Know your rights after a dog bite

Each year, many find themselves on the receiving end of a dog bite. Although dogs are man's best friend and accidents happen, unexpected bites can lead to possible legal implications. 

When a dog bite does occur, understanding the owner's responsibility and a victim's rights are crucial for both dog owners and those who have suffered an injury. In this article, we will navigate the legal responsibilities that dog owners face in preventing bites, explain the rights of the injured, and explore how an attorney can be a guiding light in these situations.

Seeking compensation for injuries caused by a dog bite

After suffering injuries from a dog bite, victims have the right to seek compensation. 

This may include medical expenses, which can be extensive if the injury is severe, recovery of lost wages if the injury impairs the victim's ability to work, and compensation for pain and suffering, including emotional distress. 

This requires the victim to establish the dog owner's legal liability and responsibility, which hinges on the applicable dog bite laws within their state.

The owner's legal responsibility

Navigating how to proceed after a dog bite injury requires an understanding of state-specific laws, which frequently result in strict legal responsibility for dog owners. Under these laws, the fact that a dog bite occurred is usually enough to place responsibility for the incident on the owner - streamlining the path to compensation for individuals who have suffered injuries. 

For example, Massachusetts is a strict liability state for dog bites, meaning the owner or keeper of a dog is responsible for any harm the dog causes to a person's body or property.

On the flip side, some states continue to observe the "one free bite" rule. In these states, an owner might not be held liable for a dog's first bite, pending the conditions that no prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies existed. 



Rental property owners or landlords may also find themselves facing legal challenges if they allow dangerous dogs on their premises, ultimately being held liable for any injuries caused by these animals.

Factors that may establish liability

You must have suffered an injury or property damage as a result of the accident. Medical records, bills for property damage, and other documentation can help substantiate your claim.

To ensure a safe coexistence with dogs, both in public and private spaces, dog owners and property owners must exhibit reasonable measures to minimize the risk of bites or aggressive behavior—precautions that are not just good practice but also legal requirements.

Pet ownership comes with legal responsibilities that extend beyond affection and care for one's animal companions. In many states, the law sends a clear message that owners are responsible for their dogs' actions even in situations of negligence. In certain scenarios, liability may even stretch to include others, such as caretakers or landlords, particularly if they were knowledgeable of a dog's vicious behavior and did not take appropriate measures to prevent injury.

A property owner's legal duty extends to maintaining a premises free from known hazards, under premises liability laws. A failure of this duty, such as failing to adhere to leash laws or not securely enclosing a pet, may be grounds for holding the property owner accountable for a dog bite incident.

Understanding Strict Liability laws & the injured person’s rights

Strict Liability Laws present a non-negotiable legal responsibility for dog owners when it comes to incidents involving their pets. In various jurisdictions, these laws stipulate that pet owners are automatically held liable for most injuries caused by their dogs, including bites, regardless of the presence of negligence. 



Under these laws, an injured person doesn't need to establish that the owner knew of the dog's dangerous propensities or was careless in preventing the harm. Even if it's the first instance where the dog has demonstrated aggressive behavior, the owner might still face legal consequences.

However, there are certain exemptions to this blanket liability. 

Legal defenses such as proving the victim was trespassing without permission or deliberately provoking the dog might absolve the owner of responsibility to some degree. Some strict liability laws are triggered specifically when a dog, previously known to exhibit vicious propensities, attacks or chases an individual. 



Additionally, in states where strict liability isn't the standard, the injured person may need to establish that the owner knew, or should have known, that the dog had dangerous tendencies—commonly referred to as the "one-bite" rule. Additionally, a dog owner may be liable for negligence if they failed to adhere to local leash laws or maintain a secure enclosure, leading to their dog inflicting injury.

How a personal injury attorney can help navigate the legal process after a dog bite

Accidents can happen in a flash, but the legal ramifications can last much longer.When a dog bite occurs, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases.



By providing a strategic approach to the legal process, a personal injury attorney becomes a victim's advocate, ensuring they obtain the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering endured.

The statutes of limitations set specific times within which a claim must be filed, and missing these deadlines can forfeit a victim's legal rights.

Timeline for seeking legal action after dog bites

Contact the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo

If you want or need legal assistance, our experienced and trusted personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. have what it takes to fight for you every step of the way. We settle cases through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and will go to trial if a fair and just settlement cannot be achieved.



Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no legal fee unless our attorneys recover financial compensation for your injuries.  If you believe you have a personal injury claim from a dog bite incident, contact us today and we will provide a free case evaluation.