- Proving a Dog’s Dangerous Propensities
In states without dog bite laws, a dog bite victim can recover financial compensation by proving that the owner knew, or had reason to know, that the dog had “dangerous propensities.” A dog can be found as having dangerous propensities if the owner knew or should have known that the animal could harm an individual.
If you suffered dog bite damages, the owner may have known that their pet was dangerous and therefore may be held liable under law. Contact our dog bite attorneys today for a free case review and we can determine whether you are eligible to collect monetary damages from the dog’s owner.
Certain behavior can suggest that the dog has dangerous propensities and alert the owner to the possibility that the dog may hurt someone. The following factors may indicate that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous:
- The dog bit or attacked others in the past
- Complaints were made to the owner about the dog
- The dog tends to bark or lunge at strangers
- The dog tends to jump or chase people
- The dog serves as a guard dog
- The owner posts “beware of dog” signs to warn others
- The owner verbally warns others of the dog
- The owner muzzles the dog or frequently confines it
- The owner tells others of the dog’s prior bad behavior
Dog bite victims should remember that this list is not exhaustive. Other factors can indicate that the dog has dangerous propensities.