Which Parties Can You Sue After Being Attacked By A Dog? Find Out
Most dogs are fun to hang around with and are good company for many people. However, they can also be hostile and may attack, especially if provoked. In most cases, victims of dog attacks only take legal action against the animal owner. However, it is important to note that you can also sue a landlord after a dog bites you on their premises. This article sheds light on the parties you can sue after a dog hurts you and how an attorney can help you get justice.
The Dog's Owner
Different states implement different laws regarding dog attack lawsuits. For example, some states punish dog owners even when the victim was partly to blame for the accident. Other states only allow complainants to bring claims when they can prove that the animal owner knew beforehand that the dog had a propensity to hurt people. Regardless of the circumstances, you must have evidence to support your case.
Therefore, it is prudent to hire a legal advisor to help you prepare a strong claim. They will investigate the incident and gather the information needed to prove your case. For instance, they might get a report showing that the dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior. This helps prove that the dog owner knew that their dog posed a danger but never took measures to prevent the attack.
The Landlord
In most cases, dog owners are the main culprits when their animal wounds an innocent person. Even so, there are times you may also sue their landlord for your attack, which can be helpful, especially if the dog owner's insurance isn't enough to cover all your losses. However, suing a landlord is sometimes challenging because they will likely raise several arguments to deny responsibility.
For instance, they might assert that they should not take the blame because they don't own the dog. In such a case, your lawyer can present evidence, e.g., to prove that the landlord was aware that the dog had caused injury in the past. This demonstrates that they had the opportunity to ask the animal owner to vacate their premises but didn't. The landlord may also be liable if they took care of the dog as the owner would, e.g., feeding, walking, etc.
If you've suffered serious harm from a dog attack, consult a dog bite lawyer for assistance in getting justice. They identify the at-fault parties, get evidence to prove wrongdoing, and file claims against those responsible. These measures will enable you to get a payment to cater for your losses.
Reach out to a dog bite lawyer like BRIAN E. BUCKMEIER P.C. ATTORNEY AT LAW for more information.