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.

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Who is liable when a dog bites another dog?

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.

Who pays when a dog bites another dog?

Apr 22, 2019 · Despite your young neighbor's history of teasing your dog, you would need strong evidence to prove that on this occasion, your dog was defending itself from provocation. Unless your insurance company will cover the incident and provide an attorney to defend you, you should speak to a personal injury attorney if a lawsuit appears on the horizon.

How liable is an owner for a dog bite?

Dec 29, 2021 · If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were 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 whether 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 dog bite …

What is the law on dog bites?

If you or a loved one have suffered a dog bite and you want or need to take legal action against the owner or any other responsible parties, the dog bite injury attorneys at Ashton & Price can assist. We encourage you to learn about your options and chances by requesting a …

What happens if my dog bit someone?

Your dog may be designated a “dangerous dog,” depending on severity of the bite, and your dog's history. Your dog may be required by law to be euthanized if your dog is considered dangerous, or if the injury was very serious or a death occured. You could be held legally responsible, or face fines or charges.Sep 13, 2021

Is it worth suing for dog bite?

If the dog bite is severe, you have probably incurred significant damages including medical bills, lost wages, and possibly even permanent scarring. In these cases, it's usually worth pursuing legal action. If the bite was minor, you still might be able to recover compensation.

How long after a dog bite can you sue?

Each province's statute of limitations for dog bite cases is generally the same as for most personal injury lawsuits filed in that province's civil court system. These deadlines range from one to six years after the injury happened, although the typical time limit is two or three years.

How much money can you get from a dog bite?

between $30,000 - $50,000How Much is My Dog Bite Settlement Worth? While your settlement is largely dependent on the details of your case, successful plaintiffs can expect anywhere between $30,000 - $50,000 for their injuries. You can expect to recover damages such as: Medical Expenses: A medical professional should examine your injury.

What to do if your dog bites someone?

If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney . Since applicable laws vary by state, a local dog bite attorney can tell you whether you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be utilized, and the possible legal ...

Who is responsible for dog injuries?

For example, parents of a dog-owning minor, animal caretakers (such as dog sitters or a kennel), property owners, and landlords could be held responsible in some situations.

Can you sue a dog owner for a dog bite?

You can also file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or caretaker for damages. Some state statutes even allow these lawsuits to cover other types of dog-related injuries, not just dog bites. Dog bite attorneys play a vital role in these lawsuits since they know the applicable laws of your state, how to calculate damages, ...

Can you be held liable for a dog bite?

Whether you can hold someone liable for your dog bite injuries will depend on the laws of your state and the strength of your case. In some states, the “one-bite” rule is used and imposes liability if the owner knew or had reason to know their dog was dangerous, for example if the dog bit someone in the past. Other statutes impose strict liability where the injured person only has to show that their injury was caused by the dog bite while they were in a place they had the legal right to be, regardless of precautions taken by the owner.

Does insurance cover dog bites?

Many homeowners insurance policies will cover an initial dog bite claim that occurs on the insured’s property. In these cases, a dog bite attorney can be very helpful in dealing with the insurance company and using their knowledge and experience to negotiate a fair settlement.

What does it mean when a dog bites someone?

However, after a dog bites someone, it means the dog has displayed “vicious behavior,” so an owner must take steps towards preventing future accidents and bites.

What percentage of homeowners insurance claims are dog bites?

Dog bites account for a third of all homeowners insurance liability claims. If you have renters or homeowners insurance with liability coverage, that can be used to pay for the injured person’s pain and suffering. You having liability insurance also proves you have taken proper precautions as a responsible pet owner.

Why do dogs bite people?

Dogs bite people because they’re scared, stressed, or provoked. Most states understand this and will have a court hearing before they decide to put down a dog. In order for a dog to be put down, the injured person must prove the owner knew the dog could cause serious injury.

How common are dog bites?

Dog bites are more common than most owners think. In fact, more than 50% of reported dog bites happen on an owner’s very own property. If your dog bites someone, there are ways to legally protect you and your dog. As the person responsible for your dog, you are liable to pay for the injured person’s pain and suffering.

Can a dog be put down?

In order for a dog to be put down, the injured person must prove the dog is truly dangerous or vicious. Qualifications for your dog to be considered dangerous can change depending on where you live. Most courts consider a dog as dangerous if they: Bit or attacked someone without being provoked.

What is a state statute?

A state statute automatically makes an owner liable. The injury was largely caused by an owner’s carelessness and negligence. For example, let’s say you take your dog to a leash-required park. You let your dog off-leash anyways, and the dog bites someone.

Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite?

