Liability for Dog Bites

What things do I need to consider before buying my dog and what are my possible liabilities regarding dog bites?

Home Environment-What kind of home environment will I be providing for my new pet. Do I have enough living space for a dog, i.e. backyard space? How can I protect my family and community from my dog and what safety issues must I consider regarding dog bites?

Dog Runs-Are there any dog runs close by? What do I do if another dog bites my dog?

Budget- Can I afford a dog’s upkeep- food, toys, training, etc? How much is it going to cost me if my dog bites someone?

Food-What kind of food should I feed my new pet? Are there any special foods out on the market that would help a nervous or over-active dog to be calmer?

Breeds-What kind of breed of dog do I want- Where can I obtain breed-specific information regarding dog bites before getting my new dog?

Size/Gender- Large or small, male or female? Do male dogs tend to bite more then females?

Growth-If I get a puppy, how will I handle the growth of my dog? Can I train my dog not to bite as it grows?

Age-Do I want a puppy or an older dog? Any rules of thumb for young or old dogs regarding bites?

Children and Community- How will my new pet interact with my children and neighbors? Who is more prone to getting bit by my dog?

Vet-If my dog gets bit by another dog, how far is the nearest vet hospital?

Liability-And of course, one of the most important consideration is what happens if my dog does bite someone? Is there a list of particular dog breeds that are more prone to bites? Where can I find any information on dog-bite prevention?

A Good Rule Of Thumb

My dog would be considered part of my family; I would never my new beloved pet to ever do harm to anyone. But dog bites are tragically a real issue and can happen to anyone’s dog. As for the victim, a frightening and traumatic experience to say the least! Injuries from any kind of attack can vary from temporary cuts and bruises to permanent impairing and disfigurement or loss of body parts.

Many dog attacks frequently involve children because of a child’s size in relationship to the dog. If you do have children, a good general rule of thumb is that a dog younger than four months is best because introducing an older dog into your household, the dog's behavior cannot be predicted.

An Incredible Real Dog Biting Story

On my way to best friends’ wedding rehearsal, I arrived an hour before opening because I went there straight from my work. It was a really hot, humid New York summer day. As I got close to the front of the reception hall, I saw the guard dog in front of the property. The dog was sitting there and was very big but seemed quite serene. I have already been to this place a few times and have actually pet and played with this dog many times so he knows me. As I walked passed the dog to see if the doors to the rehearsal hall were open, I suddenly felt this very heavy object on my back that dropped me to the ground. I can feel my back being scratched deeply and a sudden burning sensation. I rolled over to try to get the dog off me by hitting him with my backpack but he was too strong. I wanted to take the best offensive position I could, and I remembered one which I learned from reading Steve Weiner’s Dog Bite Website. So as the dog started to bite into my face, I made sure he was underneath me, wrapped my hands around his neck and began choking him as hard as I could. He immediately let me go and I luckily got away with only superficial flesh wounds to my neck and forehead. Thanks to Steve Weiner’s Dog Bite Website, I was fully prepared for my dog enemy attack that day, a dog that I thought was my friend!

You Have Rights From Your Bites

Depending on what caused the attack will raise the issues regarding liability and potential damaged against any dog-biting owner. The owner may be liable for substantial current and future medical expenses and a possible long lasting lawsuit. Attacks are often unprovoked unless the animal was tormented, teased or abused by the victim. Generally, the animal's owner is legally responsible for the injuries and damages caused by the attack if the animal was not being provoked.

Dogs play an important role in our family life so dog bite prevention has become very popular and is a must to avoid possible lawsuits. The best way for the victim to be protected is to learn what legal rights and remedies are available by consulting with an attorney as soon as possible. See Steve Weiner’s Dog Bite Website www.weinerlawoffice.com for all of your dog bite questions and dog bite prevention information or give us a call today at 1-800-704-0151.

From the author: Dog Bite Experts

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