Although dogs are great companions and can offer endless amounts of love and affection, even the most loyal can cause injury or property damage. A Denver dog bite attorney may be needed if your dog bites someone or bites you. State dog bite laws vary. Local dog bite attorneys can help you assess whether you have a legal case, how much you are liable, what defenses may be available, and what the legal and financial consequences of your dog-biting case are.
What Can You Do If A Dog Injures You?
There are several options available to you if your dog bites you. As a first step, you can file a claim at the dog owner’s insurer. A majority of homeowner’s policies will cover an initial dog bite incident that occurs on the insured’s premises. However, many policies will also cover bites that occur off the property.
Because they are familiar with the laws of each state, how to calculate damages and how best to present evidence, dog bite lawyers play an important role in these cases.
Establishing Liability In A Dog Attack Case
Your state’s laws will determine whether or not you can hold someone accountable in relation to your dog biting injuries. In some other cases, liability can only be imposed if an owner knew or had reason to know that their dog was dangerous.
Nearly half of all states have laws that impose strict liability upon dog owners. The injured person must simply prove that the injury was caused by a dog attack while the dog was in a legal location.
Dog bite and carelessness statutes have many provisions that require the owner to take steps to prevent their dog from causing harm. This applies to employees, visitors, and the general population. It is important to observe any local restrictions on leashes and statutes that make it the responsibility of owners of particular dog breeds or dangerous animals.
In certain cases, injuries can be caused by someone else than the dog’s owner. In some cases, the parents of a minor dog owner or animal caretakers (such as kennels or dog sitters), landlords, and property owners could be held responsible.
Defensible Positions In A Dog Bite Case
You may have different defenses depending on where you live. But, these are common arguments that an opposing lawyer might use to defend you in a dog-biting case.
- Trespassing. Although trespassers enjoy some legal protections. However, you may need to show that you were bitten in a legal location. These regulations will prohibit you from suing for damages if you bite a dog while it is trespassing.
- Provocation: This defense is also popular. The dog owner is not responsible if the victim provoked the dog before the bite. For example, by taunting the dog or wrapping its arms around it and making an aggressive gesture toward it.
- Comparative Negligence: The dog’s owners may claim that you are at least partially to blame for your injuries. Your right to pursue damages can be limited or eliminated if you ignore warnings from the owner about your dog.
An experienced dog bite attorney can tell you what points your opponent might use against you and how to counter them.
