When faced with a dog bite injury, many victims are unsure who is responsible or how to determine legal fault. As the victim, you deserve fair compensation, and understanding liability in these cases is key. There are a few factors that determine who is at fault for a dog bite injury according to the law. The dog's owner, a landlord, property owner, or even an animal control agency could potentially be found negligent depending on the details surrounding your injury. Before taking action, you need to understand the details of your state's laws on strict liability versus negligence when it comes to dog bites. You also must consider the location of the attack, actions of the owner, and aggressiveness of the dog. With the help of an Austin dog bite lawyer, you can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine appropriate parties to pursue legal claims against. Dog bite injuries can lead to lasting physical and emotional damage, so make sure you understand your rights in seeking compensation.
Negligence of the Dog Owner
As the owner of a dog, you have certain legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of others. If your dog bites someone, you can potentially be held liable through a claim of negligence.
Negligence occurs when a dog owner fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent injury. This could include:
- Failing to properly train, socialize and control the dog. Owners must take all necessary precautions to prevent aggressive or anti-social behavior.
- Failing to securely confine the dog to the owner’s property. Dogs should not be allowed to freely roam where they may encounter and injure others.
- Failing to post clear warning signs about a dog’s vicious propensities. If an owner knows their dog may bite, they must post conspicuous warnings for visitors and passersby.
- Failing to adhere to local dangerous dog laws. Many jurisdictions have strict laws regarding the keeping of aggressive breeds or dogs with a bite history. Owners must follow these regulations to avoid negligence claims.
If a dog inflicts injury, the victim can potentially recover damages through a lawsuit. These damages aim to compensate the victim for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses directly resulting from the bite. To avoid legal liability and protect others, dog owners must take their responsibility seriously by properly training, confining and controlling their pets at all times. By exercising the highest standard of care, owners can reduce the risk of a tragic accident and legal consequences.
Comparative Negligence: Was the Victim Also at Fault?
In determining liability for a dog bite injury, the victim’s own negligence will also be examined. Under comparative negligence laws, if the victim was also at fault in some way for the attack, damages may be reduced.
Did the victim provoke the animal or act in a way that would reasonably be expected to cause aggression? Approaching or cornering a strange dog, making direct eye contact, or yelling at or hitting the dog could be seen as provocation. Victims should remain calm, avoid direct eye contact, and slowly back away from an unfamiliar dog.
Was the victim trespassing on private property at the time of the attack? While a "Beware of Dog" sign alone does not absolve the owner of liability, trespassing onto clearly marked private property could be a mitigating factor. Homeowners have a reasonable expectation of privacy within the bounds of their property.
Did the victim fail to exercise reasonable caution? Allowing a small child to approach an unfamiliar dog or sticking fingers through a fence to pet a dog are examples of failing to act with reasonable care. While the dog owner still bears responsibility, the victim’s damages may be reduced due to their own negligence.
By examining the details surrounding the attack to determine if the victim also acted in a negligent manner, comparative negligence aims to achieve a fair and balanced outcome. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case to build the strongest argument for maximum compensation. With legal counsel, victims of dog bites can hold irresponsible owners accountable and recover damages for their injuries.
Determining if the Dog Had a Dangerous Propensity
Determining whether the dog had a dangerous propensity prior to attacking the victim is important in establishing liability. If the owner knew or should have known the dog had aggressive tendencies, they may be considered negligent. Some factors to consider include:
Prior Incidents
Look for evidence the dog has bitten or shown aggression towards others before. Even if the owner claims the prior attacks were “isolated incidents,” multiple instances establish a pattern of dangerous behavior.
Breed Tendencies
Certain breeds are predisposed towards aggression or have strong predatory instincts. While breed alone does not prove a dog is dangerous, owners of breeds with higher risk of aggression may have a higher duty of care. The owner should have taken extra precautions to properly train and restrain the dog.
Lack of Training/Restraint
An untrained, unruly dog that is allowed to roam freely may not have learned to control aggressive impulses. Lack of training, lack of proper fencing, and failure to keep the dog on a leash are signs the owner did not take reasonable care to prevent an attack.
Prior Warnings
If others warned the owner that the dog seemed unstable or aggressive, that indicates the owner should have been aware of the potential danger. Complaints from neighbors about the dog's behavior, for example, would be strong evidence the owner knew or should have known the dog was prone to violence.
