DOG BITE LAWS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Having a puppy is a lot of fun and a lot of work. You have to feed them and bathe them, clean up after them, make sure they go out and get walked, and if you are a good dog owner, you play with them. You are also responsible for them and their actions. So when it comes to a dog bite, what do you know about the law?

Dog bites happen often and more often than not to children. In fact, over 4.5 million people get bit, every year. When do dog bites become an issue for you as an owner? Well, the laws vary from state to state, but in most cases, the victim is entitled to recovering damages if the following can be proven:

The dog was not leashed and roaming freely outside of the owner’s home or property.

The dog has a history of biting, even one time previously, and the owner is aware of it.

The dog owner is negligent of his/her responsibilities and does not keep a knowingly vicious dog away from other people. This is true if the dog is in the care of another person, not the owner, that is aware of the dog’s nature.

What You Need To Know

A bite from your dog could result in a lawsuit. Victims are allowed to open personal injury cases when they’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog. You could be held accountable for injury expenses including medical and other losses. You will also have to cover any legal expenses accrued from the lawsuit. Because dog bite laws vary from state-to-state, make sure you are updated on the laws in your location. Be responsible for your pet and be proactive. This could save someone from getting injured by your pet, and it could save you a lot of time and money.

First Bite Laws

The first bite law is a pretty basic law that most states follow. Basically, if your dog hasn’t bitten before and does not have a vicious or violent history, then you will not be liable for damages sustained by the dog. This law could be disputed if the dog owner had any idea that the dog could become vicious or attack a person.

Taking Precaution As A Dog Owner

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to take the proper precautions necessary to decrease the risk of dog bites. There are several things you can do to keep your dog under control and away from any situations that could result in a bite or attack.

1.     Always keep your dog on a leash if you have him in public. It should not matter if you are in an area that allows dogs to roam freely. This is your responsibility. At home, make sure your fencing will hold the dog in and that there are no problems with the latches, door, or other parts of the fencing.

2.     If your dog has an aggressive personality, keep him away from other people and out of public. It would be a good idea to get aggressive dogs into a training program where they can learn appropriate behavior.

3.     Warn visitors that you have an aggressive dog. Even if you have him locked up in another room. Put up signs at your property so that people understand your dogs’ behavior and that they need to proceed with caution.

If your dog does cause a situation and bites or attacks another person, contact the professionals at the offices of Tourtlotte Law. We can help you determine your personal situation and your rights. We will work hard to help determine the nature of the problem and to get you through any lawsuit against you.