Personal Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dogs have always been a part of our daily lives, and they generally make excellent pets, but there are always exceptions. A dog can suddenly react negatively and attack a person. A dog bite can injure a victim temporarily or even permanently. These injuries are classified as personal injuries, so there is a legal procedure to follow.
Suppose you are the victim of a dog bite. In that case, this accident’s responsibility is determined based on whether the owner knew that the animal was prone to violence or not or if the animal had already had previous instances of violence.
Generally, the responsibility falls on the dog owner, who has to cover all the medical expenses necessary to treat the injuries caused. There are exceptions, of course, such as if the victim provoked the animal in any way or if the bite was due to trespassing into certain areas without authorization. The latter is because the dog acted as a defense, and in these cases, the owner of the animal can avoid being responsible.
Sometimes, to verify that the dog is aggressive, it will be subjected to specific tests to determine if the dog acted by instinct, if it was by external provocation, or an act of defense. This is key to determining guilt. Matters considered include: whether the dog has had complaints in the past, if it has been confined, or if it wears a muzzle. If the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressiveness and did not act to prevent the accident, it is considered negligence, and he is liable.
If you are a dog owner, we advise you to train the dog to be fully obedient. Always take the dog out on a leash and avoid places or situations that could involve it in these types of situations.
If you have been the victim of a dog bite and have been the victim of any damage, we advise you to consult us. At Nourmand, we have extensive experience in personal injury cases. Call us at (800)550-9816, do not delay in taking action.
