Who can be held responsible if a dog bites you?

On Behalf of | Mar 24, 2017 | Premises Liability

If a dog bites you, there are many things you need to do. Above all else, make sure you receive immediate medical attention. By taking this approach, you can avoid a situation that worsens over time.

Once you’ve received a medical evaluation and know how to treat your injury, you should then learn more about the incident itself. With the right information in hand, you can decide if you’re in position to file a lawsuit.

Many people can be held responsible if a dog bites you. Most people believe that the owner of the dog is the right place to start. While this is true in some cases, there are others who could be held liable:

— Animal keepers. In short, this is anyone who is responsible for taking care of the animal. An example of this could be a pet sitter or kennel.

— Parents of a minor. If a person under the age of 18 owns the animal, an injured party may be able to bring a legal claim against his or her parents.

— Property owners. A property owner can be liable for a dog bite if this person allowed the animal to be on their property.

— Landlords. An example of this is if a landlord knows that a tenant owns a dangerous dog and neglects to take the appropriate action.

As you can see, it’s not always easy to pinpoint who is responsible if a dog bites you. If you find yourself in this position, you need to examine the details of the incident while also focusing on your legal rights.

Source: FindLaw, “Dog Bites and Animal Attack Overview,” accessed March 24, 2017

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