Dog bites are traumatic experiences. Not only can victims acquire lasting injuries and disfiguring scars, but they can also develop a fear of dogs. These conditions can leave victims with pain, debilitating anxiety, and shame.
Who is at Fault?
You may be able to file a claim against the dog’s owner if a dog has injured you. However, in most cases, you must show the dog was inclined towards dangerous behavior, and that the owner was aware of this inclination. This last requirement is sometimes known as the “one bite rule” because dog owners are generally liable for any subsequent attacks even if they were not liable for the first one.
You may still be able to file a personal injury claim for a dog bite, even if the case doesn’t meet the criteria required by the “one bite rule”. The Occupiers Liability Act holds pet owners responsible for their pets while on their own property. This option could apply if you were injured by an animal while you were on the owner’s property.
If you were not on the dog owner’s property during the attack, you could also make a claim against the owner based on negligence. This strategy requires you to establish that the owner should have known the dog was likely to harm someone and failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent it from happening. Even if the dog didn’t bite or maul you, the owner could still be liable if you were injured because the dog’s actions caused you to trip or fall.
Consultation
The lawyers at Hoogbruin & Company know that each dog bite case is unique. Our team will work tirelessly to get you the maximum settlement the law allows. We offer consultations with no obligation, during which our dog bite lawyers will evaluate your case. Our goal is to appraise and work to determine the extent of physical and emotional injuries suffered in an attack, ensure the best treatment possible for recovery, and prepare a strong case for maximum compensation.