No matter how much you love your dog, you should be aware that dogs are a liability. The rules vary from state to state, but in general, if your dog bites someone you are strictly liable for all of the victims medical expenses You can also be sued for the victims pain and suffering. Not only may you be held liable for monetary damages, but you may also face criminal prosecution.
You can also be held liable if your dog bites another animal.
In some cases, you will have no liability in regard to a dog bite, such as when you can prove that the 'victim' provoked the dog into attaching.
Minimizing Your Liability
You can minimize your liability by taking steps to insure that your dog does not have the opportunity to bite someone.
Make sure that your dog has received proper obedience training. A well mannered, well-disciplined dog is less likely to get 'into trouble'. This is for your family's protection as well as for the protection of the public. Most children that are bitten, or killed, by a dog are bitten by their own family's pet.
Always maintain complete control over your dog. Be sure to always walk your dog on a leash. In some cases, if your dog bites someone while off the leash, your insurance company may not be required to honor any claims you make.
Keep all of your dog's vaccinations current. Not only will this help prevent someone who is bitten from becoming ill, but it can also save your dogs life. For example, if your dog's rabies vaccine is not current, he may need to be tested for rabies. This involves cutting off the dog's head in order to inspect the brain tissue!
Often your homeowner or renter's insurance policy will assist you in the event your dog bites someone. Read your policy carefully, some policies actually excludes coverage for dog bites. Even if dog bites are covered by your existing insurance, you many wish to consider taking out extra insurance to cover yourself in case your dog does bite someone. In many instances, your current policy will not be sufficient to cover your entire liability in the event of the victim suffering a serious injury.
Always obey your state and local laws that concern dog ownership. If you live in an area that outlaws certain breeds because they are deemed dangerous, yet you insist on keeping such a dog - you may face criminal prosecution if your dog bites someone. In some cases, you can even be charged with attempted murder if your dog bites someone. If the victim dies, you may be facing actual murder charges.
If your dog is vicious, if it is a trained guard dog, or in any manner represents a threat to the general public - you have the duty and the responsibility to keep that dog confined and under control at all times. When in public such dogs should be muzzled. Owners of vicious dogs often face felony charges as well as elevated monetary penalties if they are sued.
What to do if your dog bites someone?
Remain calm and offer whatever assistance you can to the victim. Be prepared to produce evidence that your dog has been vaccinated and that he has been licensed, if required. You may also be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and telephone number.
If the bite is reported to the local health department or animal control agency, an officer will probably visit you so that the dog's vaccination record can be verified. In many instances, it will be necessary for the dog to be kept under observation for ten days to ensure that it is not ill. In some locations, you will be allowed to confine your dog in your own home for those ten days, in other places the dog will be impounded until it is cleared.
Depending upon local regulation, you may also receive a ticket or other notice of violation. If your dog is a repeat offender, local ordinances may require that the dog be destroyed.
If the victim requests compensation for the bite, notify your insurance company.
Lastly, take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that your dog never has the opportunity to bite anyone again.
