Can I still sue if an owner made a reasonable effort to stop their dog from biting?

The damages in a dog bite case can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other costs. Depending on the facts of a case, there may also be punitive damages involved.

Suing for Damages

You have the right to sue if you were injured by a dog which has a known owner. Even if the owner did take some precautions, if you were injured anyway, you have the right to compensation for your damages. Whether or not you will be able to get a settlement or win in court will depend on several factors including:

• The law regarding fault in the jurisdiction;
• The severity of your injuries;
• The amount of money you have incurred in medical bills;
• Projected future medical care needs;
• Whether you had to miss work to heal from your wound or to get medical care;
• Whether the owner knew the dog had a propensity to bite people;
• What steps the owner took to try to prevent the bite;
• What kind of insurance the dog owner carries; and
• Any other factors specifically important to the case.

Getting Legal Help

An attorney who handles personal injury and dog bite cases can help you get compensation for your dog bite. Even if the owner did try to restrain the dog, in most cases, the owner is still liable for injuries you sustained as a result of their pets behavior.