Who Is Responsible for Dog Attacks?

Dog attacks can be a traumatic experience for both the victim and the dog owner. In such cases, it's important to determine who is responsible for the attack. Dog attack liability laws vary from state to state, and it's important to understand the laws in your area to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. In this blog post, we'll discuss the factors determining who is responsible for dog attacks.

1. Dog Owner Liability

In most cases, the dog owner is held liable for any injuries caused by the dog. This is known as strict liability, meaning that the owner is responsible regardless of whether they were aware of their dog's aggressive behavior. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim provoked the dog, the owner may not be liable.

2. Landlord Liability

The landlord might be held liable if the dog attack occurred on a rental property. Landlords have a duty to ensure that their property is safe for tenants and visitors. If they knew or should have known that a dangerous dog was on the property, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.

3. Government Liability

In some cases, government entities may be held liable for dog attacks. For example, if a police dog attacks an innocent bystander, the government agency responsible for the dog may be held liable. Additionally, if a dog attack occurs on public property, such as a park, the government may be held liable if they were aware of the dangerous dog and failed to take action.

4. Negligence

In some cases, negligence may be a factor in determining liability for a dog attack. For example, if the owner failed to restrain their dog properly or warn others of their dog's aggressive behavior, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.

5. Contributory Negligence

Contributory negligence is a legal defense that can be used by the dog owner to reduce their liability. This defense argues that the victim's own negligence contributed to the attack. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the owner's property, they may be found partially responsible for the attack.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, it's important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. At Hensley Cloninger & Greer, P.C., we have extensive experience handling dog attack cases and can help you navigate the legal process.

Contact us today by calling (828) 383-8414 or filling out this short form to schedule a free consultation.