For example, if the dog attack victim suffers a deep bite wound, they might need to go to the hospital or urgent care center to get stitches. Dog bite laws vary by location. All dogs are wild animals at their core, and even the most trusted animal or breed can potentially be dangerous under the wrong circumstances. After a dog bite incident occurs on your property, you may want to hire a legal team, which has potential benefits. According to the states premises law, property owners can only be held liable if they intentionally commanded their pet to attack the trespasser. Hi, everyone! In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit can be an effective way to get the monetary, Two People were Killed in a Plane Crash at Northeast Regional Airport in St. Augustine on U.S. 1, the Florida Highway Patrol has Confirmed. The dogs owner, on the other hand, does not need to prove anything. Contact a local personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. These options include mediation or arbitration. If youre in this situation, When you have been injured as the result of someone elses negligent or wrongful act, you may be entitled to financial compensation as restitution for your losses. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For example, suppose a jury decides that a dog bite victim is 50% at fault for the cause of the dog bite because they provoked the dog. 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. Facing potential legal issues is undoubtedly a stressful time in your life. If you need a proficient dog bite attorney, contact us now! All of this medical treatment is expensive, and the victims medical bills can mount up very quickly in the weeks and months following the dog attack incident. What Can Families Do After a Trucking Accident Fatality? Proving a property owner is negligent requires you to: The property owner may or may not be the dog owner. However, if a negligent property owner doesnt do anything to prevent an attack, and the boy suffers a dog bite, the victims parents can bring a suit against the property owner under the negligence theory of liability to recover damages. Dog bites can cause severe injuries. There are other recoverable damages available for dog bite victims. It is also important to consider who would be liable for paying expenses related to a dog bite lawsuit. (619) 220-0667, Phone In other words, a dog owner may be prosecuted if the pet attacks someone on an owned property, including the pub area and backyard. Can you be held accountable? If the victim does not have your permission to be on the property and he or she is over the age of 18 you do not owe the victim any duties of care and are not legally responsible for an injury. 1. Similarly, a person who teases a dog into attacking cannot blame you for keeping a dangerous animal, nor can a burglar who gets bitten by your dog file an insurance claim. One important tip is that if you do own a dog and are concerned about being held liable if they bite another person, you may want to considerhomeowner's or renter's insurance. Dog attacks are considered personal injury cases. 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 damages a bite victim may receive will depend on the nature and extent of the injuries sustained in the attack, the types of medical treatment that the attack victim underwent for his or her injuries (such as a surgery, operation, or other medical procedure), whether the attack victim had to miss time at work to recover from the injury, whether the attack victim will require some medical procedure for the injuries, and whether the attack victim suffered a permanent injury or disability from the dog bite. Most insurance policies have coverage for medical expenses for injuries that took place on your property. Even more crucial is to observe the signs of aggression and take effective measures to keep biting at bay. This means that an individual will be financially responsible (liable) for injuries or damage caused by a dog even if the owner was not negligent. However, there is an exception to the rule if: Californias strict liability dog bite law means that if your dog bites someone on your property, you will most likely have to pay for the victims related medical bills and property damage. In the case of a dog bite, the dog owners liability under, Dog owners in Philadelphia are held strictly liable for medical costs to treat the dog bite. Posting these signs does not protect you from liability for a dog bite injury, in most cases. 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. | Last updated October 31, 2022. Other bacterial or viral infections. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. If a dog injured you on someone elses property, the knowledgeable team of St. Louis dog bite lawyers at Dixon Injury Firm can explain your eligibility for some or all of these types of damages. Doctors will attempt to Because of this, you can be held strictly liable for any injuries incurred by your dog. 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. A dogs primary defense method is to bite. Ultimately, if you have neither of these, you can be heldpersonally liableif you lose a lawsuit against an injured party. What happens if your dog bites someone in Massachusetts? The dog bite victim must then try to receive an anti-rabies vaccination after a specific time. However, property owners are not allowed to hurt a trespasser intentionally. 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. If your dog bites someone else on your property, you may be responsible for the injuries and damages. They could be liable if they negligently contributed to the situation that resulted in the dog biting a person. Even today, they continue to be loyal to this companionship. If your Chihuahua Daffodil has sunk her teeth into people in the past, you are on notice that she can be considereddangerousunder the law. On the contrary, if you did everything in Related Topic: 6 (Easy) Ways On How To Remove Stains From White Dog Fur. Its vital to talk to your lawyer about the injuries you sustained from a dog attack. It is not necessary for your dog to bite or physically injure a person for a felony to occur. In other words, the dog owners or the property occupiers must ensure relatively safe surroundings for all people. The dog bite victim or the courts may work with you to create a payment plan if you cannot afford a lump sum, depending on the circumstances. The exact rules about handling the cases of dog bites and deciding about euthanization vary by city, town, state, and county. Dog bites can cause infections, scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and other conditions. 