4 Different Types of Dog Bite Cases

Each day about 1,000 Americans require emergency care treatment for dog bites and attacks. Some dogs have a greater tendency of biting and attacking than others. Two of the most vicious types of dogs that account for the majority of dog bite injuries are pit bulls and Rottweiler’s.  Between 2005 and 2014, pit bulls killed 203 Americans and accounted for 62 percent of the total recorded deaths (326). Combined, these two breeds accounted for 74 percent of dog attack-related deaths.

Types of Cases Involving Dog Bites

There are many different types of dog bite and attack cases. Below are four common types of such cases:

• Non-aggressive dog accidents. In some cases, non-aggressive dogs unintentionally attack humans by knocking them over or tripping them. Large breed dogs can weigh more than a human and when they get excited and jump, they can easily knock down the person they are merely showing emotions to.
• Dangerous dog breeds and liability. Some dogs are inherently dangerous and portray such danger by attacking and biting humans. Many homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for injuries caused by dangerous dog breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweiler’s, Gerhman Shepards, Siberian Huskies and Doberman Pinschers.
• Dog attacks on young children. Dog attacks on children often raise unique issues of liability and compensation. Usually, dog bites and attacks on children require not only treatment for physical injuries, but also for emotional and mental trauma resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In worse cases, dog attacks on children can be fatal.
• Dog on dog aggression. Dog on dog aggression can result in injuries to both humans and dogs. Although a homeowners insurance policy may cover a human’s pain and suffering, it won’t cover a dog’s pain and suffering.

Liability in Dog Bite Cases

There are different ways to hold a dog owner liable for the injuries caused by his or her dog. Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific facts of the case, there are two main ways to hold a dog owner liable:

• Under a negligence theory, liability must be proven by first identifying the attacking dog and the dog’s owner or responsible party.
• Strict liability. Some states maintain a strict liability theory for dog bites. Under such a theory, the dog owner is liable for the attack or bite regardless of whether or not the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

In certain cases, and depending on the specific jurisdiction, contributory negligence may also be a factor. This means that the dog bite victim may have partial or even full liability for his or her own injury. In such cases, the provoking the animal may be considered a contributing factor.

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles

Were you or your child injured in a dog attack or bite? Please contact a Los Angeles dog bite attorney to learn about your rights and obtain the full compensation that you deserve. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call the Law Offices of Samer Habbas today at 888.848.5084.