Dog Bite FAQs
2. How do I prove my landlord knew another tenant's cat or dog was dangerous?
3. I was watching a dog for someone and he bit the postman, am I liable?
4. A dog did not bite me but ran in front of me while I was driving. Who is responsible for my damages in the car accident?
5. What is the “one free bite” rule?
6. What do leash laws cover?
7. My neighbor has a “Beware of Dog” sign posted in their yard. Are they liable since their dog bit my mother?
8. Do I need a lawyer if I have been bitten by a dog?
1. My child's face will be
disfigured from a dog bite, but my friend says that
my child provoked her dog to bite. What do I do?
In most states, the owner of a dog is responsible
for damages if that dog bites someone. In some
states, if a dog is restrained and on the owner's
property, there may be mitigating circumstances. Contact
Oshman & Mirisola, LLP today to discuss your
situtation.
2. How do I prove my landlord
knew another tenant's cat or dog was dangerous?
Your attorney will know what information is
important. Contact
Oshman & Mirisola, LLP today to discuss your
situtation. Sometimes, it is enough to show that the
landlord had the responsibility to know, whether
actual knowledge can be shown or not
3. I was watching a dog for
someone and he bit the postman, am I liable?
Some states have ruled that people who only keep or
care for a dog will not be liable for dog bites
occurring during their care of the dog. The actual
owner would be held liable in those instances.
4. A dog did not bite me but
ran in front of me while I was driving. Who is
responsible for my damages in the car accident?
A dog owner may be held liable for damages caused
even by a non-biting dog, particularly in areas
where restraint of a dog is legally mandated. Contact
Oshman & Mirisola, LLP today to discuss your
case.
5. What is the “one free
bite” rule?
In some states, the owner isn’t held liable for
the first bite the dog inflicts. Once an animal has
demonstrated vicious behavior, biting or otherwise
displaying a "vicious propensity", the
owner can be held liable.
6. What do leash laws cover?
Most communities have local leash laws that require
dogs to be on a leash unless confined to a house or
fenced yard, even on your own property. Failing to
follow the leash laws combined with the dog biting
someone can greatly increase the potential
penalties.
7. My neighbor has a “Beware
of Dog” sign posted in their yard. Are they liable
since their dog bit my mother?
Possibly. The sign can help to alert others of the
presence of the dog. But if an attack occurs, the
specific facts will determine whether there is any
liability.
8. Do I need a lawyer if I
have been bitten by a dog?
Yes. It is always in your best interest to have an
experienced lawyer review your case. Contact
Oshman & Mirisola, LLP today.