Dog Bite Attorney

Many people love our furry friends, but one thing is certain… whether you’ve been bitten by a dog or you own a dog who bit someone, dog bites can have serious physical, legal, and financial consequences.

The first step to dealing with the legal implications of a dog bite is to understand the law. It’s often assumed that certain breeds like Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Mastiffs, and German Shepherds are more aggressive and likely to bite, but when it comes to dog bites, breed is not a factor the law considers.

What the law does consider is whether the owner has taken all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure safety. These generally include keeping dogs leashed while off the owner’s property, and taking measures to keep them from escaping the property and running loose.

If you own a dog and are aware your dog may have a propensity to bite, you are required to take additional precautions like posting “Beware of Dog” signs, preventing the dog from having access to unsuspecting guests who may enter the property, and using a muzzle. Having prior knowledge of your dog snarling or growling at humans or attacking another animal may be enough for you to be considered responsible for a bite injury, and liable for criminal fines and penalties in addition to monetary damages to the injured person.

If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. In order to be compensated, however, you have to prove that the dog’s owner is liable for its actions. The Fegley Law Firm can help you win your case by conducting an investigation to determine if the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s behavior. This typically includes obtaining police reports, witness and neighbor statements, adoption records, and veterinarian records.