Who Is Responsible for Dog Attacks?

Dogs are known as man's best friend, but sometimes, they can become aggressive and cause severe injuries to people. A dog bite can be a traumatic experience that leaves lasting physical and emotional scars. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, it is essential to understand the legal implications of a dog attack.

Dog Owners Liability

In most states, the owner of a dog is responsible for the injuries caused by the dog. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner may be held liable for the damages. Dog owners must keep their pets under control and prevent them from causing harm to others. If a dog owner fails to fulfill this duty and their pet bites someone, they can be held accountable for the injuries.

Exceptions to the Rule

However, there are some exceptions to the owner's liability rule. For example, if the person who was bitten provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the incident, the owner may not be held liable for the injuries. Similarly, if the dog was working in its official capacity as a police or military dog, the owner may not be responsible for the damages caused by the dog.

Landlord Liability

In some cases, landlords may also be held liable for dog attacks on their property. If the landlord knew or should have known that there was a vicious or dangerous dog on the premises and failed to protect their tenants or visitors, they could be held accountable for the injuries caused by the dog.

Negligent Third Parties

Besides the dog owners or landlords, other parties can also be held liable for the injuries caused by a dog. For example, if a dog owner entrusts their pet to someone else, and the person fails to control the dog, they may be held accountable for the damages. Similarly, if a dog groomer or trainer acts negligently and their actions result in a dog bite, they can be held responsible for the injuries.

Seeking Compensation

If a dog has bitten you, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Depending on your case's specifics, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To seek compensation, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you build a strong case and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions is crucial.

South Jersey Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog attacks can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Rosner Law Offices, P.C., we specialize in personal injury cases, including dog attacks. If you or a loved one have been a dog attack victim, contact us today at (856) 502-1655 for a free consultation.