Who Is Liable for Dog Bites – Sodhi Law Group Modesto Ca
The law makes owners liable for injuries when they were negligent or knew their dogs were dangerous, someone who’s taking care of a dog may be just as liable as the legal owner. Also, many of the states with “strict liability” dog-bite statutes—which make owners financially responsible when their dogs bite someone regardless of the animal’s history—define an “owner” as including someone who’s keeping a dog. The definition might also include those who harbor an animal. (Note that the definition may be in a separate statute from the law that makes owners strictly liable.)
Temporary Caretakers
When someone like a dog sitter or house sitter agrees to take care of another person’s dog temporarily, the caretaker will usually be considered the animal’s keeper at the time. But it can depend on the individual circumstances, as well as the court.
Professional Caretakers
People who assume responsibility for dogs as part of their job will usually be considered the animals’ keepers. This rule applies to several kinds of professionals, including:
- professional dog walkers
- groomers and kennel operators
- vet technicians
- shelter employees
Children and Parents
If a child under age 18 owns or is taking care of a dog, the minor’s parents are probably liable when the dog injures someone. Some dog-bite laws say that explicitly. Also, some states have laws that make parents responsible, to a limited extent, for any damage their minor children cause. In other states, courts are likely to rule that the parents are harboring or keeping the dog in their home.
Property Owners and Landlords
Usually, landlords who don’t have control over their tenants’ dogs won’t be liable when the animals injure someone. But in some states, they may be responsible if they knew that the dogs were dangerous but still allowed the animals on their property.
Dogs at Work
If employers allow employees to keep or bring dogs to work for the employees’ convenience, courts will generally find that the employer is not keeping the dog for purposes of liability. But the results will probably be different if the dog is there for the employer’s benefit, or if the employee lives with the dog on the employer’s property.
Dog Bites Lawyer – contact Sodhi Law Group today.
The Sodhi Law Group is a highly successful law firm located in Modesto, California. We specialize in Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Contracts and Transactions, and many other legal services. Jak Sodhi, Ameet Birring, and their team of professionals offer more than 20-plus years of legal experience and over 90% successful court cases since 1999*.
This blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. This blog is legal information and should not be seen as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before you rely on this information.
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