Dogs are adorable. That is why most people have the tendency to pet them even if they are not familiar. However, this habit can sometimes lead to catastrophic consequences. If a dog bit you while you were petting it, can you sue the pet owner?
What does Indiana law say?
Dogs are trustworthy animal companions. However, they can also be dangerous. Indiana law expects pet owners to be aware of the risks dogs pose to themselves and others around them. Further, owners are also expected to take necessary precautions to prevent aggression. If they fail to take preventive actions, dog owners can face legal consequences.
Can you sue them for a dog bite while you were petting it?
Whether you can hold an owner entirely responsible for a dog bite depends on their knowledge of the animal’s history. For instance, if the dog had a violent or aggressive past, the owner should have known about the dangerous behavior of their pet. In your case, they had the responsibility of warning you of the danger of petting, even if they had the dog on a leash.
When can you not sue them?
In most cases, the pet owner is the ‘insurer’, meaning that any damage their pet causes is their responsibility. However, they may be let off the hook by the law if it is proven that you were the one who provoked the dog. There is also a legal principle that is commonly leveraged by pet owners called the ‘One-bite rule,’ according to which they may not be held liable if the dog hadn’t bitten anyone before or the pet owner didn’t know about its violent tendencies.
How can a legal guide help you here?
Dog bites can leave you with emotional and physical strains. That is why, to sort out things easily, it may be wise to have an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner. They can build the case and fight for your personal injury claim against the pet owner.
