Owner’s Liability in Dog Bite Accidents

Millions of people own a dog, thinking that this animal can provide them with security. However, in some instances, this purpose backfires when dog bite accidents occur.

Many states have already implemented a “strict liability law,” which attaches liability to dog owners when their pet suddenly attacks or bites someone. They will be held liable even if they have done everything they can to restrain it or protect people from it by putting up signs or fences.

However, this rule is not applicable in every situation wherein dog bites happen. Owners will not be responsible if their pet attacks a trespasser or a veterinarian who is trying to treat it.

Dogs should be properly trained and secured, especially if it has violent characteristics. Failure to do so can lead to different injuries including the following:

• Strain or sprain injuries
• Lacerations
• Abrasions
• Fractured bones
• Crush injuries

Serious injuries may be sustained from dog bites because this animal has rounded teeth, which can cause significant damage to a person’s nerves, blood vessels, muscles, skin, and bones.

Dog bites are not unusual, considering that around 75 million dogs are currently living in the United States today.

Preventing Dog Bites

People should be careful whenever they are dealing with or approaching dogs because a single mistake that they make can lead to an attack. Here are some tips that can help people stop or prevent dog bites and attacks:

• Do not disturb dogs that are sleeping or eating.
• Do not panic if you are near a violent dog because it might prevent you from thinking logically, thus decreasing your chances of leaving the area unharmed.
• Do not do anything that can excite or anger the dog.
• Do not invade a dog’s territory because it will consider this move as a threat.

Meanwhile, here are some tips that can help dog owners make sure that their pet will not hurt other people:

• Teach your dog different commands like no, stay, come, and sit.
• Be alert and watch out for signs that your dog is behaving aggressively or is uncomfortable.
• Do not let your child play near it because they might accidentally hurt it.

If owners were unable to stop their dog from attacking someone, they should immediately do the following:

• Check if the victim is injured.
• Restrain and confine your dog immediately.
• Provide your name, address, and contact numbers to the victim.
• Follow local ordinances that cover dog bites.