A “dog lawyer,” or more accurately, an animal lawyer or animal law attorney, is an attorney who specializes in matters of animal law. Circumstances in which you may need sound legal advice and representation from someone with extensive experience with dog-related cases are not limited to dog bite incidents.
What kind of lawyer do I need if my dog bit someone? Answer Most personal injury lawyers should be able to handle a dog bite injury case, and you typically don't need to worry about finding an attorney who specializes in "dog bite defense" cases as opposed to one who handles work on the plaintiff's side.
Feb 17, 2012 · A “dog lawyer,” or more accurately, an animal lawyer or animal law attorney, is an attorney who specializes in matters of animal law. Circumstances in which you may need sound legal advice and representation from someone with extensive experience with dog-related cases are not limited to dog bite incidents.
Mar 06, 2020 · What type of lawyer do I need to defend me in a dog bite? Lawyer directory. Find a lawyer near you. Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US. Find the best ones near you. First, choose your state: Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Dist. of Columbia; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois ...
May 02, 2022 · Do not get hostile. Seem apologetic that he got bit, but do not admit that it is your fault, although it likely is as it was your dog. if your roommate has insurance, make him report the matter to his carrier. From there, you just have to see what the attorney wants to do. The attorney might drop the case if there is no insurance.
A defendant may also be able to argue that the plaintiff contributed to the dog bite or "assumed the risk" of a dog bite. A classic example might be the delivery person who sees that a barking dog is off of his chain in a yard, but attempts to enter the yard anyway.
When it comes to the substance of a dog bite lawsuit, a defendant dog owner can usually "win" (avoid liability) in one of two ways: 1 by convincing the judge or jury that the person who is suing (the plaintiff) did not prove all necessary elements of his or her case, or 2 by providing a successful affirmative defense.
Although the statutes vary, many "strict liability" states have a rule along these lines: If the plaintiff was somewhere he or she was legally allowed to be, and did nothing to provoke the dog, the dog owner is liable if the animal bit or otherwise attacked the plaintiff.
A successful affirmative defense, on the other hand, allows a defendant to win the case even if the plaintiff proved all required elements. Instead of disproving the plaintiff's case by arguing that the evidence is weak (or non-existent), the defendant presents other evidence that proves an "affirmative" defense.
If your dog bites someone, do the right things so that the victim and his family do not become frustrated and take action. See If Your Dog Bites Someone. For the sake of prevention, see Why Dogs Bite , which explains that training, socializing and caring properly for your dog will reduce the risk that it will bite someone in the future. ...
If your dog barks too much, lunges at pedestrians, snaps at the mailman or kids on the block, trouble is on its way. It can take several forms. The Post Office may refuse to deliver mail until you deal with the problem. Animal control may cite you and fine you. Injuries to others will be followed by a letter from an attorney which, if you do not answer it, will in turn be followed by a visit from a Sheriff bearing the summons for a lawsuit.
After a bite incident, you and your dog may face charges in criminal court or "dog court.". If the bite was justified because of trespass or provocation, or if there is a risk that the punishment might not fit the "crime," you will need to retain an attorney or learn how to defend yourself.
The degree of evidence varies with the jurisdiction and the charges; in criminal cases, it is "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" but in other types of hearings a lesser standard of proof is required. There are many defense tactics that focus on defeating the prosecutor's task.
The second issue is which laws the particular animal control department or court will choose to follow. This often is a matter of policy. Some authorities are more concerned with protecting people from animals, while others focus on protecting animals from people.
Sometimes aggressive dogs can attack other dogs – or even people – causing serious injury and incurring expensive medical bills. Many pet owners call our law firm after their dog has been attacked or seriously injured by another dog.
If your dog has been injured or killed by another dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 1 If the attacking dog is already listed as a "dangerous dog," the owner may be responsible for harboring an aggressive or violent animal and held liable for any damages or veterinary bills. 2 If the attacking dog is listed as "dangerous" and your dog has to be put down, the owner may be held responsible for the original amount you paid for your dog. 3 If other owner violated your state's leash laws, he or she may be held responsible for any veterinary costs.
As much as we love dogs, dogs owners can be negligent about taking care of their dogs and the dog’s enclosure. It may or may not be the dog’s fault. A victim is entitled not to be injured by a dog owner’s negligence. About 99 percent of the time a dog is behaving the way it is because a human is doing something wrong.
Or they order the removal of the dog from the city limits forever. This can subject a dog to death if the owner cannot rehome the dog in another city.
Chapter 822 of The Health and Safety Code governs animal law. Specifically the state statute deals with procedure for dogs that bite humans. It does not cover dogs that attack other animals.
“Serious bodily injury” means an injury characterized by severe bite wounds or severe ripping and tearing of muscle that would cause a reasonably prudent person to seek treatment from a medical professional and would require hospitalization without regard to whether the person actually sought medical treatment.
In every state, people (not just dog owners) are usually deemed legally responsible for any injuries they end up causing as a result of their negligent acts. But what is “negligence”? It’s a legal concept that focuses on the reasonableness of a person’s actions based on the circumstances they are faced with.
Many states -- including California, Michigan, and New Jersey -- follow strict liability rules when it comes to dog bites. Basically, a strict liability law means that you, as the dog's owner, are liable for just about every injury your dog causes. It doesn't matter if you knew your dog was dangerous or had bitten someone in the past. Nor does it matter that you did everything you could to restrain your dog or to protect the public from the dog, such as put up fencing and warning signs.
The best way to make sure your dog doesn’t injure someone is to take as many precautions as you can, to prevent a bite or any other aggressive action . Here are some steps that could go a long way toward protecting others, yourself, and your dog: Put up signs warning visitors about the presence of the dog.
For others, dogs provide security, which for some can mean emotional support, and for others can mean physical safety from intruders and other wanted visitors.