For some of us, our furry creatures are our life. They offer not only companionship, but they also offer protection. However, sometimes our dogs act in ways that may make us liable for their actions. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 4.5 million dog bites that occur within in the United States each year, some of those being fatal. Therefore, throughout the United States, most states, including Alabama, have specific laws for dog bite cases. Because of this, if you or a loved one have been involved in dog bite accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Huntsville and Madison County personal injury attorney to strategize about the best possible outcomes for your situation.
Dog Bite Liability
In Alabama, a dog owner is strictly liable for any injury that occurs to a dog bite victim. A dog bite victim has the right to be compensated for any injury that is sustained and can recover under Alabama’s dog bite statute Alabama Code 1975 Title 3. Under this statute, a dog owner is liable for dog bites when another person is bitten on the dog owner’s property or when the dog in question chases the victim off of the dog owner’s property. However, if the dog owner had no knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensity, then the dog owner will only be liable for the actual damages that the victim incurred. Though a victim can sue under the dog bite statutes, a victim can also recover for injuries based on negligence if the dog bite victim can prove duty, breach, causation, and damages; or under a negligence per se cause of action if the dog bite victim can prove that the dog owner violated an animal control statute. Because there are several theories available to a dog bite case, it is extremely beneficial to seek legal advice and representation if either of these situations pertain to you.
Need Legal Advice?
Though your dog may offer you companionship and protection, your dog can also be a liability to you in the state of Alabama. If your dog has bitten someone, you will be held liable to pay the damages that another has sustained under certain circumstances. If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog, you have the right to be compensated for the injuries that you have sustained. If you or a loved one have been involved in a dog bite accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Huntsville, Alabama dog bite attorney at Hornsby Watson & Hornsby to help you with your dog bite liability case.