Did You Provoke A Dog Bite?
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
The dog was, is, and will likely remain one of the most popular pet choices in the USA. While cats are quickly on the rise as the #2 or perhaps even #1 pet due to being able to live in smaller spaces and not requiring walks outside, the loyalty, affection and intelligence of dogs simply cannot be questioned.However, even with an animal that has been domesticated for millennia like dogs, it’s still important to remember that these are animals. And like any animal, a dog is capable of becoming aggressive, lashing out and even injuring people with scratches or bites.
When a severe dog attack occurs, as upsetting as the incident is, there are always going to be questions that need to be answered. It’s especially important in these cases because, depending on the exact circumstances, legal action may be required. However, that legal action is only viable if it can be proven that the dog or dog’s owner is at fault, and not you.
Negligence & Recklessness
If you or someone you know, such as your child has been bitten by a dog and the injury was serious, there are legal practices out there that specialize in dog bites and other injuries related to dog attacks. The personal injury lawyers at these firms have extensive knowledge about the laws surrounding dogs, dog attacks and the legal responsibilities and liabilities dog owners must face in the event they do not adequately control their pets. The infamous Pit Bull breed, for example, which is valued specifically for its aggressive behavior, makes for an excellent security dog, but, without proper handling, can turn on a person for a seemingly unprovoked attack.
However, while dog attacks can appear random, they rarely occur without some kind of reason. In some cases, what may seem to be a malicious, ferocious attack in a parent or child’s eyes has defensive purposes in the mind of a dog.
For example, a child who has never been introduced to a dog that has just given birth makes a run towards the dog while she is nursing her puppies. To you or the child, this is a simple matter of wanting to see the puppies. To the dog, however, this is a complete stranger running towards her and her helpless young. In the same way, disturbing a dog while it is sleeping or eating might be fine to you, or a child, but to the dog, this is a sudden surprise, and it can be even more unpleasant if it is a stranger doing these things.
It’s A Two Way Street
Of course, an owner of a dog has certain responsibilities to ensure that guests on a property are safe. But if an adult or child behaves in a way that could interpreted as provocative to a dog, and the dog responds in kind, there’s a chance that some of the blame may be shared. In order to get to the truth and see what kind of case you have for a dog bite, always talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer.