For most people, their pets are considered irreplaceable members of their family. While dogs often offer companionship and protection, they can pose a significant threat to other people if they’re not appropriately trained. Unfortunately, dog attacks happen, and dog owners can be liable for their furry creatures’ actions. Untrained dogs may become aggressive towards strangers, resulting in severe and life-altering injuries. If you or someone you love has suffered a dog attack injury due to the owner’s negligence, contact an experienced Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyer who will help you consider your legal options to hold the dog owner responsible for their negligence. Please continue reading to learn about dog bite liability in Alabama.
When do I have the right to sue for a dog attack injury in Alabama?
In Alabama, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries that occur due to the actions of their pets. This means dog owners can face significant consequences for failing to give their pets behavioral training to ensure they do not harm others. Dog bite victims are entitled to legal action against a dog owner to recover monetary compensation for their damages. This is especially true if the incident occurred while the victim was legally on the dog owner’s property or if, without provocation, the dog chased the victim from the dog owner’s property.
When are dog owners not liable for an attack?
However, it is imperative to note that under Alabama law, there are limits to the damages a dog bite victim can recover if the dog owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensity for violence. Ultimately, this means if the dog has never attacked anyone, it could hinder a victim’s ability to collect compensation for their losses.
Moreover, if the dog bite victim provoked the attack in any way, such as teasing, taunting, trespassing on the dog owner’s property, or engaging in any action to deliberately annoy the dog, they could be ineligible for compensation. Essentially, any activity that a victim does that elicits a radical change in the dog’s behavior is a sufficient provocation that would make the dog owner not liable for their injuries.
That being said, it is crucial to retain the legal services of an experienced attorney who can help you fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your damages. If a dog injured you because of their owner’s negligence, contact Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, today to discuss your case. Our firm is prepared to vigorously fight for you to maximize your chances of achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.
