Many Frankfort area residents own a dog. Dogs are important members of families and usually friendly. But, occasionally, a dog can be a neighborhood terror. In these cases, an animal bite can occur that causes serious injuries. In a dog bite lawsuit, a person needs to show that the owner had prior knowledge their dog was vicious.
There are several ways a person could show an owner knew his dog was vicious or predisposed to a bite or attack and had “vicious propensities.” One is that the dog is of a specific breed or size. The larger a dog, the greater a chance of a dog bite.
In addition, certain breeds can have a vicious propensity, like Pitbulls, Rottweilers or Dobermans. If the dog is kept by the owner for protection, it could be inferred that it would attack a stranger.
If the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or there have been complaints brought to the owner’s attention regarding their dog this would be evidence that an owner had knowledge. And, if a dog is frequently confined in a small cage or on a chain, it could show the dog is dangerous. Neighbors can also offer statements as to what they have observed with the dog. Further, if the property owner has a warning sign about the dog, like a “beware of dog” sign, that is a way to show the dog’s vicious propensities.
A dog bite is a scary and unexpected situation that many Frankfort residents find themselves in. Dog bites can cause lasting emotional and physical effects. A person that has suffered a dog bite may want to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
An attorney can review the circumstances surrounding the attack and help figure out what happened. They can investigate if the owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. They can hold the owner accountable for their negligence and recover compensation for their client. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.
Most dogs are friendly and amazing family pets. But, when a dog attacks, it is a serious situation. A victim can not only suffer serious injuries, but it can be an emotionally traumatizing event that affects a person for years.
