How can I hold the owner responsible for a dog’s behavior?

Dogs can become part of the family. Although these dogs can become our close companions, to other people they may not seem as innocent. Some individuals can be harmed by dogs that act out aggressively. These individuals that are harmed by a dog can seek liability for this dog’s aggression. For these cases, the owner may be liable for the injury that the victim suffered from.

There are certain circumstances in place that are needed to show that the owner acted negligently and did not take proper precautions to protect the victim from the dog’s aggressive behavior. A history of bad behavior can also affect these cases. The victim should collect as much information as possible about this owner’s dog and their history.

What are the circumstances that apply?

Although a dog owner can be held responsible for their dog’s behavior, this can require certain circumstances in incidents involving a dog bite. If a dog is known to have a history of violence, the owner should have reasonably known about the dog’s inclination to act this way again. This may make the victim’s case easier to prove due to a previous inclination toward aggressive behavior. Without a previous history of violence, the owner can still be held liable. If the dog bites someone off the owner’s property, was not properly restrained and was out of the owner’s control, then they can be held liable for the incident.

If a victim trespassed onto the owner’s property, a case may be harder to prove. When the dog is controlled on their owner’s property, the injured party will have to prove negligence. This can then lead you to seek damages for your injuries in the form of monetary compensation for your medical bills. If the victim somehow antagonized the dog or entered the property with the intent to commit a crime, they may not be able to prove liability since the victim did not have good intentions.

How do I build my case?

For each case, it is important to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional. This attention can provide documentation of your injuries to further prove your case. Treatment can help make sure that the dog was given the proper veterinary care and does not have any other negative impact on you. To build your case further, you should seek medical information about the dog.

Albers & Associates is comprised of experienced personal injury, criminal defense, and family law attorneys. Our firm is proud to serve clients in Baltimore, Maryland. If you require strong legal representation that will fight to protect your future, contact the attorneys at Albers & Associates to schedule a consultation.