If you have been attacked by a dog and sustained an injury from a bite, you may have questions about your rights and who may be held responsible for the attack. Dog bites can be very serious injuries that send people to the hospital, keep them from work, and cause major medical expenses. Hiring an attorney is the best way to get all of your questions answered about your specific case. Here are a few common questions about dog bites and their answers:

Are certain DOG breeds more likely to bite?

Any dog of any breed has the potential to bite if they feel threatened, scared, or are being touched while eating. There are, however, certain breeds that are more likely to bite. These breeds include, but are not limited to Pitt Bull Terriers, Chow Chows, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios, and German Shepherds. Some counties and municipalities have local laws outlawing certain breeds like pit bulls.

If my city has a “leash law” is the owner of a dog off its leash responsible for my injury?

In most cases, yes, if you were injured by a dog that was not on a leash when the city ordinance says that all dogs must be leashed in public places, then the owner can be found negligent in a court of law and be held liable for your injuries. There are, however, certain restrictions that can apply. Your best bet is to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney that has experience with dog bite cases.

Is there anything I can do to keep my dog from biting people?

Any dog has the potential to bite, but, yes, there are certain precautions that you can take to keep your dog from biting. If you have a male dog, you might consider getting him neutered, take your dog to training classes, keep your dog confined when outdoors to help prevent an accident, and allow your dog to socialize with other dogs and people. Usually the use of a muzzle will completely prevent a dog from being able to bite.

Can a person be held legally responsible for keeping a vicious dog?

In almost all cases, the owner of a known vicious animal can be held responsible for any injuries or deaths the animal has caused. The civil law imposes strict liability in those instances where the owner knew the dog was dangerous. There have been a number of cases imposing criminal penalties to owners ranging from heavy fines to significant jail time.

What type of damages can be awarded to the victim of a dog bite?

Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, etc. Depending on the facts of your case the local laws in your area, your rights may vary.

If you have been injured from a dog bite, please contact The Yost Legal Group as soon as possible and schedule a free consultation to have any more questions you might have about your dog bite answered by a qualified attorney.

Free consultation: Call 1-800-YOST LAW or complete the contact form below to learn more about how we can help.