Dogs are wonderful creatures who bring great joy to their owners. People love their dogs and treat them as if they are their own children. Just like children, dogs act certain ways around owners but not around strangers. Sometimes dogs are overly protective, or they are aggressive toward new people. It is up to the owner to understand the nuances of the dog. It is the owner’s responsibility to know if their dog is aggressive or dangerous. In knowing these details, the owner is also responsible for keeping their dog enclosed, on leashes, or with muzzles. The owner must do all they can to ensure that their baby, their dog, does not create a hazard to the public.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a dog attacks another human or dog, it is easy to place all the blame on the owner. However, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the story is more problematic, and there are regulations that must be met before a case can be closed. Here is the story of a man and his terrier who were attacked by two pit bulls. Their case shows the ups and downs of dog bite civil suits.
The Off-Leash Story
While an elderly man and his Jack Russell Terrier were walking, two pit bulls, who were off-leash, attacked them. The pit bulls were showing signs of aggression when they approached the dog. Thankfully, the attack was caught on film. An expert in animal behavior noted that two pit bulls acted in a “concerted fashion”. This means that dogs were aware of what they were doing. He also noted that the attack was difficult to stop, and the dogs may have attacked the elderly man only because he was a bystander next to what they really wanted, which was the Jack Russell Terrier.
The expert witness was helpful in showing that the dogs were dangerous, but part of a dog bite case is proving that the owner was aware of the danger. This is harder to prove because the owner may not have genuinely known or foreseen this kind of incident. If this is the case, then finding the owner financially liable is off the table. However, because of the nature of the attack, the owner may suffer criminal charges. Since the owner was irresponsible for letting her dogs off leash, she could face felony or misdemeanor charges.
What To Do
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a dog bite, then you have the right to sue the owner. Our dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg in Los Angeles are ready to hear your case. We are aware of the nuances of dog bite cases and can assure you that you will get the justice you deserve. Call 310-997-0904 or click here to share your story with our professional lawyer at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg in Los Angeles today. We can help you find the answers you are looking for.
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