Dog Bites

A dog owner or the person having custody of a dog is financially liable for damages if the dog bites a person and injures that person.  A bite victim can recover compensation from a person whose negligent actions were the proximate case of the dog bite or who violated trespass or leash laws applicable to dogs. The amount of damages awarded to a victim are determined, in part, by the nature of the injury, the medical expenses incurred, and the victim's loss of income, if any.  Most jurisdictions impose strict liability upon defendants for dog bites.  Additionally, dog owners are subject to criminal penalties in certain circumstances, particularly those involving a vicious dog or a dog that has been trained to fight.