A dog bite can be life-altering, leaving behind painful physical scars and emotional trauma. If you’ve been a dog bite victim, it’s important to understand your legal options. Whether you have a case for a dog bite lawsuit is not always straightforward, but knowing the grounds for legal action can empower you to seek the compensation you deserve.
In this blog, we’ll explore the circumstances that can make a dog bite a matter for a dog bite lawsuit and provide you with a roadmap for what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Legal Liability
In most states, a dog owner is legally liable if their pet bites someone. This means they can be held responsible for any damages or injuries caused by the dog. However, certain conditions must be met for the bite to be considered grounds for legal action.
One Bite Rule
The “one bite rule” is a legal notion that holds a dog owner accountable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. This means that if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, the owner should have taken steps to prevent it from biting someone. If the dog has never shown any signs of aggression, the owner may not be held liable for the first bite.
Negligence
Negligence is another factor that can make a dog bite a legal matter. If the dog owner was careless in controlling or supervising their pet, they could be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by the bite. For example, if the owner fails to secure their fence properly, allowing the dog to escape and bite someone, they can be held responsible for the bite.
Provocation
Provocation can also impact a dog bite case. If the victim provoked the dog, the owner might not be held liable for the bite. This can include teasing, hitting, or trying to take something from the dog.
What to Do After a Bite
If a dog has bitten you, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights. Here are some steps you can take:
- Get medical attention: If you have been bitten, seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will not only help treat your injuries but will also provide documentation of the bite.
- Report the bite: Report the bite to the local animal control or police department. This will help create a record of the incident and assist in investigating the bite.
- Gather evidence: Collect evidence of the bite, such as photos of your injuries, witnesses’ contact information, and any other relevant details.
- Contact an attorney: If you believe the bite is grounds for legal action, consider contacting a personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer!
The Bourassa Law Group is the firm to call if you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite. Get the help you need from our lawyers specializing in dog bite injuries.
In addition to personal injury, pedestrian accidents, asset protection, estate planning, and other practice areas, our law office offers cost-effective legal solutions across many practice areas.
Contact us today for a free consultation.