Dog Bites Cases And Strict Liability

Our dogs often turn into another family member. Most of the time, the average dog does no harm to anyone.

Still, dogs are animals and are even genetically related to wolves. Though they have been domesticated, they still have their instincts. Dogsbite.com reports that up to 700 fatal dog bite attacks happened in 2016.

Dog bites are especially dangerous for children. Most people who receive serious injuries resulting from dog bites are children.

The majority of such incidents do not occur as a result of being exposed to a stray or unfamiliar dogs. Instead, they happen with a dog that child already knows. Unfortunately, this means that your own family dog could be the biggest threat to your children’s safety.

The Theory of Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite cases in most states apply the theory of strict liability. This theory states that the dog’s owner is responsible for any injury their pet causes if the injured party can show that the dog caused his or her injuries. Therefore, if you have suffered a personal injury after a dog bite, you might only have to prove you were bitten by the dog to secure compensation.

A common tactic utilized by defense attorneys in strict liability dog bite cases is that of asserting the victim taunted the animal or otherwise provoked it to attack.

As an example, the defense could argue that the victim threw a rock at the dog or was trespassing at the time of the incident. If this scenario were true, the dog’s owner would be relieved of any liability. The law allows for dogs to defend their territory when responding to a legitimate threat such as a trespasser.

Steps to take after being the victim of a dog bite

• Seek medical attention. This will be as vital for your own health as it will be for strengthening your case against the dog’s owner.
• Take pictures of your dog bite injury as soon as possible. This provides additional proof about your injuries.
• Contact an experienced dog bite personal injury lawyer. Prepare to talk about the situation that led to the dog bite and what options you have in seeking damages for your wounds.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, our personal injury lawyers can handle your case.

Contact us today and begin the process of receiving the compensation you deserve.  We will pursue your case to the fullest extent of the law.

Sources:

https://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics.php

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/dog-bite-statutes.html

https://thenyelawgroup.com/savannah/dog-bites-lawyers/