By looking at the totality of circumstances surrounding the attack, an attorney can build a case that the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing an incident that caused injury. The more evidence that points to the owner's knowledge of the dog's aggression or negligence in training and restraint, the stronger the argument for liability.
Evidence of Prior Bites
Evidence of prior aggressive behavior or bites by the dog in question can be crucial for determining liability in a dog bite injury case. If the owner was aware of the dog’s vicious propensities yet failed to take proper precautions to prevent injury, it indicates negligence.
Prior Incidents
Any previous biting incidents, attacks, or aggressive behavior by the dog that the owner knew or should have known about are relevant. This could include biting a person, attacking another animal, or behaving aggressively in a threatening manner. The more serious and frequent the prior incidents, the more it demonstrates the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Owners have a duty to take reasonable care to prevent injury from a dog bite when the dog has a known propensity for violence. If the owner was aware the dog could be potentially dangerous yet took no action to properly restrain the dog or warn others, it shows a disregard for public safety. The owner's negligence in that situation would make them liable for any injuries caused by the dog.
Evidence of prior biting incidents may include:
- Complaints/reports filed with animal control or police
- Warnings issued to the owner
- Medical records of treatment for previous bite victims
- Statements from witnesses to previous attacks
- The owner's own admissions or acknowledgements of the dog's aggression
In summary, establishing the owner's knowledge of the dog's vicious nature or tendency to bite is key to proving liability and negligence. Documentation of any prior biting incidents or aggressive behavior by the dog can serve as persuasive evidence for determining fault in a dog bite injury claim.
Medical Evidence To Prove The Bite
To prove fault in a dog bite injury case, medical evidence will be crucial. As the victim, you will need to provide medical records and reports from the physicians and medical professionals who treated your injuries. These should include:
Emergency Room Records
Emergency room records will show the severity of the initial dog bite wounds, including any stitches or surgeries required. They will also note if you suffered from trauma, infections, or other related medical issues from the attack. Obtain copies of all emergency room notes, surgical reports, and billing records related to your treatment.
Primary Care Physician Records
Follow-up treatment with your primary care physician is also important evidence. These records will demonstrate the ongoing effects of the dog bite, such as the need for physical therapy, counseling, or medication. Request complete medical charts from your doctor showing the course of treatment for your injuries.
Medical Expert Opinions
In some cases, an expert medical opinion may be needed to prove the full extent of damages. A physician can review all medical records and reports, examine the dog bite scars and injuries, and provide a professional opinion on factors such as degree of impairment or disability, prognosis for future treatment, and estimated costs of future medical care. These medical expert reports and testimony are invaluable for determining an appropriate settlement or court award.
Photographic Evidence
Photographs of the dog bite injuries can also be compelling evidence, especially when combined with medical records and expert opinions. Pictures showing severe lacerations, puncture wounds or other trauma from the attack will allow the insurance company adjuster or jury to see firsthand the harm caused. However, be sensitive about distributing graphic photos, especially on public platforms.
By gathering thorough medical evidence from all sources of treatment, you will have a strong case to prove fault and obtain fair compensation for your dog bite injuries. The totality of these medical records, reports and opinions can overcome any arguments that your injuries were minor or pre-existing. With the right evidence on your side, you stand the best chance of success in your personal injury claim.
Contact Fletcher Law For Help With Your Dog Bite Injury Case
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog bite, contacting an experienced personal injury law firm can help determine who is legally at fault and liable for damages. The attorneys at Fletcher Law have handled many dog bite injury cases. We can investigate your claim and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
To determine liability in a dog bite injury case, we consider several factors. The first is the ownership of the dog. In most states, the dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. However, some states follow a “one free bite” rule where owners are only liable if they knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities. If your dog bite occurred in Houston for example, talk with a Houston personal injury lawyer about your case.
We also examine the details surrounding the attack. Important details include where the attack occurred, if the dog escaped confinement, if warning signs were posted, and if the victim provoked the dog. In public places, property owners may share liability if there were no warnings about the dog.
Another factor is the breed of the dog. Some breeds have a higher tendency for aggression and their owners may face increased liability. However, breed alone does not determine fault, and any dog can attack if provoked or poorly trained.
The severity of injuries plays a role in liability as well. More severe injuries often warrant higher compensation. Our attorneys can work with medical experts to determine appropriate damages for your injuries.
If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite, do not delay in contacting Fletcher Law. We offer free initial consultations to discuss the details of your case and determine the best way to proceed. With our experience and skill, we can build a compelling case to hold the negligent parties accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started.