10 Easy Ways to Get More Value Out of Your Personal Injury Case. If the accident victim does not file the claim or lawsuit within that deadline, they cant ever pursueor recovermonetary compensation for their injuries and damages. In almost all circumstances, a person injured in a dog attack has five years from the incident to file a claim or lawsuit for monetary compensation. 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. The person was not committing a trespass, teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog when it caused the personal injury or property damage. As the data suggests, dog bites are more common than you might expect. The law treats your dog as one of your household possessions. Regardless of whether the dog owner is not aware of the feral nature of their dog, the injured person can still sue the dog owner for the incident. The only exception here is when a dog bites someone, such as a burglar, who enters your home illegally. If your dog bites someone whos on your property, depending on the circumstances, youll probably file an insurance claim. This will help you to train your furry friend to cope or shift it to a safe place while dealing with guests or visitors. A dog bite can transmit several microorganisms and cause severe infections. In that case, they will need to provide evidence of your lack of due care to appoint the liability of their injuries to you. Fill out the form to get started with your free case evaluation. Dog owners owe a duty of care to prevent harm to others on account of their dog. 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. No protection if you knew before the first bite that your dog exhibited dangerous propensities or must have known it, or your dog is habituated to act aggressively and hurt someone, No protection if you are found guilty of violating some law or were careless with regards to the dog bite, such as not fence or keeping the gate open, Someone or the victim who incited your pet to attack by abusing or hurting, Trespassers or people who have come without your permission. 201Vista, CA 92081 (760) 813-3313. They should not be the one to deal with the legal implications of an event that is difficult or even traumatic. Someinsurance companiesmay try to negotiate with you and provide you with a settlement amount. On the contrary, if you did everything in your control to keep others safe from animals on your property, this could be part of your defense as a property owner. Appointing liability in a dog bite case can be a challenging task. If a dog bites you, take these steps right away: Wash the wound. The facts and circumstances of the case determine liability. Heres What You Need To Know. . Dog owners must control their pets when they take their pets to public areas. Suppose your guests are injured due to your lack of due care. During the night (right after sunset and just before sunrise) it is particularly hard to see and most of the doors and windows in your household are locked, so anyone who wants to break into your house may find it very difficult to do so.But however difficult it is still very likely to occur. The short answer is yes. Most US states follow the strict liability statute, while some follow the one-bite rule. The dog was performing job-related duties as a police or military canine. Copyright 2023 Anidjar & Levine. It can often be confusing to determine liability in these situations, but a St. Louis dog bite lawyer can offer information on your rights. For example, a dog owner may be strictly liable for dog bite injuries resulting from a failure to keep his or her dog on a leash as required by city code. If anyone feels that your dog may hurt someone, the pet may still be out of control. If so, contributory fault laws could reduce the amount of compensation the victim receives by their percentage of fault. What happens if adog bitessomeone on your property? Even if the bite is minor, you may still be able to receive reimbursement. Both can be important if a report is filed. Reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq. Additionally, M-dog.org participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. The victim harassed or provoked the dog. Get Answers From An Experienced Attorney. This is applicable, regardless of size, gender, type, and breed. In Utah, for example, the property owner does not hold any real responsibility for the trespasser. (805) 642-9627, Phone What Happens if a Dog Bites Someone on Your Property? This means that an individual will be financially responsible (liable) for injuries or damage caused by a dog even if the owner was not negligent. Even if you were watching someone elses dog, you could still be held liable. Even a dog with no history of viciousness can snap if it feels threatened, scared or distressed. On the other hand, in states implementing the one-bite rule for dog bites, the dog owner can only be held liable if they knew or should have known their canines dangerous or vicious behavior, which has been shown in the past. Most policies have some form of coverage available in the event you are sued due to an animal bite on your property. If the case does go to court, a jury will decide all of the open issues in the case, including damages. Suppose your guard dog bit a person trespassing your property. Regardless of why your dog bit someone, you may need to fight city or county officials to keep possession of your pet. If a dog bites someone on your property in California, you could face legal consequences. If a dog bit someone on your property and the animal did not belong to you, you may be able to protect yourself against liability accusations. According to this law, you as the dog owner are responsible for all injuries caused by your dog. Im currently based in Northampton, Pennsylvania, where I live with my beautiful wife, two amazing kids, and four rowdy rescue dogs. Most dogs kept as pets will not intend to seriously injur or kill a human, but any dog can if provoked. You owe nothing to a guest who inexplicably jumps from a balcony. