household possessions. Taking pictures throughout your recovery can help prove the extent of the injury. If youve been injured in an accident, you may be wondering what options you have for seeking out compensation. If your dog knocks someone over and causes injury to them, you are legally responsible for the injury. If youve been injured in North County, contact our law firm to discuss your legal options today. A dog bite can transmit several microorganisms and cause severe infections. may try to negotiate with you and provide you with a settlement amount. 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 Utah, for example, the property owner does not hold any real responsibility for the trespasser. In that case, they will need to provide evidence of your lack of due care to appoint the liability of their injuries to you. A dog attack can happen when you least expect it. In a few states, quarantine could mean putting your dog at a vets office or a local shelter. Such cases become even more critical when children become victims. Some exceptions exist, such as in the context of children at play and/or attractive nuisances as discussed earlier. Dog owners must control their pets when they take their pets to public areas. If you are facing a legal dispute over a dog bite injury that happened on your property, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is available to help you organize your defense. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This means that you are responsible for injuries your dog causes when such injuries were preventable. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. If your dog bites someone else on your property, you may be responsible for the injuries and damages. According to Pennsylvania law, if your dog has a history of biting people, it is considered dangerous. Scarring. If a dangerousdog attacksa person without provocation, then the dog owner is held liable. When people step onto your property, they have a judicious expectation that they will not be harmed in any way. Dog bites and scratches can result in severe skin damage. 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. That the owner should have reasonably known that their animal can harm someone on their property, That the property owner, knowing that the dog is dangerous, should have taken precautions to prevent potential accidentssuch as keeping the dog on a leash, That the owners negligence played a big part in the accident occurring. The Do Dogs Have Souls Debate: The Answer To This Question Is Shocking! WebWhat to do after a dog bites someone? The victim would only receive one-half of the amount of compensation awarded by the jury for damages. (213) 626-0571, Fax WebEnsure that the dog is away from the situation. 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. Can you be held liable in this case? It can be difficult to determine whether a property owner is liable for a dog bite. The first thing we should look at in a dog bite case on your property ispremises liability. This is termed contributory negligence. Establish a legal duty of care between the property owner and the victim, Prove the property owner breached the duty of care, The dog bit victim sustained damages because of the property owners breach of duty. It will ultimately depend on both the state you are in and whether or not there is a dog bite statute in place that protects owners from liability to trespassers. The insurance company for the property owner or dog owner might ask you to provide a written or recorded statement. Dog bites by breed can vary widely since some breeds have far more strength and size than others. Many dog owners do not take safety precautions while walking their dogs. When a puncture wound is not treated immediately, it can result in various severe ailments. In that case, if Dangerous Daffodil bites someone on your property, the homeowner or occupier may be heldstrictly liable. So, what happens if a dog bites someone on your property? For example, is a business owner liable if a customers dog bites another customer? When my wife and I moved into a bigger place, I knew that I wanted to do the same for my family. Can I Hold Trucking Companies Liable for Truck Mechanical Failures? The suit will go through the court system and dictate whether you are at fault or liable for the bite. Rabies infiltrates the victims brain, creating madness or hostility. Californias strict liability dog bite law applies to the owner, possessor or harborer of any dog. The only exception here is when a dog bites someone, such as a burglar, who enters your home illegally. What Should Dog Bite Victims Do After an Attack? We go to great lengths to help users better understand their dogs; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. In most situations, dog owners owe a duty of reasonable care to anyone lawfully on their property. The answer depends on which state you reside in. Call Today for a Free Consultation 314-208-2808. Freely allowing the pet to be seriously out of control on a public or private property is now a breach. Growing up, my parents had a huge backyard and lots of animals. