Dog Bites and Liability
Several weeks ago, a Denver news anchor was bitten in the face by a dog that was being featured on the show with its owner. Here are some other headlines from online news outlets in the past week:
- Baby injured in El Paso County pit bull attack
- Pit-bull attack: Woman's leg, arm amputated
- Baby death by dog spurs warning for pet-owning parents
Dog attacks are quite common and can be fatal or cause serious, disfiguring injuries. There were reports that the news anchor lost part of her lip and had over 75 stitches to her face.
In most cases of a dog attack or bite, the owner is likely to be liable under either Pennsylvania or New Jersey law. However, other parties may bear liability:
- dog breeders,
- dog trainers,
- veterinarians,
- landlords,
- any person or business entity who had a duty to warn of a dog's dangerous tendencies.
In cases of serious injuries or death, investigation into the dog's history and prior ownership are important. Any evidence of aggressive traits, personality or breeding is important. For example, if a dog is bred from two aggressive parents, it is important for a dog buyer to know of that history. In many instances, a dog breeder simply does not inform buyers of the potential for aggressiveness. This is the kind of behavior which may result in liability in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
The dog injury lawyers at White and Williams have pursued cases of liability beyond the dog owner. If you'd like your case evaluated by our lawyers, contact us. 877.944.8396
Category: Dog Bite Cases
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