When dogs attack, the resulting injuries can be severe and long-lasting. From scarring and disfigurement to the increased risk of infection, it can take time to for these health issues to resolve. Along with the physical pain, the trauma from the incident can also be devastating and hard to overcome. Let a dedicated personal injury attorney help.
If you were injured by a canine attack, it is crucial to learn about your legal options immediately. Reach out to a Buffalo dog bite lawyer to assist you in understanding your rights and to advocate on your behalf while pursuing the compensation you need to begin healing.
When is a Dog Owner Responsible for a Bite?
The owner of a dog can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog. However, in order to hold a dog owner liable for these injuries, it must be proven that the dog bit someone else in the past, or that the dog displayed vicious behavior, that the owner knew or should have known about. It is also important to prove that the injured person did nothing to provoke the dog. Regardless of the scenario, an experienced Buffalo dog bite attorney can gather evidence and analyze the details of a case to help hold a negligent owner accountable.
Dangerous Dogs
Although it may be easier to prove a dog owner is liable for someone’s injuries if the dog is deemed dangerous under the law, it is still necessary to prove that the dog had bitten someone in the past or had vicious propensities. If this can be proven, the owner will be held strictly liable for any damage the dog caused. Strict liability means the injured party is not required to show the dog owner was negligent in allowing the attack to occur. This is good news for a dog bite victim, as establishing negligence is often the most challenging aspect of personal injury cases.
When is a Landlord Responsible for a Dog Bite?
Sometimes dog bites happen on property owned by someone other than the dog owner. This includes dog bites that occur in an apartment or house that the dog owner is renting from a landlord. In these circumstances, a landlord may be held liable for injuries caused by the dog.
To hold a landlord responsible, it must be proven that the landlord knew the dog was on their property, knew or should have known that the dog had vicious behavior prior to injuring someone, and had the ability to remove the dog from the property, but chose not to. Holding a Buffalo landlord liable for a dog bite can be critical in situations where the dog owner does not have insurance to compensate the injured person.
Defenses in a Dog Bite Case
It is important to note that defenses can apply to dog bite cases even when the strict liability standard applies. Some of these defenses include:
- The dog was protecting its owner or itself
- The dog was provoked
- The bite victim was trespassing
- The dog was acting in a law enforcement role
- The dog was reacting to pain or suffering
To secure compensation, a Buffalo resident injured by a canine attack must work with their attorney to overcome these scenarios when establishing that they are entitled to financial recovery. It is vital to the outcome of a claim to demonstrate how and why any defense raised does not apply. This can be difficult to accomplish without skilled legal counsel.
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Speak to a Buffalo Dog Bite Attorney for Help Seeking Recovery for Your Losses
Dog attacks can be traumatic events that take years to recover from. While a financial settlement will not undo this trauma, it could provide you with the resources you need to face it.
Let a goal-oriented Buffalo dog bite lawyer help you pursue compensation following an animal attack. Contact Richmond Vona today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.
