Unlike other states in the US, Idaho does not have a specific statute on the books that covers civil liability for a dog owner. Instead, the courts apply “one bite” and negligence mandates in the case of a dog attack. With respect to the one bite rule, a dog owner is liable if his dog bites someone and he knew or should have known that the dog would inflict injury.
Did the Dog Previously Bite Another Person?
Therefore, the “one-bite” rule is so named because the owner typically is not liable if the dog is not considered dangerous and has never bitten anyone previously. So, for a first dog bite, a dog bites law attorney in Pocatello, ID has some restrictions placed on him with respect to filing suit.
However, not all dog-related injuries are a result of biting. Dogs can also cause injury by scratching a person, jumping on them, or knocking them down. So, for dog-inflicted injuries that are not bite-related, a dog bites law attorney can extend his expertise to other situations of negligence. In a negligence claim, the injured party must prove that the owner did not use reasonable care to prevent his dog from harming them.
Proving Negligence: Was the Dog Properly Restrained?
In this instance, a dog bites law attorney who handles personal injury cases would have to show that an owner, for example, did not keep his dog locked behind a fence or restrained with a leash. If this type of care is not used, then the plaintiff can receive compensation for any resulting injuries.
If you wish to know more about personal injury or dog bites claims, visit Browning Law online. Personal injury claims can be made for dog-inflicted bites and injuries as well as for vehicular mishaps, slip-and-fall accidents, workers’ compensation situations, aviation accidents, and construction accident claims.
If you feel that your injury stemmed from the negligence of another party, you need to talk to an attorney right away. Don’t delay an appointment, since personal injury claims must be made within a certain timeframe after the incident occurs.