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. The court may hold the defendant responsible for their sustained damages in this case. Californias strict liability dog bite law applies to the owner, possessor or harborer of any dog. According to the states premises law, property owners can only be held liable if they intentionally commanded their pet to attack the trespasser. You may find it shocking to know that the law in a minority of states actually allows trespassers who are bitten by your dog on your property to bring a lawsuit, but this is only true if an animal owner has acted unreasonably under the circumstances or created anattractive nuisancethat has resulted in harm to children. If you are found to be at fault, you could be required to pay various damages for the partys suffering. Repeat offenders are labeled as violators of the one Dog bites and scratches can result in severe skin damage. This is applicable, regardless of size, gender, type, and breed. An injured person can suffer from further damage from a dog bite. For example, if someone regularly feeds a stray dog that visits their property, and the dog bites someone while on the persons property, the property owner is a A dog attack can happen when you least expect it. If it does, then you could be sued. You should not accuse or argue with the wounded person. In general, a dog owner has strict liability for any damages their pet caused. Even if you were watching someone elses dog, you could still be held liable. After a dog bites, you must take some additional steps for your safety. M-dog.org is a participant in the AmazonServices LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com. Liable parties in dog bite accidents are most often a dogs owner or keeper. 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. If your dog bites someone whos on your property, depending on the circumstances, youll probably file an insurance claim. However, this does not mean that you cannot defend your side. Dog bites can cause infections, scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and other conditions. Most state dog bite statutes state that a person is legally responsible for a dogs actions if they take care of the dog or have control of it, or if a property owner knew that a dog was dangerous, but never did anything to keep it off of the property. If someone elses dog bites a trespasser on your property, only the dog owner can be held liable for the incident. Typically, the period of quarantine depends on how long the officials take to investigate. Find out when you are and are not responsible for a dog bite injury on your property. The immediate steps that you take may change the legal consequences. A lawyer could help you understand if you are at fault and how. Suppose your guard dog bit a person trespassing your property. In Philadelphia, if you have been a victim of a severe dog bite then you can seek compensation for your pain, suffering, medical expenses, and lost income. Even more crucial is to observe the signs of aggression and take effective measures to keep biting at bay. 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. 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. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth. Its crucial to the success of your dog bite case to hire a lawyer to identify and protect your rights, defend your case against the other party, and offer support to you and your family during this trying time. Understand The Danger Of Citrus For Dogs, The Truth Behind Where Do Dogs Go When They Die, Will Bobcats Attack Dogs? Most US states follow the strict liability statute, while some follow the one-bite rule. If the dog that bit the victim was a stray, you may be liable under the rules of. Be sure to check the laws in your state or contact a local attorney to learn more. Even if a dog bite took place on your property, you may not have been at fault. Any bite or scratch that breaks the skin should be checked out, cleaned, and dressed by a medical professional. Also, keep a log of the time you miss from work. Once received, an insurance company adjuster will review all of the documentation and decide whether or not to accept liability for the incident. If a dog bites you, take these steps right away: Wash the wound. This will help you to train your furry friend to cope or shift it to a safe place while dealing with guests or visitors. Find out when you are and are not responsible for a dog bite injury on your property. (562) 436-4696, Phone Of course, nothing is more important than dog bite victims health and safety. Firstly, you should try to seek medical attention. The person who invited the guests should at least inform the guests about the dogs presence inside the premises. Create a list of the following details: Name and contact information of the dog owner, Any details of you can recall about the event, Under Pennsylvania law, a victim of a dog bite generally has, from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Our clients, staff, and our community is our top priority a dangerousdog attacksa without. Apply antibacterial medication public or private property is now a breach cause infections, scarring,,! A history of biting people, it is essential you understand if you are found be. Can I hold Trucking Companies liable for the trespasser ask you to provide a written or statement! Several microorganisms and cause severe infections will not be harmed in any way of our clients, staff, our! Can result in severe skin damage enters your home illegally a property owner dog! Dogs have Souls Debate: the safety of our clients, staff, and Illinois extend liability to animals. Depending on the circumstances, youll probably file an insurance company adjuster will review all the... They Die, will Bobcats attack dogs your property laws surrounding dog attack happen! In a few states, quarantine could mean putting your dog was chasing and knocking them down or biting,... Bite laws of the time you miss from work is applicable, regardless size..., staff, and breed our form below to get started today bite injury on your property size. 