Understanding Dog Bite Laws: A Guide for Dog Bite Attorneys
As a dog bite lawyer, it's important to know everything there is to know about dog bite laws so you can help your clients. Cases involving dog bites can be complicated and emotional, so it's important to know the latest rules and laws in your area. In this guide, we'll talk about the different kinds of dog bite laws and how they can affect your clients' cases.
Laws about strict liability
When it comes to dog bites, most states in the US have strict liability laws. This means that the dog's owner is responsible for any injuries the dog causes, whether or not the owner knew the dog was aggressive. This kind of law is meant to protect people who are hurt and make sure they get paid for their injuries, whether the owner was careless or not.
In some states, strict liability laws only apply if the person who was hurt was not on private property or did anything to make the dog angry. This means that the victim may not be able to get compensation if they were on the owner's property without permission or if they did something to make the dog attack them.
Negligence Laws
Some states have both strict liability laws and negligence laws that can be used in dog bite cases. The dog's owner is responsible under negligence laws if they did not take reasonable steps to keep their dog from biting someone. This can include not keeping the dog on a leash, not keeping the dog in check, or not telling other people that the dog is likely to be aggressive.
Contributing carelessness
In some states, the victim's own actions can make their injuries worse and make it harder for them to get compensation. This is called being partly to blame. For example, if the victim was on the owner's property without permission or provoked the dog, they may not be able to get any compensation at all.
In dog bite cases, it can be hard to figure out who was at fault because of something called "contributory negligence." As a dog bite lawyer, it's important to look into the details of the bite and figure out if the victim did anything to make their injuries worse.
Defenses
Dog bite lawyers should also know the different ways that dog owners can defend themselves in court. One common defense is that the victim was on the owner's property without permission or did something to make the dog attack. If the owner can show that the person who got bit was to blame, they might not have to pay for the person's injuries.
Another common defense is that the person who got bit by the dog knew it was possible. This defense is often used when the victim knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous but still chose to interact with it.
Damages
Lastly, as a dog bite lawyer, you need to know what kinds of damages can be claimed in a dog bite case. These can include pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. It's important to work with your client to figure out how much damage they've done and get them the right amount of money.
In dog bite cases, medical costs are often the biggest part of the damages because the victim may need a lot of medical care and rehabilitation. The victim's lost wages can also be a big deal, especially if they can't work because of their injuries.
Conclusion
As a dog bite lawyer, you need to know a lot about the different kinds of dog bite laws and how they can affect your clients' cases. In dog bite cases, strict liability laws, negligence laws, contributory negligence, and defenses are all used to figure out who is responsible and how much they should pay. You can help your clients get the money they deserve for their injuries and emotional pain by working closely with them and doing a thorough investigation of how the dog bite happened.
At Worman Law LLC, we have a lot of experience helping people who have been hurt by dogs or other animals. We know how complicated these cases are and are committed to helping our clients in a way that is both kind and effective. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, please don't hesitate to call us for a free consultation. We'll look at your case and help you figure out what your legal options are so you can decide what to do next.
https://goo.gl/maps/oWhG5jwX2nAgxEsRA
Worman Law LLC
222 S Meramec Ave Suite 203 St. Louis, MO 63105