Can a Landlord be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

Dogs and humans have coexisted well for thousands of years, but there are times when this is not the case. You could be on your morning run and cross paths with a vicious dog that bites you out of nowhere.

Dogs are territorial and tend to bite people if they feel threatened. A dog might attack you if:

  • You startle it or approach it from behind. 
  • The dog is in a fearful position, sick, or unwell.
  • A female dog feels that her pups are under attack.

Dog bites can cause the following diseases:

  • Capnocytophaga

You might experience vomiting, diarrhea, blistering around the wound, or fever. A lack of treatment could lead to kidney failure and a heart attack.

  • Sepsis

You could experience severe pain and confusion.

  • Rabies

You could experience headaches and an itch around the bite. If you do not get treatment, you could die. 

  • Tetanus 

You could have difficulty swallowing and spasms in the stomach area.

  • Pasteurella

You might have swollen joints and glands if you have a weak or compromised immune system.

If a violent dog bites you, you should:

  1. Seek medical help.
  2. Contact law enforcement.
  3. Locate the dog owner to charge him with personal injury. 

For What Reasons Can a Landlord Be Liable for a Dog Bite?

Aside from the owner, you could sue the property owner for your damages if:

  • The landlord was aware that the pet was dangerous.
  • A landlord knew that a pet was a threat to others and failed to remove it. They would be responsible for damages.
  • A dog that once bit a delivery man attacks another tenant; then the property owner will face a dog bite liability.
  • The landlord could have removed the animal but failed to do so. 
  • You would not be guilty in many states if you were unable to remove a dangerous pet legally. You might not face a landlord liability for any future attacks. 
  • Warn your lessees that there is a dangerous animal on the premises and to be cautious.
  • If you know that a tenant’s dog has repeatedly threatened the children of another tenant when they play, and it bites them, you could face a dog bite liability due to negligence. 
  • The property owner serves as a custodian of the pet.
  • If you have custody of the pet when it bites someone, you might face an injury claim. 
  • Strategies to avoid an attack: 
  1. Feed the animal.
  2. Take the pet on daily walks.
  3. Keep an eye on the animal when the owner is not on the premises.
  4. Ensure that the pet has undertaken a basic dog-training program.
  5. Keep the animal’s vaccinations up-to-date.

How Can Landlords Protect Themselves in Dog Bite Cases?

 

  • Abide by the Law and the Conditions of Your Lease. Follow the law, and remove an aggressive animal from your premises. Alert your tenants of the possible danger.
  • Screen Lessees and Pets from the beginning. Ensure that you’ve done a thorough check of your tenants and their animals before they move in. Meet the pet beforehand, and request a record of all vaccinations.
  1. Maintain the Right Insurance. Ensure that you have the appropriate insurance to protect you in the event you are found liable for a dog bite. Make sure your policy provides liability coverage for injuries caused by animals.

Dealing personal injury cases may be tiring and stressful. Hiring a lawyer from Diamond & Diamond Law will ensure that you won’t have a hard time filing and winning your dog bite injury claim!

Need Help Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim?

A vicious animal attack could be a horrific experience. That is why we have lawyers that are experts in dealing with such cases. 

In the event of a personal injury case, your top priority should be picking the perfect lawyer. At Diamond & Diamond Law, we ensure that our clients get what they deserve. We provide free case evaluations and quality service. Dial 1-800-567-HURT now!

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PRO TIP

“Enroll your pet in a training program to prevent it from attacking a person or other animals.”

FAQs for Can a Landlord Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite

Can I appeal a dog bite claim loss?

You can appeal a dog-bite claim loss if you can prove that you did not provoke the animal that bit you and that it has acted aggressively before.

Is it against the law to shoot a dog that threatens me?

If you believe that the dog would harm you, you could justify shooting the animal.

Is the landlord liable for a wild animal attack?

If a property owner knows about a wild animal near their premises and does not take measures to prevent an attack or warn the tenants, they might be liable. If a tenant harbors a wild animal that attacks someone on the property, the landlord is responsible for the incident.

How long does it usually take to settle a dog bite claim?

If your case appears very straightforward, your claim could be resolved within one to three months. However, it may take much longer, depending upon the severity of your injuries.

Is it possible to sue years after a dog bite?

Yes, limitations for dog bite cases are generally the same as for most personal injury lawsuits filed in that province’s civil court system. These deadlines range from one to six years after the injury happened, although the typical time limit is two or three years.

Do homeowners insurance policies cover dog bite injuries?

Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability legal expenses, up to the liability limits. If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount.