Who’s Responsible for a Dog Bite?

Dogs may often be friendly, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous, too. One moment, you may have been enjoying a walk in the park. The next, a careless owner let their dog off its leash, and it bit you. Now, you’re seriously injured, and you need help recovering from the injuries you’ve suffered. 

When this happens, you may be due compensation for your dog bite injuries. But who’s responsible for the dog bite? That’s a question to bring to the lawyers at the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg. If you’re unsure who to file a claim against, reach out for guidance. 

The Dog Owner

One of the first problems you may face when suing for a dog attack is identifying the at-fault party. You weren’t attacked by a human, after all, so who’s financially liable for your dog bite injuries?

Typically, the dog owner is responsible for the actions of their dog. As the legal owner of the dog, they’re responsible for any damage caused by their pet. This is true of other property, too—if you failed to fix or warn a visitor about a problem on your property, for example, and they were injured, you may be responsible for their injuries. 

Ownership of Stray Dogs 

But what if you’re bitten by a dog, and the owner is nowhere in sight? You may have no idea who the owner is and how to get compensated for the dog bite. 

In these cases, the dog may be taken to the animal shelter and checked for a microchip or tags. If possible, they may be able to identify the owner, which can help you and your dog attack lawyer settle your claim. 

In other cases, the dog may have wandered away from a dog-sitter, a kennel, or another group that may be in charge of the dog. In these cases, your dog bite lawyer may be able to help you sue for the suffering you experienced. 

Identify the At-Fault Party with a Dog Bite Lawyer 

Identifying the at-fault party when a dog bites you isn’t always easy. You may have trouble determining who’s at fault, which means you may spend a lot of time focused on identifying the at-fault party when you should be focusing on your health. 

At the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg, we have the experience you need when determining fault after a dog bite. Start with a free consultation, and your lawyer can help you understand your options for a lawsuit before you ever file a claim. Get started by calling 414-271-7007 or by completing the following online contact form.