Who is responsible if a dog bites someone on your property, whether they are an invited visitor, a trespasser, or a salesperson? It is also crucial to think about who would be responsible for covering costs associated with a dog bite lawsuit.
This article includes a brief primer on whether your homeowners or renters insurance will cover the alleged damages as well as information on the various scenarios in a dog bite lawsuit involving an incident on your property. Remember that this is only a general overview and that each state has specific, individual dog bite laws and statutes. To learn more, be sure to check the laws in your state or speak with a local attorney.
Injuries Caused by a Dog That Bites on Your Property
A dog bite injury may result in further harm to the victim. As a result, seeking medical advice before treating a dog bite wound is essential. The following are some of the harms and ailments frequently caused by dog bites:
• Rabies virus transmission. Rabies is caused by a virus in most animals’ saliva. Dog accident victims are frequently afflicted by this deadly viral infection. Rabies infiltrates the victim’s brain, creating madness or hostility. You must seek medical attention right away if a dog bites you.
• Puncture wound. A dog’s primary defense method is to bite. Dogs must have a powerful bite to survive because they are natural predators. If a puncture wound is not treated right away, it can lead to a number of serious illnesses.
• Other bacterial or viral infections. Various germs, including rabies, can reside in a dog’s teeth and tongue. If a dog bites you, you run the risk of getting several diseases.
• Scarring. Dog bites and scratches can result in severe skin damage. When the skin is seriously injured by the dog attack, doctors will try to repair the damage. Deep scratches are serious wounds that typically leave scars that last a lifetime.
• Trauma. Cynophobia is the medical term for the irrational fear of dogs. If a dog is involved in a traumatic event, you may experience severe emotional trauma that affects how you view dogs.
What Happens if a Dog Bites Someone on Your Property? By Steven Jensen | February 7, 2022 |
Liability determination in a dog bite case can be difficult. Generally speaking, a dog owner is strictly liable for any harm that their pet causes.
We will discuss what role you will play if a dangerous dog has bitten someone on your property and what happens if the incident occurs on your property.
If you were bitten by a dangerous dog and suffered injuries, our attorneys can assist you.
Liability for Dog Owners in Dog Bite Cases
Most US states adhere to the strict liability statute, but some do so as well. Dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries a victim suffers as a result of a dog attack in states with strict liability laws for dog bites, such as Utah. Whether or not the dog owner is aware of their dog’s feral nature, the injured person may still bring a claim against the dog owner for the incident. A dog bite mark is not necessary to establish a dog attack, as was stated in the section before this one.
In contrast, dog owners in states with the one-bite rule for dog bites can only be held accountable if they were aware of or should have known about their dog’s aggressive or dangerous tendencies, which have been demonstrated in the past. You can ask our dog bite attorney for details if you’re unsure which of the two scenarios applies to your location.
FAQ
Can a dog be put down for biting an intruder?
In California, a dog that bites a person is not required to be put down because the dog’s owners, not the animal itself, are responsible for your injuries. Many of our clients wouldn’t file a dog bite claim if they knew the dog faced euthanasia.
What happens if my dog bites someone through the fence?
As a general rule, a dog owner who has a reasonable expectation that a person will be on the property will likely be responsible for any harm that person sustains. This rule is particularly important when it comes to children.
What happens if your dog bites someone defending you?
You and your dog might be charged following a bite incident in “dog court” or criminal court. You must hire a lawyer or become proficient in self-defense if the bite was justified due to trespass or provocation or if there is a chance that the punishment might not be appropriate for the “crime.”
What if my dog bites a trespasser Texas?
Texas does not adhere to the one-bite rule, which states that an owner cannot be held accountable for a dog attack unless the dog has a history of biting other people. Texas does not have a one-bite rule.