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Who is Responsible for Dog Bites?
While dogs are man’s best friend and a reliable, loving pet for people all over Iowa and Nebraska, they are still animals that can cause major injuries in the form of dog bites. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, you’re likely wondering who is responsible. Typically, the dog owners are legally responsible for bites and other injuries caused by the animals, but there are exceptions.
Fitch & Stahle Law Office is your Iowa and Nebraska dog bite attorney. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will stand by your side in court and fight for your rights to compensation when you have been bitten. Here is an overview of who is responsible for dog bites, presented by our personal injury law firm.
People Who May Be Responsible for Dog Bites
According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 4.7 million people are bitten or mauled by dogs every year, most commonly children. Here are some of the different parties that can be held responsible for a dog bite.
The Dog’s Owner
The most common party to be held liable for a dog bite is the dog’s owner. However, different states have different laws surrounding the amount of responsibility a dog owner has over their animal. In Nebraska, Statute 54-601 states, “Dogs are hereby declared to be personal property for all intents and purposes, and except as provided in subsection two of this section, the owner or owners of any dog or dogs shall be liable for any and all damages that may accrue to any person, other than a trespasser, by reason of having been bitten by any such dog or dogs.
In Iowa, the law is similar. Iowa law states, “With regard to damage done by dogs and dog bites, the owner of the dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog, when the dog is caught in the action of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act.
As you can see, the only exception to the owner being liable in both states occurs when the bitten party is committing an unlawful act.
Temporary Caretakers
When a dog bites somebody under the temporary care of somebody like a dog walker or a house sitter, the caretaker will typically be held responsible. This can apply to:
- Professional dog walkers
- Groomers and kennel operators
- Vet technicians
- Animal shelter employees
Children and Parents
If a child under the age of 18 is taking care of a dog that bites somebody, the parents are typically held responsible.
Dogs at Work
If employers allow employees to bring dogs to work, courts will generally find that the employer is not keeping the dog for purposes of liability. However, if the dog is being kept by the employer, then the employer can be found liable.
Sioux City Dog Bite Attorney
If you have been bitten by a dog, do not take the case on by yourself. Our dog bite attorneys are here to help you obtain your just compensation. Contact us at 402-494-3012.
