In the world, dogs are favored companions; nonetheless, they risk inflicting significant harm by biting or attacking individuals. Dog guardians must be cautious in avoiding harm to others during outings in public spaces, trips to dog parks, or everyday walks in their local areas.

Dog owners bear the responsibility of preventing dog bite incidents within their living spaces. Should a guest on a dog owner’s premises experience a dog bite, the owner is often accountable for any repercussions. All dog owners must grasp and uphold their obligation to prioritize the safety of others, whether indoors or outdoors.

What Actions Should I Take If My Dog Bites Someone?

If your dog bites someone on or off your property, seek medical help for the victim and assist them with their injuries. Dog bites can potentially transmit various microorganisms and lead to serious infections. As the dog’s owner, be ready to take responsibility for your pet’s actions. Nonetheless, this does not imply that you are without defense. Gather all relevant evidence and present it in court.

Proving a dog attack for dog bite lawsuits does not always require a visible bite mark under the law. Many states in the US do not adhere to the “one-bite” rule, meaning that even if the dog has no prior history of aggression, the owner can still be held accountable for the incident.

Duty of Care Under Premises Liability Laws

Property owners need to ensure the safety of lawful visitors on their premises. This obligation extends to invitees such as friends, family, and neighbors. If the owner anticipates any potential harm from their dog towards a lawful guest, they must take reasonable measures to prevent any injuries.

Property owners also have a duty of care towards licensees or individuals authorized to access the property for personal reasons like mail delivery, utility services, or sales visits. If a licensee is possibly encountering the dog on the premises, the owner must ensure that the dog cannot cause harm to the licensee.

Regarding injuries resulting from dog attacks on lawful visitors, owners are held strictly accountable for covering medical expenses in cases of initial bites or minor dog-related injuries. If the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s tendency to bite or had no history of aggressive behavior, the owner will not be held responsible for additional damages suffered by the victim, such as lost earnings and emotional distress.

Suing for Negligence

If a victim is determined to have trespassed, the potential to pursue a negligence claim concerning injuries sustained from a dog bite incident remains. This avenue could enable the victim to seek recompense for medical bills, income loss, and emotional distress. 

To successfully argue a premises liability case linked to an accusation of negligence, confirm duty, breach of duty, injury, and causation. This entails demonstrating that the owner had a duty to secure the dog responsibly and that their failure to fulfill this duty directly led to the injuries sustained.

Person Was Trespassing

Placing a sign cautioning visitors about the presence of a dog could prove advantageous in shielding you from liability in the event of a dog bite incident. Given that the state typically employs a negligence-centered approach to establish liability in most cases of dog bites, any indication demonstrating your responsible pet ownership can serve as a protective measure.

This encompasses prominently displaying a warning sign on your premises to alert individuals to a pet’s potentially aggressive behavior. Such a sign simultaneously indicates your awareness of the dog’s inclination towards aggression.

Defenses for Dog Owners

Dog owners face legal challenges when their pets cause significant harm. Defense strategies commonly involve trespassing and provocation incidents. As previously explained, dog owners are not obligated to prevent harm to trespassers, nor are they typically held responsible if a dog reacts aggressively due to provocation.

In situations where the dog sustains injuries, faces physical threats, or experiences misconduct towards the owner, the owner is generally not held liable if the dog defends itself or its owner. Contributory negligence emerges in many legal battles concerning dog bites. Should a jury determine that a dog bite victim played a part in their injuries, this contributory negligence does not automatically prevent the victim from seeking compensation. Any compensation awarded may be reduced based on the victim’s percentage of fault. If the plaintiff’s fault outweighs the defendant’s, the plaintiff might be unable to recover damages.

Endnote

For cases where your dog bites someone on your property, engage the services of personal injury attorneys, particularly those specializing in dog bite incidents. Collaborate with a legal professional in your vicinity with expertise in the relevant state and local legislations about your situation.