Animal Bites
We guide you through the process and will negotiate directly with the insurances involved, on your behalf.
Dog Bite Law
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, we’re here to represent you. Dog bite law is complex, involving a combination of city and county ordinances, state statutes, case law (court decisions within the state), and common law (legal principles developed through past court rulings nationwide).
Dog Bite Law
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, we’re here to represent you. Dog bite law is complex, involving a combination of city and county ordinances, state statutes, case law (court decisions within the state), and common law (legal principles developed through past court rulings nationwide).
Dog Bite Law
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, we’re here to represent you. Dog bite law is complex, involving a combination of city and county ordinances, state statutes, case law (court decisions within the state), and common law (legal principles developed through past court rulings nationwide).
Dog Bite Law
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, we’re here to represent you. Dog bite law is complex, involving a combination of city and county ordinances, state statutes, case law (court decisions within the state), and common law (legal principles developed through past court rulings nationwide).
Dog Bite Law
Who Is Responsible When a Dog Bites?
In general, individuals can be held liable under the following circumstances:
Negligence, intentional conduct, or reckless behavior
Owning or harboring a dog with a known tendency to bite (also known as “common law strict liability”)
Violating public health or safety laws, such as leash laws or restrictions on roaming dogs
In states with strict liability statutes, the dog’s owner can be held liable simply for owning the dog that caused the injury—regardless of negligence. These laws often apply not only to bites but also to other injuries caused by the dog. Some statutes also extend liability to the person who had custody of the dog, and provide for enhanced compensation if the dog had previously bitten someone.
Currently, 30 states have dog bite statutes, many of which blend elements of negligence, strict liability, and local ordinance violations.
In general, individuals can be held liable under the following circumstances:
Negligence, intentional conduct, or reckless behavior
Owning or harboring a dog with a known tendency to bite (also known as “common law strict liability”)
Violating public health or safety laws, such as leash laws or restrictions on roaming dogs
In states with strict liability statutes, the dog’s owner can be held liable simply for owning the dog that caused the injury—regardless of negligence. These laws often apply not only to bites but also to other injuries caused by the dog. Some statutes also extend liability to the person who had custody of the dog, and provide for enhanced compensation if the dog had previously bitten someone.
Currently, 30 states have dog bite statutes, many of which blend elements of negligence, strict liability, and local ordinance violations.
Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Typical defenses raised in dog bite claims may include:
The victim provoked the dog
The victim was a trespasser
The victim was negligent or voluntarily assumed the risk
The victim was a canine professional (e.g., groomer or trainer)
The parent failed to supervise a child victim, contributing to the incident
These defenses vary by state and depend on specific facts. That’s why working with an experienced animal bite attorney is crucial
When a State Doesn’t Have a Strict Liability Statute
In “one-bite states,” liability is based on the dog’s prior behavior and the owner’s knowledge:
Has the dog previously bitten someone? If yes, the owner/custodian is strictly liable.
Has the dog shown past behavior indicating a tendency to bite? If yes, the owner may be liable.
Was a public safety law violated? For example, a leash law or zoning restriction. Violating such laws may result in “negligence per se” or alternative grounds for liability.
Was there general negligence? A dog that is mistreated, ill, or in pain may bite unpredictably—even if it never has before.
In such cases, the custodian’s negligence can create liability.
Is anyone else liable? If the owner isn’t responsible, others (e.g., landlords or caretakers) may be liable if they knew of the dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to act.
Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Typical defenses raised in dog bite claims may include:
The victim provoked the dog
The victim was a trespasser
The victim was negligent or voluntarily assumed the risk
The victim was a canine professional (e.g., groomer or trainer)
The parent failed to supervise a child victim, contributing to the incident
These defenses vary by state and depend on specific facts. That’s why working with an experienced animal bite attorney is crucial
When a State Doesn’t Have a Strict Liability Statute
In “one-bite states,” liability is based on the dog’s prior behavior and the owner’s knowledge:
Has the dog previously bitten someone? If yes, the owner/custodian is strictly liable.
