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Dog Bite

A victim of an attack by a dog must prove two things:

1. The animal had "vicious propensities", and
2. The owner of the dog knew or should have known the dog was vicious.

If the dog has bitten someone before, the dog will generally be considered vicious and the law presumes that the owner had knowledge of the dog's "vicious propensities." Even if the dog has not bitten someone before the owner may be found responsible for your injury if he or she knew that the dog had vicious or mischevious propensities.

For example, if the dog is kept for protection and as a watch dog, the owner should know the dog has a propensity to bite. Additionally, if the dog that bit you showed his teeth, growled and charged people in the past, the dog may be found to be vicious and the owner may be responsible for your injuries. If you have an opportunity to speak with neighbors, the mail carrier or friends of the owner of the dog and they advise you of the prior vicious propensities they observed, you should advise your attorney immediately.

If you have been a victim of a dog bite and you believe there may be a case against the dog owner, click here for a free case appraisal.