From Barks to Bites Preventing Dog Bites and Understanding Liability

Dear Friend,

Whether you own a dog or meet them in your neighborhood, there are some safety tips to keep in mind to minimize the risk of dog bites. In today’s blog, I’ll discuss how you can protect yourself and others from dog bites and help you understand the legal implications if an incident occurs.

Understanding Dog Bite Liability

The law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs biting someone, no matter the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggression. If a dog bites you, the owner is responsible for covering your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages from the bite.

Steps to Prevent Dog Bites

1. If you’re an owner, socialize and train your dog. Proper socialization and obedience training expose your dog to different people and situations from a young age and help them feel comfortable and less likely to react aggressively.
2. Always supervise your dog around children or unfamiliar adults. Even the best-behaved dogs can become anxious or defensive in certain situations.
3. Keep your dog on a leash and under control in public or around visitors. This prevents your dog from approaching or feeling threatened by strangers.
4. Teach children and visitors how to interact safely with dogs. Encourage them to approach dogs calmly and ask permission before petting. Avoid disturbing dogs while they eat or sleep.
5. Be aware of your dog’s body language, like growling, baring teeth, or stiffening. These signs show your dog may feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Liability in Non-Bite Cases

Strict liability law applies specifically to dog bites. If a dog causes injury without biting, like knocking someone over, liability may still exist under other legal theories like negligence. Overall, dog owners must control their pets and prevent them from causing harm.

What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog

If a dog bites you, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Wash the bite wound with soap and water immediately and seek medical treatment, even if the injury seems minor. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications.
2. Get the dog owner’s contact information and verify the dog’s vaccination status. This information is crucial for medical treatment and potential legal action.
3. Take photos of your injuries, the location of the bite, and any visible signs of the dog’s aggression or lack of restraint. Collect contact information from witnesses.
4. Report the dog bite to your local animal control or health department. They can investigate, quarantine the dog if necessary, and document the incident for legal purposes.

Preventing dog bites requires responsible ownership and awareness of dog behavior. By socializing, training, and properly restraining your dog, you reduce the risk of incidents. If you or someone you care about is bitten by a dog, call my law firm. We are experienced in dog bite cases and can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue a claim against the dog owner’s insurance.

Until next time, please be safe and stay vigilant.

Sincerely,
Paul Samakow
Attorney Paul Samakow
703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515