A significant portion of US households own dogs, but not all interactions with canines are positive. Certain breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers have a tendency to become aggressive and bite, leading to millions of dog bites annually. Around 1 in 5 dog bites are severe enough to require medical care.
A dog bite can result in high costs for victims such as:
- Medical bills
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog attack, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the experienced dog bite lawyers at Law Office of Andre Anziani PLLC for legal assistance.
Determining Liability in Dog Bite Cases
For dog bite victims, determining liability is crucial in deciding what legal options are available. In personal injury law, liability refers to who is responsible for the injury and who must cover the associated costs such as:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Key terms in understanding liability in dog bite injury claims include:
- Strict liability: a form of liability that holds a defendant responsible for an event regardless of preventative measures
- Negligence: failure to exercise reasonable care leading to injury
- One-bite rule: some states follow the “one-bite” rule, which determines liability based on the defendant’s awareness of their dog’s potential for harmful or vicious behaviour. The rule derives its name from the notion that the dog gets one free bite before the owner can be held responsible for any subsequent attacks burden of proof: the obligation of a plaintiff or defendant to present sufficient evidence to support their position
