It can be difficult to determine who is responsible when a dog bites a person. In many cases, the burden of preventing a dog from biting falls primarily on the owner of the dog. Owners or caregivers are automatically liable when injuries occur, regardless of whether they have acted negligently or not. Dog owners who fail to comply with a reasonable duty of care are acting negligently and may be liable for their injuries.
In some states, dog owners are liable under strict liability theory, meaning they are held accountable for injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether they have acted negligently. Exceptions to the one-bite rule exist and each case largely depends on the unique circumstances in which it occurred. Comparative Fault decides who was “most responsible” for the bite that occurred in the first place. If the injured person provoked the dog or was invading, some defenses may be available if the owner's liability is based on the rule of a bite or negligence, but not under a dog bite statute.
In many cases, an owner can be held liable if a dog bites or injures someone, even if the owner did not intend to harm and did not know that the dog was aggressive. Fault must be determined on a case-by-case basis. In an incident where the dog's owners and the victim cannot agree on who is the culprit, the determination can be made by authorities such as the police or the judge. In California, if a dog bites someone, it's a matter of strict liability.A “dog bite statute” is a state law that holds dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if an owner didn't know that the dog was likely to cause that type of injury.
Contacting a dog bite lawyer could be your best bet for getting fair compensation after suffering your injuries. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention right away and then schedule a meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Tampa Bay who can explain your rights and options.In conclusion, it can be difficult to determine liability in most personal injury cases, but when a dog bites a person, the owner is usually liable. A dog bite lawyer in your state will be able to tell you if the one-bite rule applies or strict scrutiny and what may be the best strategy for holding the owner or other party accountable for your injuries.
