Dogs can provide endless amounts of love and companionship but even the kindest dog can cause property damage or personal injury. If your dog has bitten someone, or you or your pet has been injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney. Dog bite laws vary by state. A local dog bite attorney can tell you if you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be available, and the possible legal and monetary consequences of your case. dog bite dog bite
What Can I Do If I’m Injured by a Dog?
You have many options if you’ve been bitten by someone’s dog. For starters, you can pursue an insurance claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. Most homeowners insurance policies cover an initial dog bite claim that occurs on the insured’s property, and many policies also cover a bite that occurs on the property if the dog is owned or kept on the property.
A dog bite attorney can help deal with the insurance company and use their knowledge and experience to negotiate a fair settlement.
You can also file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or keeper for damages. Some state laws even allow these lawsuits to cover other types of dog-related injuries, not just dog bites. Dog bite attorneys play an important role in these lawsuits because they know the applicable laws of your state, how to calculate damages, and how to present evidence in the most effective way.
Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases
Whether you can hold someone liable for your dog bite injuries depends on your state’s laws and the strength of your case. In some states, the traditional common law “one-bite” rule is used and imposes liability only if the owner knows or has reason to know that their dog is dangerous, for example, if the dog bites in the past.
About half of the states have laws that impose strict liability on dog owners where the injured person only needs to show that their injury was caused by the dog’s bite while they were in a place where they have a legal right to be, regardless of the precautions taken by the owner.
Different dog bite and negligence laws mean that the owner generally has a duty to protect others from harm caused by their dog. This includes visitors, workers on their property, and people in public places. Owners also need to follow local laws and laws that create liability for owners of particularly dangerous animals or specific breeds of dogs.
Additionally, in some states, people other than the dog’s owner can be held liable for injuries. For example, parents of a minor who owns a dog, animal caretakers (such as dog sitters or a kennel), property owners, and owners of The Land may be responsible in some situations.
Potential Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
The potential defenses that someone can use against you in a dog bite case will vary depending on your state’s laws, but here are some common arguments that an opposing dog bite attorney can use : includes the following:
Desecration:
While lawbreakers are afforded some legal protection, your state’s dog bite laws may require you to prove you were bitten while in an area where you are legally permitted. Under those rules, a person would not be allowed to recover damages for a dog bite that occurred while trespassing.
Provocation:
Another common defense is that a dog owner is not liable because the injured party provoked the dog before the bite occurred, for example by teasing or cornering and threatening the dog with aggressive behavior. behavior. behavior.
Comparative Negligence or Assumption of Risk: In some cases, the dog owner may argue that you are partially responsible for your own injuries. For example, if the owner gave adequate warnings about their dog, and you ignored those warnings, this could reduce or eliminate your ability to recover damages.
An experienced dog bite attorney will know which arguments the opposing dog bite attorney may use against you, and how best to rebut them.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
Whether you are prosecuting a dog bite lawsuit or defending against one, the consequences can be significant. Depending on the jurisdiction, a successful lawsuit can result in awards covering medical bills, loss of income, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages. It can be difficult to know which laws, damages, and defenses apply to your situation. If you are facing a case involving injuries caused by a dog, contact an experienced dog bite attorney in your area today.
Will the Dog Owner Try to Fight My Claim?
It’s possible. Careless dog owners do not want to admit fault. The owner may say that you are:
Encourage the dog to attack you.
Entering private property when a dog bites you.
We are partially responsible for the dog attack.
Often, these arguments are just an attempt to deny responsibility. However, each defense is another reason why you need a lawyer.
Your attorney will know how to respond to each argument. An experienced dog bite attorney is well versed in common dog owner defenses and how to deal with them.
At the very least, it’s smart to schedule a consultation with a dog bite attorney. You can discuss the details of your case and your options. From there, you can decide how to proceed.
Conclusion
Dogs can provide endless amounts of love and companionship but even the kindest dog can cause property damage or personal injury. If your dog has bitten someone, or you or your pet has been injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney. Dog bite laws vary by state. A local dog bite attorney can tell you if you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be available, and the possible legal and monetary consequences of your case. dog bite We hope this guide has been helpful to You.