By Mary Randolph, J.D. Dog owners are usually responsible when their pets bite people or hurt them another way (such as by knocking them over or chasing them). That means that the injured person may sue the owner to seek compensation for the damages, including medical expenses.
Are you liable if your dog attacks someone
Are you responsible if your dog bites someone?
California dog bite law imposes strict liability on owners. This means the owner of a dog that bites someone faces liability in a civil lawsuit for the victim's injuries even if the animal has never bitten before and the owner had no reason to believe the animal was dangerous.
What happens if my dog attacks someone?
Your dog may be designated a “dangerous dog,” depending on severity of the bite, and your dog's history. Your dog may be required by law to be euthanized if your dog is considered dangerous, or if the injury was very serious or a death occured. You could be held legally responsible, or face fines or charges.Sep 13, 2021
Who is legally responsible for the actions of a dog?
owner The simple answer is the dog's owner, but there may be extenuating circumstances that can place the liability on other parties instead of or in addition to the dog's owner. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 4.7 million people are bitten or mauled by dogs every year, most commonly children.
Can you sue if a dog attacks your dog?
California law permits people whose dog was attacked by another dog to sue for damages. … Rather, California law classifies dogs as personal property. [2] Therefore, if a dog injures another dog, the defendant must bring a property damage lawsuit (or a less common action for “trespass to chattels.”)
What should I do if my dog bites another dog?
The state of California is a strict liability state. This means that if your dog bites another dog, animal or person, generally you are responsible for paying the vet bills and any other necessary damages to the owner of the animal that was bitten.May 2, 2017
Who is liable when a dog attacks another dog?
The state of California is a strict liability state. This means that if your dog bites another dog, animal or person, generally you are responsible for paying the vet bills and any other necessary damages to the owner of the animal that was bitten.May 2, 2017
Who is liable if a dog bites another dog?
When is an owner liable for a dog biting another dog? Under California law, liability occurs when the defendant damages the owner's property — in this case, the plaintiff's dog — as a result of the defendant's negligence.