Most states do have strict liability dog-bite laws that automatically make the owner financially liable for any injuries .There are several things courts consider when deciding if an owner is liable for any injuries. Dog owners are liable if: The owner was already doing something illegal.

What You Should Do When Your Dog Bites Someone

There are several reasons for your dog to attack an individual. It is important to be as kind as possible to the victim. The dog bite victim will often reciprocate this kindness. If you are lucky, and the injury was not serious, the victim will not take any legal action. Be sure that the victim receives medical attention as soon as possible.

The Types of Courts You and Your Dog Bite Lawyer May Have to Go Through

Dog bite cases are commonly handled in three possible courts. If it is the first time this happens, you will probably settle this in a civil court. If the bite were more serious or even fatal, you would have to go to a criminal court where you will face a number of charges as the owner of the attacker.

What is a dog bite law?

laws or court decisions that make negligent dog owners liable if they were unreasonably careless in controlling their animals. The dog-bite laws in many states don't apply in certain circumstances—mostly commonly, when the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing.

What is the liability of a dog bite victim?

States have different ways of dealing with the question of liability when dog-bite victims' own carelessness contributed to their injuries. In the majority of states that use some form of "comparative negligence" rule, the victims will receive less compensation in proportion to their share of the blame.

What happens if a dog bites someone?

Dog owners are usually responsible when their pets bite people or hurt them another way (such as by knocking them over or chasing them). That means that the injured person may sue the owner to seek compensation for the damages, including medical expenses. But it's not always fair to hold the owner responsible if the victim was to blame for the injury. Depending on the circumstances, dog owners (and their homeowners' insurance companies or attorneys) may fight back by arguing that the injured person: 1 provoked the dog 2 was trespassing or breaking the law at the time of the injury 3 voluntarily risked getting hurt by the dog, or 4 contributed to the injury by being unreasonably careless.

What is the one bite rule?

a legal principle known as the " one-bite rule " that makes owners liable if they knew their dogs posed a danger. "strict liability" dog-bite laws in most states that make owners responsible even if they didn't know the dog could be dangerous, and.

How can a dog owner avoid liability?

A dog owner might be able to avoid liability by proving that the injured person knew there was a risk of injury from the dog but voluntarily took that risk anyway. For instance, an owner might not be responsible if the victim ignored a prominent "Beware of Dog" sign ( Benton v.

What is the statute for dog bites in Massachusetts?

For instance, in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the dog-bite statutes presume that an injured child younger than seven didn't provoke the dog, which means that the owner would have to prove there was provocation ( Mass. Gen. Laws, ch. 140, § 155; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357 ).

What is a trespasser?

Basically, a trespasser is someone who wasn't invited on the property or doesn't have a good reason to be there. This could include sticking a hand through a fence to pet a dog (see Kenney v. Barna, 341 N.W.2d 901 (Neb. 1983)).

Avoiding a lawsuit

If you have a big dog or one that shows signs of aggression (whether because it likes to eat, likes to sleep, likes to hoard its toys, or likes to bite people -- the reason doesn't matter), you need to protect yourself by keeping the dog away from people, muzzling it when it is around people, and strictly following all animal control laws (like leash laws, anti-trespassing laws which apply to dogs, and anti-running at large laws).

If you are sued

If you are sued, you need to turn the matter over to your renters insurance or homeowners insurance; if you were on the job, turn it over to your employer because an employer is required to defend employees from suit.

If you receive a letter from an attorney

If you receive a letter from an attorney who represents the victim, respond to it. If you ignore it, the next person you will see will be a sheriff with a court subpoena! Be nice to the attorney and his or her staff. Give them your insurance information (homeowners or renters).

Advice given in an actual case

The following is from an exchange of e-mail between Attorney Kenneth Phillips (the author of Dog Bite Law) and a dog owner who was being sued. The dog owner's message did not make clear whether she was facing a claim or an actual lawsuit; her inquiry was focused on the $1 million claim being made against her.

What happens when a dog bites someone?

When a dog bites someone, initial reactions can range from humor to shock and panic. But, it is important to take swift action to make sure the incident does not escalate and to avoid liability. It is critical to remain calm, even if the bite is serious.

Why is my dog quarantined?

It is not uncommon for a dog to be quarantined at a state facility for a period of time to ensure the dog is not rabid or otherwise infected with a communicable disease. If this is not the first time the dog has bitten someone, the government may designate the dog a “dangerous dog.”.

Do dogs bite people?

As a responsible dog owner, it is your duty to ensure that your dog does not bite people. Make sure your dog is properly trained, that you have warning signs if your dog is allowed to run free on your property (even behind fences), and that you know how to treat a dog bite should it occur.