Dog Bite FAQs
My dog bit someone on a property that I own. What should I expect to happen next?
What is the most common breed associated with dog bite attacks?
What is the "one free bite" rule?
I've been bitten by a dog. What should I do next?
If a stray dog bites me, can I file a legal claim?
My dog bit someone on a property that I own. What should I expect to happen next?
If you were allegedly negligent in allowing the incident to occur, then the liability portion of your homeowners' policy will likely respond. In most cases, a person is responsible for controlling their pets so the pet does not present a hazard to others.
When someone who owns a dog violates the Leash Law, is he or she liable for injuries caused by the dog?
Generally, yes. If an owner violates a leash law, and his or her dog attacks someone, many courts will hold that this fact alone is enough to conclude the owner was negligent. The injured person is then entitled to compensation from the dog owner.
What types of damages and compensation can victims of dog bites receive when the owners are found liable?
Damages and compensation may cover the victim's physical injuries and costs of medical care, as well as disabilities and trauma inflicted. The degree of coverage and damages depends on the details of the case, including the circumstances of the attack as well as the victim's age, position in life, and earning capacity. If found responsible, the dog owner may be held accountable by law to compensate the victim for...
- Medical bills
- Physical disability
- Scars from dog bites
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Lost wages
What is the most common breed associated with dog bite attacks?
Pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers are involved in more than half of the deaths for which the breed of the dog was known. Of these fatal attacks, more than two-thirds of attacks involved a single dog, and more than half involved dogs that were unrestrained on their owner's property. However, any dog has the possibility to become violent. Contact Chalik & Chalik Law Offices if you have been attacked or bitten by a dog.
What is the "one free bite" rule?
Some states have determined that the dog owner isn't liable for the first dog bite that the animal inflicts. Only after an animal has acted in a vicious manner, meaning biting a person or displaying in other ways a "vicious propensity," can the owner of the dog be held liable.
Does a property with a "Beware of Dog" sign posted release the owners from responsibility if their dog bites a visitor or passerby? My neighbor has such a sign.
Maybe, in part. A "Beware of Dog" sign serves to alert visitors and passers-by that a dog is on the property. While it may possibly provide some liability protection for the owners, it does not completely absolve them of any responsibility for their dog. If that dog bites someone, the details of the attack will determine whether the owners are legally liable.
I've been bitten by a dog. What should I do next?
First, consult a physician to determine if you need stitches, surgeries or treatment for rabies. Get all the information you can about the dog and its owners. Then, immediately contact Chalik & Chalik to discuss your case.
If a stray dog bites me, can I file a legal claim?
Unlikely. The only circumstance where you may have a legitimate claim of negligence is if a stray dog held in a pound or shelter bites you. In that case, you may have a claim against the facility responsible for the animal. Otherwise, municipalities are generally not responsible for stray dogs found roaming in their towns and cities.
For more information, please see our Dog Bites page.
If you or someone you love suffered a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call or email The Law Offices of Chalik & Chalik for your complimentary consultation with an experienced dog bite injury attorney.