Fraud Blocker

Our canine pals are among the most important people in our life. Of course, we want to protect our dogs and keep them safe, but what if another dog attacks your dog while we’re out walking? You can sue someone if their dog hurts you, but what about a dog biting another dog? If your dog is injured due to another owner’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your losses.

Dog bite laws regarding dogs biting dogs 

The California dog bite statute includes various safeguards for persons for animal attacks. However, the legislation does not protect canines that are connected to other dogs. It is a strict liability legislation that only protects people and not animals. It is considered dogs as personal property under California law. Therefore, if your dog is injured by another dog, you might sue the owner of the violent dog for property damage.

If you can establish that the other owner was negligent, you can hold them accountable for the harm your dog sustained. However, one of the requirements must be met to keep the other owner accountable.

  • The other dog owner could have discovered their dog was hazardous, aggressive, or violent. If a dog owner witnesses their dog acting violently toward other animals, they are legally liable if the dog attacks another animal. The owner is not responsible for the damages if the dog did not exhibit violent behavior before the occurrence.
  • Since they violated a state or municipal animal control ordinance, the other dog owner was negligent. For example, if local law requires all dogs to be leashed and the owner fails, you can hold the other owner accountable for your dog’s injuries.

What kinds of damages could be liable if a dog bites another dog?

If a dog attacks or bites another dog, the owner may be liable for damages. Possible damages that may be needed to be paid include, but are not limited to

  • The cost of the other dog’s medical treatment

The owner may be obliged to pay expensive veterinarian bills to treat the dog’s injuries. Treatment fees may include the following:

  1. X-rays and other diagnostic procedures
  2. Veterinary bills
  3. The expense of surgery
  4. Medical supplies and medications
  5. Costs of rehabilitation
  • Market Value Decrease

Because the dog is considered personal property under California law, the owner may be held accountable for any decrease in the dog’s value.

As a result, if the dog receives significant injuries and is a valuable breed, the owner may be liable for a substantial amount of money due to a loss in the dog’s market value. For example, if the owner breeds the dog, the dog’s value may decline significantly if the dog cannot produce or if the injuries affect future revenue.

  • Punitive Measures

In rare situations, a jury may impose punitive damages for willful or severely negligent behavior. These monetary penalties are designed to “punish” offenders for their actions. In addition, punitive damages dissuade defendants and others from engaging in the same behavior that caused the plaintiff injury.

Should I seek legal help if another person’s dog attacks my dog?

Indeed, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney regarding your case. In addition to being held civilly accountable for damages, the dog’s owner may face one or more criminal penalties. Based on the case details, authorities may prosecute the owner with criminal charges or issue citations for municipal violations of state animal control laws.

An attorney evaluates your case and advises you on your legal alternatives and rights. A lawyer can also advise you on proceeding with a civil action. For example, even if another dog assaulted your dog, you must prove your case in court to hold the owner accountable for damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it legal to sue if another dog bites or assaults my dog?

If your dog has been attacked or bitten by another dog, you may be able to file a lawsuit. The lawsuit’s outcome will depend on your state’s laws and the attack’s specific circumstances. Depending on the facts, you may be able to file a claim against the other dog’s owner, demanding compensation for the cost of medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the attack was the result of carelessness or willful injury, you may also be entitled to punitive damages.

 2. Can I File an Action for a Dog Bite?

Dog bites can have severe physical and emotional repercussions, and a lawsuit may be necessary to ensure you are compensated for your medical bills and other damages. If are bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages. Knowing the laws surrounding dog bite cases is essential for any potential lawsuit.

3. How Do You Establish Negligence on the Part of the Other Dog Owner?

To establish negligence on the side of another dog owner, you must demonstrate that the owner owed the injured person a duty of care, that they broke that duty of care, and that the violation of duty caused the damage. Generally, this means showing that the other dog owner was careless or reckless in handling their dog, allowing it to roam off-leash, or not taking reasonable steps to protect others from harm. You may also need to prove that the injured person was not at fault for the incident.

4. How Much Can You Sue for A Dog Attack? 

When filing a lawsuit in the wake of a dog attack, the amount of compensation you can sue for depends on the specific circumstances. In general, the payment you can sue for will depend on the severity of the injuries suffered, the number of medical bills incurred, and any other costs associated with the attack, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If the attack was particularly severe, you could also seek punitive damages to punish the owner.

5. What Can I Receive for a Dog Bite?

If are bitten by a dog, you may be eligible to get compensation for your medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may also seek punitive damages meant to punish the dog’s owner for their negligent behavior. In addition, you may be able to recover the cost of any plastic surgery or other medical procedures necessary to repair the physical damage caused by the bite.

6. When is a dog’s owner responsible if his or her dog bites another dog?

When a dog bites another dog, the owner of the biting dog may be liable for the resulting damages. It is especially true if the owner was negligent, such as allowing the dog to run loose without a leash or training it properly. In some cases, the owner of the dog that was bitten may also be liable for the damages if they knew the dog was aggressive and did not take proper precautions. Laws vary from state to state regarding when an owner is responsible for a dog biting another dog.

 

 

Need help with any legal issues?

Contact Us

Been in an accident and need an attorney? We want to talk to you! Our attorneys and staff speak English and Spanish for your convenience.

Call or text us at

888-888-2598

Los Angeles Area Office

760-760-1010

Desert Cities Office

Schedule icon

Open 24 hours 7 Days a Week

Call us today at

Arrow
Phone icon

Los Angeles Area Office

888-888-2598

Desert Cities Office

760-760-1010

Or fill out the form below today.

Free consultations in English and Spanish.