If someone’s dog has bitten you, it’s important to understand your legal options. In many cases, dog bite laws allow victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Legal options typically depend on state and local laws, which may follow strict liability or negligence standards. Consulting a personal injury attorney is often a good first step to explore your rights and pursue any compensation you may be entitled to.
Who’s Liable for the Dog’s Attack?
As mentioned earlier, liability for a dog attack depends on the specific laws of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. In states with strict liability laws, the dog owner is liable for a bite regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior or was aware of the risk. The injured person typically does not have to prove that the owner was negligent; it’s enough to show that the dog caused the injury.
What Are Negligence-Based Laws?
In states that follow negligence-based laws, the victim must prove that the dog owner was negligent in handling or restraining the dog, leading to the attack. For example, they can be held liable if the owner knew the dog was aggressive but failed to take proper precautions (like using a leash or fence).
What Is The One-Gite Rule?
Some states have a one-bite rule, which means that a dog owner may not be liable for the first bite if they had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. However, once a dog has bitten or shown aggressive behavior, the owner is put on notice, and from that point on, they are responsible for preventing future incidents. The owner can be liable if the dog bites again after this “first bite” or shows dangerous tendencies. It’s important to note that exceptions can exist even in states with the one-bite rule. For example, if the owner was negligent (such as letting the dog run loose in a public area), they could still be liable for a first bite.
Personal Injury Attorney in Rhode Island
Resmini Law, LLC provides high-quality legal services for people in Rhode Island, if you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog and you have questions about liabilities and what your legal options might be, we can help. We provide legal services for dog bites as well as other injuries. For more information, please contact our team to discuss the specifics of your case.
