Who is responsible when a dog bite occurs? What legal rights do victims have after an attack? In this episode of Personal Injury 101: Dog Bites, Associate Phillip Ayers discusses who may be held liable in a dog bite incident and explains important legal concepts, including the “one free bite” rule, negligence, and exceptions that may apply under the law. Phillip also outlines the steps to take after a dog bite, practical insight into how liability is determined and what factors can affect a victim’s ability to recover compensation.
At GLP Attorneys, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact a dog bite injury can have on individuals and their families. Our team is committed to helping injured people understand their rights, navigate the legal process, and focus on their recovery with confidence.
Who is liable in a dog bite incident?
Most people really like dogs, and most dog owners are responsible people caring for their animals and providing proper training. So it feels extra shocking when you encounter a dog that is vicious, and even more so if you're attacked or bitten by one.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you may be feeling overwhelmed, in pain, or unsure of what to do next. You are not alone and we're here to help. Depending on the state in which the bite occurred, liability can fall under one or more of the following legal frameworks. In several states, including our own, Washington State, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
It doesn't matter if the dog has ever bitten anyone before, ever showed any signs of aggression, or if the owner took precautions. If there is an injury caused by the animal, the dog owner is on the hook. That means if you were bitten by a dog in a public place or while lawfully on private property, you may have the right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma and more.
Under tort law, a dog owner may face strict liability for any injury caused by their dog, meaning the owner can be held responsible even if they were not negligent or didn't know the dog had a tendency to bite.
What is the “one free bite” rule?
Some states still follow the historic “one free bite” rule. This means an owner might avoid liability for their dog harming someone if they had no reason to know their dog was dangerous.
However, if the owner had any reason to know their dog could be dangerous, the owner has a legal duty to prevent future harm by their dog, and will be liable for damages their dog inflicts on another person.
What is negligence in a dog bite case?
In these cases, owners can be held liable if someone is injured due to the owner's failure to act reasonably, such as not leasing their dog in public or letting it roam freely. If the owner's carelessness causes an injury, they may be held responsible.
Are there any exceptions?
Most states do not hold dog owners liable if a trespasser is injured on private property. However, if a dog attacks someone who is lawfully on that property like a delivery person, guest, or anyone else that had license to be on the property, the owner may be required to compensate the injured party for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress or property damage.
What is important to do after a dog bite?
After a dog bite, it's important to seek medical care immediately, both physical and mental, especially for minors. Get the dog's vaccination status, report the incident to animal control and the police immediately. Continuously document your injuries with photos and get legal guidance before speaking with the dog owners insurance company.
Speak to an Experienced Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today
At GLP Attorneys, we understand how traumatic a dog bite incident can be for everyone involved. Whether you have been injured by a dog or your dog has harmed someone, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process.
If you have been injured in a dog bite incident or have questions about your legal rights, we are here to help. Call (800) 273-5005 or email our attorneys at for a free consultation.
