Millions of people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Most of the bites aren't serious, but many do result in time lost from work, medical bills, and suffering. Children (especially boys) tend to receive a disproportionate share of the bites.
The law responds to this phenomenon in different ways. First, all states have laws that make dog owners responsible, under certain circumstances, for injuries and damage their animals cause. Many states follow an old principle, rather misleadingly called the "one free bite" rule. Broadly stated, this rule says that if a dog injures someone, the dog's owners aren't legally responsible until they had reason to know that dog might cause that kind of injury. In contrast, other states have laws on the books (dog-bite statutes) that make owners liable no matter what they knew or didn't know about the dog's temperament.
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.
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?
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
Whether or not certain breeds are inherently ferocious—many animal behaviorists and observers believe they are not—some breeds do account for a disproportionate number of serious injuries to people.
Details on when California dog owners could be legally responsible for bites and other injuries caused by their pets.
Here's when a dog owner can be on the legal hook for injuries in New York.
Dog owners in New Jersey could be liable in a civil lawsuit if their animals hurt someone—but they may have legal defenses.
When can Texas dog owners be on the legal hook for injuries caused by their animals?