If a property owner rents their property to a tenant and that tenant’s dog bites someone, who is liable? In almost all cases, the dog bite case will be brought against the owner of the dog – which is the tenant in this case. However, there are a few specific situations in which the landlord could be found liable for the bite. Keep reading to learn more about these cases and contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you believe you have grounds to file a personal injury claim.
Situations in Which the Landlord Could Be Found Liable
If there is evidence that the landlord knew how dangerous the dog was but did not take action to remove it from the property, then they could be found liable for dog bites. This generally involves cases in which the dog has a history of biting and/or attacking. However, in some complicated cases, courts might prevent them from removing a dog that they originally allowed. In that case, the landlord would not likely be found at fault for future bites.
Even if the landlord knows that the dog is dangerous, if they took action to warn the public, then they might not be found liable. It might be as simple as putting up a sign that says, “Beware of Dog.” On the other hand, if the dog harbors a dangerous dog in any way, then they can be found at fault. This could be as simple as walking the dog or feeding it.
What to Do if You Are Attacked by a Dog
Dog attacks can be serious and even life-threatening. If you are attacked, get immediate medical care and follow all of the directions of your doctor. This is important first and foremost to ensure you get the medical treatment you need, but it also helps build your personal injury case. If you do not follow the doctor’s instructions, the defendant’s insurance company is likely to claim that you either were not as injured as you said you were or that you would not be as injured as you are if you had followed your doctor’s advice.
Once you have gotten medical care, report the incident to animal control and identify any potential eyewitnesses to the accident. If you had friends or family with you at the time of the accident, ask them to write down what they saw. If the bite occurred in public and there were strangers who saw what happened, do what you can do to get their information.
It is also important to document the dog bite. This includes taking pictures and video of the wound, not just right after it happens but as it heals. If your clothing was ripped or had blood on it, keep that too. Any type of physical evidence can help when you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
