Typically, dog owners are strictly liable for any damage done by their dog. If a dog bites you, you may have a claim against the owner for any loss you suffered. Some dogs are powerful and aggressive. They may be capable of causing massive harm to an unsuspecting victim. Even if an owner is not strictly liable for the dog attack, the owner may have been careless in allowing the animal to harm that other party.
Personal injury laws can be tricky. If the dog owner has insurance, the insurance company may offer to settle for a small amount. However, if the owner does not have a relevant policy, the owner may ignore your requests for compensation. Without knowledge of how the legal system works, you may not know how to go about making sure the dog owner compensates you for your medical bills and pain and suffering. A Moberly dog bite lawyer may be your best option for seeking fair financial compensation to pay for your losses.
The law may find a person liable for the harm done by their dog if the person was negligent or if the law holds that person strictly accountable. No matter what legal theory a court uses to assign responsibility, the victim must bring a lawsuit within five years of the bite according to Missouri Statute §516.120.
If a pet owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous predisposition or violence in the past, the law may state the owner is strictly liable for any future harm caused by the animal. Even if an owner turns a blind eye to the realities of their pet’s personality, if a reasonable person would have recognized it, the law imputes knowledge on the owner.
Strict liability means that it does not matter how careful the owner was with the dog. If the dog attacks someone, the owner must pay for the resulting harm.
The court may also hold an owner strictly liable if the owner fails to follow local laws related to pets, such as leash laws. If the owner walked the dog without a lease, the law would require the owner to compensate any person injured by the animal.
Even if the dog does not have a history of violent behavior, the owner may have negligently allowed the animal to attack someone. Negligence means the owner acted unreasonably, which led to the dog harming another person and that person suffering damages. These cases may be more challenging to prove, but an aggressive attorney may make all the difference in the outcome.
Often, pet owners have homeowner’s insurance which covers dog attacks. This means that the victim may be able to recover from the insurance company rather than going directly after the owner. However, the policy limits do not always cover all the damage, and the injured party may have to recover the rest directly from the owner.
A person injured by a dog may be able to claim the following types of damages:
If a dog attacked you, you might be in shock. Even if you decide not to pursue a legal remedy, you may want to meet with a Moberly dog bite lawyer to fully understand your rights and what you can do to protect your interests. An attorney could aid you in deciding how to proceed and what you can expect from the process. Dog bites may result in permanent scarring, emotional distress, and even permanent impairments. Call right away to get started!
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