Dog-Bite Laws and Liability Rules

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog-Bite Lawsuit?

Comply with the statute of limitations for dog-bite injury lawsuits, or you could lose your right to sue the animal's owner.

What Happens If the Dog-Bite Victim Was Partly at Fault?

When a dog-bite victim and dog owner share liability for the victim’s injuries, states have different rules for deciding how much compensation the victim should receive—if they get anything.

Sample Demand Letter - Dog-Bite Injury

A well-written and thorough demand letter could be the key to your dog-bite injury claim.

Dog Owners' Liability for Bites and Other Injuries: An Overview

An outline of the general principles governing the civil and criminal liability of dog owners when their pets hurt someone—and links to find more details.

The "One-Bite" Rule for Dogs

In some states, you could be liable for an injury caused by your dog only if you knew or should’ve known that the animal was dangerous.

Strict Liability Dog-Bite Laws

Most states in the U.S. make dog owners financially responsible when their animals bite someone, even if the owner wasn’t negligent or didn’t know the dog could be dangerous. But there may be exceptions and conditions.

A Negligent Dog Owner's Liability

If a dog hurts someone because its owner didn’t take reasonable care to control the animal, the owner could be legally responsible for the injury.

Dog Bites and Other Injuries: A Dog Owner's Legal Defenses

When a dog hurts someone, its owner might be able to avoid legal responsibility based on the victim’s actions.

Who Is Liable for Dog Bites: Owners and Keepers

Someone who doesn’t own a dog may still be liable when it injures someone, depending on the circumstances and local law.

Compensation for Dog Bites and Other Injuries

When a dog hurts someone, the animal’s owner may have to pay compensation for the victim’s past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Dog Owners' Liability Insurance

If a dog bites someone, the owner’s liability insurance may cover the costs. But watch out for policy exclusions.

Taking a Dog-Bite Case to Small Claims Court

Most dog-bite disputes are settled through negotiations between the injured person and the dog owner or insurance company, but some proceed to small claims court. Here's how a typical case might unfold.

What Happens When Dogs Hurt or Chase Livestock?

Farmers and other livestock owners may legally kill dogs that are chasing or attacking their animals, and the dog owners are responsible for any damages to the livestock.

When Dogs Bite Veterinarians or Other Animal Workers

When can a vet or groomer sue a pet owner for a bite or other injury?

Dangerous Dog Laws

State and local laws target dogs that have shown themselves to be dangerous or vicious, by placing restrictions on their owners—and sometimes by killing the animals.

Criminal Penalties for Owners of Dangerous Dogs

Dog owners could face fines or jail time for violating legal restrictions on keeping dangerous dogs. They may also be charged with serious crimes if their animals attack and severely injure people.

Legal Restrictions on Pit Bulls and Other Breeds

So-called "breed specific" legislation is less common than it used to be, but dog owners should know how it could apply to them and their pets.