You hear it all the time: “He was the sweetest dog; I can’t believe he just randomly attacked my cousin!” It’s a tragic thing from all sides; dog owners may be forced to put their dogs down or re-home them, and many innocent people are critically injured by dogs. It may be time for a Dog Bite Lawyer. While these tragedies can certainly involve dogs with a history of aggression, they can also involve dogs who have never shown any aggressive tendencies. Because of this, dog owners have a big responsibility to their dogs and others. In fact, under Utah’s strict liability tort, dog owners are almost always liable for any injury their dog causes. If you own a dog, you are responsible for ensuring that your dog does not cause injury to others.
KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH
Dog Bite Lawyer
Your dog should always be on a leash. A lot of people feel as though their dog does not need to be on a leash while hiking or camping. Some people also feel as though their dog is well-trained enough to be trusted without a leash. However, regardless of how you feel, or how trustworthy your dog is, a leash is always a good idea. Having a leash gives you the ability to pull your dog away from situations that may cause them to become aggressive. Even if your dog has never been aggressive, it’s impossible to say with any certainty whether or not certain situations could put your dog on the defensive. Coming in contact with another person may startle or spook your dog, which could cause them to lunge. Having a leash on the dog can help you retain control.
NO DOGS ALLOWED
Refrain from bringing your dog into places where they aren’t expressly allowed. A lot of dogs have a difficult time maintaining concentration in environments with a lot of stimuli. This is particularly true for younger dogs and puppies. When dogs become excited, it can be extremely difficult to get their attention and keep it. This is important to remember because, in Utah, you’re responsible for being able to control your dog. If a dog is in a place where dogs aren’t welcome, and they injure another person, it’s more likely the owner of the dog will be liable.
SUPERVISE CHILDREN
Dog Bite Lawyer
Children always need to be supervised around dogs. A lot of children really like dogs because they’re just so darn fuzzy and cute. Young children are particularly prone to grabbing dog’s ears, paws, fur, etc. Even the most gentle dog could snap at a child if they’ve been hurt, or if they feel threatened—and these snaps can cause some very serious damage. Not only should you keep an eye on children around dogs, you should pay close attention to how the child is interacting with the dog. Make sure that the child isn’t doing anything that could cause the dog to snap. Babies and very young children should have even more supervision around dogs.
INTRODUCING YOUR DOG TO OTHER ANIMALS
When fighting starts, it’s not uncommon for dog owners to jump in between two dogs without a second thought. Unfortunately, this can cause the owner to sustain some serious injuries. For this reason, you need to be extremely careful when your dog is approaching other dogs or animals. Don’t let your dog approach another dog unless the owner has assured you that the dog is friendly, and neither dog is showing signs of apprehension or aggression. If an owner is injured while protecting their dog from your dog’s attack, you could be liable. Especially if you facilitated your dog interacting with their dog.
GET YOUR DOG TRAINING
Dog Bite Lawyer
Although dogs make good pets and loving companions, it’s important to remember that they’re also a huge responsibility. Having a well-trained dog who reliably responds to your commands can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping others safe. Thoroughly training your dog has become a sort of essential. Some breeders even put it in their puppy contracts that the owners are required to have the dog professionally trained. Dogs who listen to their owners may be less likely to continue running toward other animals or people if they accidentally escape. Though it isn’t ideal, dogs often find clever ways to escape the yard, slip out the back door, or slip out of their collar. Having a dog that returns as soon as you command them may help prevent them from encountering a person and harming them.
WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER NEGLIGENT OWNERS
If you have been injured due to a negligent dog owner, you may be entitled to compensation. At Moxie Law Group, we provide all potential clients with a free case evaluation to help them decide whether or not it’s in their best interest to file a claim. If you’re ready to file a claim, Moxie Law Group works on contingency. So, if you don’t win compensation, you don’t owe us anything. If you’re ready to get compensation for your injury-related expenses, contact Moxie Law Group today.