Has the dog shown past behavior indicating a tendency to bite? If yes, the owner may be liable.
Was a public safety law violated? For example, a leash law or zoning restriction. Violating such laws may result in “negligence per se” or alternative grounds for liability.
Was there general negligence? A dog that is mistreated, ill, or in pain may bite unpredictably—even if it never has before.
In such cases, the custodian’s negligence can create liability.
Is anyone else liable? If the owner isn’t responsible, others (e.g., landlords or caretakers) may be liable if they knew of the dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to act.
Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Typical defenses raised in dog bite claims may include:
The victim provoked the dog
The victim was a trespasser
The victim was negligent or voluntarily assumed the risk
The victim was a canine professional (e.g., groomer or trainer)
The parent failed to supervise a child victim, contributing to the incident
These defenses vary by state and depend on specific facts. That’s why working with an experienced animal bite attorney is crucial
When a State Doesn’t Have a Strict Liability Statute
In “one-bite states,” liability is based on the dog’s prior behavior and the owner’s knowledge:
Has the dog previously bitten someone? If yes, the owner/custodian is strictly liable.
Has the dog shown past behavior indicating a tendency to bite? If yes, the owner may be liable.
Was a public safety law violated? For example, a leash law or zoning restriction. Violating such laws may result in “negligence per se” or alternative grounds for liability.
Was there general negligence? A dog that is mistreated, ill, or in pain may bite unpredictably—even if it never has before.
In such cases, the custodian’s negligence can create liability.
Is anyone else liable? If the owner isn’t responsible, others (e.g., landlords or caretakers) may be liable if they knew of the dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to act.
Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Typical defenses raised in dog bite claims may include:
The victim provoked the dog
The victim was a trespasser
The victim was negligent or voluntarily assumed the risk
The victim was a canine professional (e.g., groomer or trainer)
The parent failed to supervise a child victim, contributing to the incident
These defenses vary by state and depend on specific facts. That’s why working with an experienced animal bite attorney is crucial
When a State Doesn’t Have a Strict Liability Statute
In “one-bite states,” liability is based on the dog’s prior behavior and the owner’s knowledge:
Has the dog previously bitten someone? If yes, the owner/custodian is strictly liable.
Has the dog shown past behavior indicating a tendency to bite? If yes, the owner may be liable.
Was a public safety law violated? For example, a leash law or zoning restriction. Violating such laws may result in “negligence per se” or alternative grounds for liability.
Was there general negligence? A dog that is mistreated, ill, or in pain may bite unpredictably—even if it never has before.
In such cases, the custodian’s negligence can create liability.
Is anyone else liable? If the owner isn’t responsible, others (e.g., landlords or caretakers) may be liable if they knew of the dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to act.
Patrick Cadiz
Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer
Animal Bite Cases
What If the Dog Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the dog owner lacks insurance or assets, we’ll explore whether another party may share responsibility. For instance, a landlord who knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on the property could be held liable for failing to address the risk.
Get Help from an Experienced Animal Bite Attorney
Dog bite cases require a detailed understanding of multiple layers of law. Let us help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
What If the Dog Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the dog owner lacks insurance or assets, we’ll explore whether another party may share responsibility. For instance, a landlord who knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on the property could be held liable for failing to address the risk.
Get Help from an Experienced Animal Bite Attorney
Dog bite cases require a detailed understanding of multiple layers of law. Let us help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Find Us
Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz
100 SW Baseline Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
USA
The information provided on this website by Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All content is subject to change without notice.
Find Us
Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz
100 SW Baseline Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
USA
The information provided on this website by Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All content is subject to change without notice.
Find Us
Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz
100 SW Baseline Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
USA
The information provided on this website by Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All content is subject to change without notice.
Find Us
Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz
100 SW Baseline Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
USA
The information provided on this website by Law Offices of Patrick Cadiz is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All content is subject to change without notice.