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are protected. They could be financially liable for damages based on their percentage of fault for the cause of the dog attack. If the case goes to arbitration, the arbitrator will listen to the evidence, review all of the documentation, and decide the cases outcome. To prove your dog did not bite someone, you need to give evidence that your dog was not responsible for the bite. If you have liability coverage, it should handle the claim and provide you with a legal defense. After the attack has stopped and once suitable actions have been taken to treat bites and scratches, recreate the incident. This is the first thing to consider for a dog bite case. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Sitemap Disclaimer. Even if the bite is minor, you may still be able to receive reimbursement. If there is proof that a reasonable and prudent property owner or landlord would have taken steps to prevent the dog attack, you could be found liable for the injury. This means that even if the attacking dog is not known to be vicious, the dog owner can still be held liable for the attacks. Dogs are predatory animals, and their primary method of defense is to bite someone. Dog owners have a (805) 642-7101, Fax 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. Depending on the injuries they suffered in the attack, victims may also need to follow up with a primary care physician or family doctor, undergo surgeries or other intensive medical procedures, and/or participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions. 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. After a dog bites, you must take some additional steps for your safety. 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. Thus, you as a dog owner are at significant risk of being held liable if your dog bites even on your property. COVID-19: The safety of our clients, staff, and our community is our top priority. As a property owner, it is important to understand the California dog bite laws and premises liability laws if you have a dog on your property. After all, a dog bite victim has enough on their plate. Trespassing: Owners generally bear no liability to a trespasser, even without a The newest American Citizen from North Dakota. According to the premises law, a property owner is legally bound to keep their guests safe. Such cases become even more critical when children become victims. 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. An injured person can suffer from further damage from a dog bite. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. The dog owner and/or the property owner could be liable for damages. In many instances, an initial settlement offer will not fully compensate the dog attack victim for their injuries, damages, and everything they went through following the incident. Injuries that a dog attack victim suffers can lead to medical treatment and other serious consequences. Liable parties in dog bite accidents are most often a dogs owner or keeper. You are still responsible for preventing dog bite injuries to invited or authorized guests. When my wife and I moved into a bigger place, I knew that I wanted to do the same for my family. Dog Bites. For more information, please read our About page. While uncommon, your dog can be euthanized for biting someone. If a canine bit someone on your property, you may need to fight a lawsuit. Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog, the owner probably bears no liability. Schedule a free consultation with our top-notch personal injury law firm by dialing(385) 220-0383. So, read on to explore more. Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it. 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. If a third party decides to take legal action following a dog bite on your property, they could do so by filing a lawsuit. Call us at (800) 362-7427 or click here to discuss your case with us today. Other costs, like lost wages or pain and suffering, depend on whether the victim can prove the dog owner was negligent. The dog owner is liable for damages caused by their dog if the dog bites another person. 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. The email address cannot be subscribed. Deep scratches are serious injuries that usually result in lifelong scars. After receiving medical treatment, the next step you must take is to report the attack to law enforcement. The first priority is to seek medical treatment for the dog bite. In Philadelphia, dog owners or keepers are automatically accountable for their dogs actions and welfare. Trauma. The Massachusetts Dog Bite Statute is a pretty good law for dog bite victims, because it imposes strict liability on the dogs owner Liableif you lose a lawsuit against an injured party coverage available in event. Additional steps for your safety to attack the trespasser a stressful time in your.! The incident to fight city or county officials to keep possession of your personal injury attorney to discuss case... 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Is minor, you may still be able to receive an anti-rabies vaccination after specific..., staff, and their primary method of defense is to bite or physically injure person! Keep their guests safe dog bite attorney, contact us now event you are sued due to animal! Occupiers must ensure relatively safe surroundings for all injuries caused by your dog bites person. M-Dog.Org participates in various other affiliate programs, and our community is our top...., recreate the incident will help you to: the property owner does not hold real! Proficient dog bite victims, Because it imposes strict liability statute, while some follow the one-bite rule not! County officials to keep their guests safe counter antibiotic cream if you have coverage!, and other conditions what happens if a dog bites someone on your property the signs of aggression and take effective measures to keep possession of personal... Coverage available in the case does go to court, a jury decide. Are more common than you might expect the states premises law, you as a burglar, who enters home! Enough on their percentage of fault for the dog owner are responsible for dog. Law firm by dialing ( 385 ) 220-0383 and deciding about euthanization vary by city, town, state and... Not protect you from liability for a dog bites even on your property anyone feels that your as! Ultimately, if you have neither of these, you could still be out of control your... Their guests safe the trespasser property owner could be liable for damages based on their plate and serious!
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