If someone has control over a dog, even if they don’t own it, they can be held liable for a dog bite injury caused by their negligence. While dog owners are typically held responsible, other individuals may also be held accountable in certain situations, such as:
– The dog was on someone else’s property, and that person was negligent in removing it.
– The dog owner’s landlord knew the dog posed a danger but failed to act to protect the public.
– The dog owner is under 18 years old.
– Another person was controlling the dog at the time of the incident.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In states like Alaska, Georgia, or Texas, which follow the “one-bite rule,” the person controlling or harboring the dog can be held just as liable as the legal owner if the dog bites someone. However, this rule does not apply in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, harboring and keeping a dog are viewed differently. **Harboring** refers to giving shelter or temporary refuge to a dog, while **keeping** involves caring for, managing, and controlling a dog for an extended period.
This means a dog can have more than one “keeper,” and more than one person can be held responsible for a dog bite injury. For example, if you leave your dog with a friend for several months and the dog bites someone, your friend can be held liable as the “keeper” of the dog during that period. However, as the dog’s owner, you may also share responsibility.
#### Liability for Dog Owners Under 18
If the dog owner is a minor, the parents or guardians of the child will likely be held responsible for any injuries caused by the dog. Courts often find that parents, by providing the dog with food and shelter, become the “keepers” of the dog and can be liable for any harm the dog causes.
Family Members and Dog Bite Injuries
This is a complex issue, especially when it comes to children suing their parents for negligence. Many states, including Massachusetts, follow the “parental immunity” doctrine, which generally prevents children from suing their parents. However, there are exceptions.
For instance, if a family dog severely bites a child, the parents, as the dog’s keepers, could still be held liable for failing to prevent the injury, even though the doctrine typically applies. It’s important to consult with a lawyer to navigate these specific circumstances.
Property Owners and Dog Bites
If a dog is allowed to stay on someone’s property, the property owner can also be held liable for a dog bite injury. For example, if a New Bedford store owner allows customers to tie their dogs outside the store and someone is bitten while entering, the store owner could be responsible for the resulting injuries.
Workplace Dog Bite Injuries
If you are bitten by a dog while on the job, your legal options may be more limited. However, in some cases, you may be able to file for workers’ compensation to cover your injuries.
Negligence and Dog Bites
Determining negligence in a dog bite case depends on the specific facts of the incident. The main question is whether the dog owner or keeper acted reasonably given the situation.
For instance, if a dog owner chains their dog in the front yard with a “beware of dog” sign, and you approach the dog and get bitten, it’s unlikely that the owner would be found negligent. They took reasonable steps to warn others and secure the dog.
Hiring a New Bedford Dog Bite Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Dog bite injuries can lead to serious infections, physical trauma, and emotional distress. A New Bedford dog bite lawyer can help you secure fair compensation while protecting your rights.
We specialize in personal injury cases, including dog bites, and offer a free consultation to review your case. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Bedford, contact our office at [insert phone number] for assistance, or visit our New Bedford office for more information.
