Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney if my Dog Bit Someone?
Our dogs are some of our best friends, but that doesn’t mean all dogs are friendly to everyone. Most people are taught as children to watch out for other people’s dogs because it is hard to determine how they will react. Even breeds that are known to have a relatively docile nature can wind up biting someone, either as an extension of play or in an attempt to defend themselves or their owner. Here’s how a PA personal injury attorney can help.
State College Dog Bite Attorney
At Engle Kauffman & VanHorn, we know that no matter what side you are on of a dog bite case it is important to have a personal injury law firm on your side. Getting bit, of course, is no fun and no dog owner wants to see their dog bite someone. But the responsibility to prevent dog bites lies with the dog owner and the potential victim. A good State College dog bite attorney will ask important questions to determine how much a dog bite attorney PA is needed.
Our State College Personal Injury Attorney Takes a Close Look at Your Case
It is not a fun experience getting bitten by a dog, but it can also be terrifying to learn that your dog has bitten someone else. Will you lose your dog? Will your dog be euthanized because of one mistake? As a dog owner, there are precautions you can and should take. If there is any reason to think your dog might be dangerous, it is a good idea to make sure that you post “beware of the dog signs” prominently in order to provide fair warning that your dog might be unpredictable. It is also important to carefully obey leash laws and avoid leaving your dog unattended in an area where an altercation might take place.
Protecting Your Property
There are some dog bite cases that may be seen as not the dog’s fault. If the person who is bitten did not have a legal right to be on private property, it could be argued that the dog was doing his job and defending a home or business. Also, if a stranger approaches a dog without permission, or hurts or teases the dog in some way he may defend himself by biting or attacking. The three main defenses in a dog bite case include
- Trespassing – Going on another’s property without permission
- Provocation – Teasing or harassing a dog
- Contributory Negligence or Assumption of Risk – Ignoring a “Beware of the Dog” sign or approaching a dog that has displayed aggressive behavior.
Determining Liability for Invited Guests and Workers
If someone gets bit when they are invited over, or are over to do work in your home, such as a housekeeper liability can be more tricky. A professional worker needs to act respectful of your home, and take some responsibility for the potential of a bite from a dog they do not know.
Other Liability For Personal Injury State College Pennsylvania
The owner of a dog is not the only one who might be responsible for a dog bite. If the dog lives on a rental property, there may be some instances where the landlord is at least partly responsible for a bite. If the dog was in the care of a dog sitter or other caregiver when a bite occurred, that person may also share some financial responsibility for any injuries that occurred.
Personal Injury Law Firm State College Pennsylvania
Dog bites can result in a wide range of consequences and expenses, so it is important to contact a personal injury attorney State College Pennsylvania offers a great choice with Engle Kauffman & VanHorn. If you were the one bitten, we also handle these cases as well. To learn more about your options and what to expect from your case contact us at (814) 234-8834 for a free consultation.
