Dogs can be companionable and downright cute. They can also be incredibly dangerous. Both large and small dog breeds are capable of inflicting serious injuries on people if they become aggressive.
People attacked by dogs may have numerous expenses. Dog bite incidents can generate medical costs, particularly if people sustain deep puncture wounds, develop infections or have visible scars. Dog bite attacks can cause property damage, and the injuries these incidents produce can lead to lost income as well.
Are dog owners automatically liable if their pets become aggressive and attack people?
The state typically gives the dog the benefit of the doubt
Sometimes, dogs become unusually excited due to unforeseen factors. Owners have a responsibility to train their dogs, meet their basic needs and keep them restrained. That being said, current practices only hold owners liable when they fail to follow rules regarding a pet or allow a dangerous animal to become aggressive.
Pet owners have an obligation to redouble their efforts if they know the animal is aggressive and potentially vicious. They are also liable in scenarios where the dog should be on a leash but is not. Under the state’s one-bite rule, any dog that has attacked someone previously or shown obvious signs of aggression can become a source of liability for their owners.
People who get bitten while in places where they have the legal right to be can potentially hold dog owners accountable. Frequently, homeowners insurance can pay for the cost of a dog bite incident. Unfortunately, some people lose their insurance because their dogs have been aggressive before. Others don’t disclose the presence of an animal at the property or choose not to carry premises liability insurance.
People injured by aggressive dogs whose owners were aware that they were dangerous may have the right to hold those irresponsible owners accountable. Reviewing the circumstances of a dog bite incident and the consequences it generated can help people seek justice after an animal turns aggressive.