Animal attacks can cause life-altering disfigurement and injuries. When an animal attack occurs, victims may face steep medical expenses, reduced earnings during recovery, and other losses that have a lifelong impact. Victims shouldn’t be left to shoulder the financial burden of their injuries following an unprovoked dog attack. These concerns give rise to questions regarding the liability for dog bite injuries carried by owners.
What Laws Govern Animal Bite Cases?
Laws that govern animal bites typically focus on prevention, punishment, or financial redress, depending on the circumstances of the incident. The laws in place can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but, generally, personal injury laws cover animal attacks. This means owners may have to pay a dog bite victim financial compensation.
Strict liability laws often apply to dog bite cases. Under strict liability, an owner is responsible for injuries caused by his or her dog, regardless of whether he or she knew the dog was dangerous. This alleviates a victim’s responsibility to prove the owner was negligent to financially recover.
Some states, however, may apply a one bite rule. These rules allow for lawsuits against dog owners who reasonably should have known that their dog had the potential to attack someone. Usually, this applies when the dog has demonstrated aggressive behavior in the past, or is guilty of a previous animal attack.
When Is an Owner Liable for an Animal Attack?
An owner may be liable for an animal attack under a variety of conditions. These include:
- When the animal has previously attacked or bitten a person
- When the owner is harboring a dangerous or forbidden animal
- When the owner was negligent in preventing dangerous interactions
- When the owner violated leash or containment laws
The circumstances above, among others, pave the way for a personal injury case against a dog owner following an attack.
Can You Sue If You’re Bitten by a Vicious Dog?
You can sue if you’re bitten by a vicious or uncontained dog. Dog bite lawsuits can be brought under the umbrella of personal injury law. In some cases, negligence may provide grounds for a lawsuit. In others, strict liability laws, failure to abide by leash or containment laws, or one bite laws may establish grounds for a dog bite claim. Regardless of the circumstances, a dog bite lawyer can review the nature of the attack and compare it with local ordinances to determine a victim’s best path forward.
Moreover, consulting a dog bite lawyer is often more advantageous than dealing directly with insurance companies. Lawyers specialize in personal injury law and understand the complexities of dog bite claims, ensuring you receive fair compensation. Unlike insurance companies, whose primary goal is to minimize payouts, a dog bite attorney will advocate on your behalf, navigating local ordinances and legal nuances. They can gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
