As the name suggests, the one-bite rule exists to protect dog owner liability for the first time a dog bites.

One-bite Rule: The one-bite rule is a slightly more lenient stance that exists in certain states.

This remains whether the owner was present and also whether the bite was malicious or accidental.

Dog Bite Statute: Dog bite statutes state that beyond no shadow of a doubt, all liability lies with the dog owner in the instance of a dog bite.

The three fundamentals surrounding state dog bite laws are explained below.

Some degree of dog bite liability exists in all states, including the District of Columbia. The map below shows the dog bite law that applies in different states throughout the U.S.ĭog bite liability refers to the onus of liability, which lies with dog owners in every single instance of a reported dog bite.ĭog bite liability is not a single law but a concept built upon three core overarching constructs that govern dog ownership and the question of liability arising from a dog bite. This article will help to shed some light on the various dog bite laws to help you be better positioned should you suddenly find yourself dealing with a bad dog.

Laws can differ from location to location, and even if your pup has always been a picture of good behavior, you can never be too careful. The dog owner is also responsible for learning and understanding the dog bite laws in their state. However, I do know people who have been.Īs a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep your dog under control. Of course, I don’t count the odd playful puppy nibbles. Luckily, I have never been maliciously bitten by a dog. I have always lived in a house with at least one dog. That is a simple and high-level fact of life, irrespective of reasoning and circumstance. However, it’s important to remember that they are still animals.

Without a shadow of a doubt tort