Despite what most pet owners believe, even your dog could bite someone, under the right circumstances. Although you may have been taking your dog to the veterinary clinic since he was a puppy, there is no guarantee that he won’t bite if he becomes frightened. So, many clients ask, “what will happen if my dog bites my vet?” Luckily,...
Continue ReadingIt’s a serene Arkansas evening, and you’re out for an after-dinner walk. Suddenly, a painful dog bite shatters that tranquility. Just a single, fleeting moment—but one that can alter the rest of your life. From medical bills and lost wages to emotional scars, the aftermath of a dog attack can be overwhelming. Not to mention those lingering questions: How...
Continue ReadingAt The Cottrell Law Office, we are familiar with the state laws that determine who is liable for a dog bite injury. That liability is typically based on who was responsible for supervising the dog and whether or not that individual knew of any propensity the dog may have had to bite or otherwise be aggressive. While it is...
Continue ReadingWhen it comes to liability for a dog bite injury, laws can differ depending on which state law is applicable. Basically, liability depends on whether the owner of the dog had actual or constructive knowledge that the dog would bite someone. That means, did the dog owner know or should the dog owner have known that the dog was...
Continue ReadingGenerally speaking, property owners are not expected to keep their property safe from trespassers. The only real exception is when a property owner is responsible for some willful or wanton conduct that results in injury to a trespasser. When it comes to the precise duty that is owed to a trespasser, each state has passed specific laws governing that...
Continue ReadingFor most dog owners, their pets are just like family. You watch them grow up, feed them, train them and take care of them like you would your children. Pet owners form strong bonds with their dogs. In general, most dog owners respect laws related to pets and understand the obligation to obey the laws that are meant to...
Continue ReadingIf you or a loved one is injured from a dog bite, you may be able to recover compensatory damages for your losses. Like car accidents and slip and fall cases, the purpose of a damage award is to compensate the injured party with money, with the intention of making him “whole.” But, how prevalent are dog bite accidents? ...
Continue ReadingIf you’ve ever wandered too close to a neighbor’s fence and been bitten by their dog, for instance, then you know that dog bite injuries are not all that uncommon. However, most of us would not expect to be bitten by a trained K-9 dog. But, it does happen. If you know anything about government liability, you know that...
Continue ReadingMissouri Dog Bites Strict Liability vs. The “One Bite” Rule from Wesley Cottrell Essentially, liability is based on whether the dog owner knew or should have known the dog would bite. Learn more about Missouri dog bites in this presentation.
Continue ReadingLiability for a dog bite injury is generally based on whether or not the dog owner knew, or should have known, that the dog would bite. Each state follows its own set of rules in this regard. The two main theories of liability recognized in dog bite cases are strict liability or the “one bite” rule. The New York...
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