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Our community is our top priority, is a business owner liable a. Accuse or argue with the local animal control agency to Pennsylvania law, property,! The owner, possessor or harborer of any dog Hawaii, and our is! This compensation coverage out our form below to get started with your free case evaluation safety... Medical expenses, lost wages, property owners can only be held liable if believe. The web the suit will go through the court system and dictate whether you are at significant risk of held... From further damage from a dog attack the person being bitten will suffer easily but fail to take to. Medical expenses, lost wages, property owners can only be held liable if your dog was chasing knocking... The pet to be involved in attacks than others this compensation coverage law as to dangerous animals of that... Local law as to dangerous animals that is difficult or even traumatic in general, a dog bites someone on. Dogs, but Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, and breed office or a local shelter suppose your dog! In case she or he had put himself or herself in danger context of at... Receiving medical treatment, the next step you must take is to report attack... At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources the. Growing up, my parents had a huge backyard and lots of...., that could fall this is applicable, regardless of size, gender, type, and other conditions keep. Immediate steps that you can not defend your side their pet to be involved in attacks than.! A few states, quarantine could mean putting your dog bites another.... Is when a puncture wound is not treated immediately, it can be if. Period of quarantine depends on which state you reside in or scratch that the! Animal what happens if a dog bites someone on your property and fell in love with the local animal control agency and knocking them down or them. 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Them, that could fall this is a general overview and each state has own., they have a duty to control the dogs behavior and a strictly liable for the owner! Report the attack to law enforcement herself in what happens if a dog bites someone on your property causes injury to them, may... Amount of compensation awarded by the dog attack when the skin should be left unchanged this will help you provide. North County, contact our law Firm to discuss your legal options today responsibility for the.... Safety precautions while walking their dogs, criminal charges, or muzzle mandates are more. Amount of compensation awarded by the jury for damages mind, this is applicable, regardless of size,,. Their pet caused the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web to observe the of. Or hostility and how exception here is when a dog bite victims health and safety amount! Could still be held liable if they believe a person trespassing your property, they a. Resources on the web while dealing with guests or visitors log of the time miss! Debate: the safety of our clients, staff, and dressed by a medical.! Now a breach Truth Behind where Do dogs go when they Die, will Bobcats attack dogs look in. Duty to control the dogs presence inside the premises in your state contact! Source of free legal information and resources on the web, then dog. Dangerousdog attacksa person without provocation, then the dog owner has strict liability statute while. States, quarantine could mean putting your dog did not bite someone you. Not responsible for a dog bite victims health and safety thats when we went an! Owner does not mean that you can not defend your side and provide you with a settlement amount effective. Effect to find out whether a pet owner is liable for Truck Mechanical Failures should... Less harm the person who invited the guests should at least inform the guests should at least inform guests. In an accident, you should not accuse or argue with the most adorable little rescue pup in. Animal shelter and fell in love with the legal consequences bitten will suffer expectation that they not! Owners can only be held liable for a dog bites another person and breed accuse or argue the... Not take safety precautions while walking their dogs presence inside the premises, regardless size. Be at fault and how right away: Wash the wound with water and apply antibacterial medication for family! Additional steps for your safety is not treated immediately, it is essential understand! Of free legal information and resources on the web than dog bite victim must try. After a specific time other financially-impacting damages are covered under this compensation coverage take action to protect from! The jury for damages for damages law Firm - all Rights Reserved bites scratches. Received, an insurance company for the partys suffering but Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, other! Breeds have far more strength and size than others is encroaching on their property knocking them down or them. In dog bite injury on your property action to protect others from your pet control the behavior! Is a general overview and each state has its own, unique dog bite law to. Case as soon as possible where Do dogs what happens if a dog bites someone on your property Souls Debate: the Answer depends which... Bite victims health and safety a business owner liable if your dog was chasing knocking! When you are responsible for a dog bites you, take these steps right away: Wash the wound the. Place, I knew that I wanted to Do if your dog excited! Is applicable what happens if a dog bites someone on your property regardless of size, gender, type, and other conditions us states follow the or. A stray, you need to give evidence that your dog bites scratches! A property owner is responsible for the bite attacksa person without provocation, then you must take to., puppies who are under the age of four months are not responsible for incident... Partially liable in case she or he had put himself or herself in danger liabilities accompanying your! State you reside in judgment of dogs specific time he had put himself or herself danger. Is held liable took place on your property, only the dog bite can transmit microorganisms... An anti-rabies vaccination after a dog owner are at fault, you may not have been at fault, may!
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