Rules Implemented by Dog Bite Laws in the U.S.

Dogs are man’s best friends. But when they are not properly treated, they become man’s worst enemies. That is why it is always a must to properly treat the dogs well, because no matter how cute and cuddly they are, they can still turn into the most monstrous creatures in the world.

There are almost 75 million dogs living in the United States, while there were only an estimated 4.5 million dog bites each year, with 880,000 dog bite victims seek emergency medical care at the hospitals every year. This low estimated number of dog bites is not accurate since most of the dog bite attacks are not being reported.

According to the dog bite laws in the U.S., here are the following rules that are strictly implemented by the government:

• Majority Rule The dog owner is legally responsible or liable for the full compensation to a dog bite victim. The dog bite victim in return is entitles to full compensation coming from the owner’s homeowners’ insurance and renters’ insurance. This rule is found in every state codes. Of course, if the victim is trespassing in the property of the dog owner, in cases like this, the statutes is of no use.

• One Bite Rule

There are two things that an injured must prove, dangerousness or viciousness which means that the injury must have occurred while the dog is doing what he usually does; like if it is chasing the bike, the plaintiff got the injury while being chased, and so on. The other thing that a plaintiff must prove is that the owner is aware of his dog’s actions but did not do anything to correct it prior the injury.

• Negligence

Another ground for liability provided by the states is negligence. An example of this is when the owner lets his dog run free in a public place.

• Other Factors

The defendant does not have to be the owner of the dog. Dog walkers and landlords can be liable, too. Another is that the defendant does not have to be rich to pay full compensation to the plaintiff, homeowner’s and renter’s insurance can be enough to pay for him.

Always remember that dog bite laws in the U.S. are strictly implemented that is why citizen must comply with it for their safety.