Dog Bite Attorney
It is estimated that dogs bite close to 5 million people every year. Children are the most common victims, often being bitten in the face. Whether you have recently been bitten by a dog, or your child has been bitten, or if you are the owner of a dog who recently bit someone, an experienced dog bite attorney from our firm can help you.
Dog bite laws are state-specific, which usually leads to confusion. Most dog bite victims and owners believe in the one bite rule. The one bite rule is a traditional concept that essentially allows a dog's first bite to go unpunished. Under this rule, the first time a dog bites someone, the owner is not liable provided that the dog owner did not cause the bite through negligent, reckless or intentional conduct. If the dog bites a second person, the dog owner will be held liable regardless of whether or not the owner's conduct was negligent, reckless or intentional.
Most states now operate under dog bite statutes. These laws are similar to the one bite rule, with certain exceptions. The one bite rule typically will not apply to dogs with dangerous propensities, such as Rotwiellers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. If the dog bite came as a result of a public safety law violation such as leash laws or trespassing, the dog owner may be held to strict liability.
A dog bite can lead to a criminal lawsuit, civil lawsuit, or both. If you have been bitten or if you own a dog who recently bit someone, contact a dog bite attorney for a free consultation.
