Personal Injury Laws and Dog Bites

No one wants to see a family pet have to be put to sleep because they bit someone. However, in some states the injury laws require that if the dog has shown aggression previously, there is no other choice but to seek punishment. This punishment can vary depending on which state the dog bite occurred in.

The personal injury laws that surround dog bites can be a bit tricky if the state has a one bite rule. This rule is designed to protect pet owners who have no reason to believe that their animal is in any danger to the surrounding people or animals. If the dog has not previously been aggressive or has not bitten anyone in the past, the owner may be free from liability.

Proving Responsibility for Dog Bites

Under certain laws, the victim must establish fault on the owner in order to sue the owner for being bitten. In the event that the owner is found responsible for the bite, they may be ordered by the courts to pay for any restitution or medical expenses. There are a few different ways to prove that the owner of the dog is responsible for a dog bite.

• Known aggression patterns. If the owner has previously had issues with the dog getting out and attacking animals or other humans, they could be found at fault for your dog bite. Aggressive tendencies should be monitored and controlled in any pet, especially dogs that are walked around other animals and people. Aggressive tendencies include growing, lunging, baring teeth, or barking in a manner that proves to be fearful.
• The Dogs Restraints. If a victim is bitten by a dog who is not properly restrained, the owner of the dog can be found responsible for the bite, even if it is the first time the dog has bitten anyone. It would rest on the courts to decide if the owner is truly at fault, but the victim would have to have witnesses or proof that the dog was not restrained.
• Banned Breeds. Some areas have banned certain types of breeds. These breeds are normally found to be more aggressive towards other animals and people. Sometimes the way a dog is taught to protect their owner, family, and home can be aggressive towards innocent people.
• Previous ownership of aggressive animals. If it is known that the pet owner has had previous animals that were aggressive, they could be considered at fault if a current animal was to bite someone.

Personal injury laws cover a wide range of ways a victim must prove that their injury is the responsibility of the owner. If you are not sure whether or not you have a case or what you would need to prove during your case, you can contact a professional for more information regarding dog bites and personal injury laws.