Responsible dog owners keep their pets from harming people, especially when they know their dogs have a tendency to act aggressively toward people without provocation. Owners who know their dogs are vicious and fail to keep these animals from biting or attacking people need to be held accountable for their irresponsible ownership.
In Alabama, the traditional rule for dog bite liability requires proving the owner or keeper of the dog knew, or should have known, their pet was the type of dog that would attack or hurt people.
This “knowledge” requirement, otherwise known as the “one bite rule”, is the basis of a traditional negligence claim against the owner or keeper of a vicious dog who hurts someone.
Over the years, Alabama courts have expanded this rule. Today, owners of certain dog breeds — including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinchers — are legally considered to have knowledge of the violent tendencies of their animal. Although not all are violent, Pit Bull dogs are known for having a high tolerance for pain and jaws capable of exerting 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch.
Ultimately, a jury must decide whether a particular dog or a particular breed tends to be violent toward people.
If you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog, especially a Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, or Doberman Pinscher, you need a skilled dog bite attorney who can help you gather important evidence to win your case.
Protect Your Rights
Take these important steps immediately if you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog:
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Immediately identify the dog owner or the person responsible for keeping the dog. If possible, gather their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Identify the address and location where the attack occurred.
Request Proof of Rabies Vaccination
If this information cannot be obtained, you may be forced to undergo a series of rabies shots, which are expensive.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
If your bite is severe, call 911 and request immediate medical attention. Visit a hospital and get your wounds treated. Dog bites can cause infection and should not be ignored.
Photograph Your Injuries
Photograph all your injuries and wounds, especially open flesh wounds or bite marks. Consult a doctor or nurse if you need to unwrap bandages. Photograph all torn, bloody clothing and the location of the dog attack.
File a Dog Bite Report
As soon as possible, file a dog bite report with the proper city or county authorities. This creates a legal paper trail for your case and can help the next victim who may be bitten or attacked by the same dog.
Talk to Neighbors and Witnesses about the Dog’s History
Talk to neighbors living around the property where the bite or attack occurred. Find out if the dog had ever bitten or attacked anyone, or if the dog had a history of acting violently or aggressively toward people. Take down their names, addresses, and phone numbers. These people could be important witnesses in your case.
Contact an Attorney
Contact a dog bite attorney right away. Dog bite cases are complex and difficult to prove. Your personal injury lawyer is the best person to help you build a case and to recover your injuries and losses.
Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney Mike Perry is an experienced trial lawyer with a proven record of recovering losses for dog bite victims. He personally represents every injury client from the beginning of the insurance claim process through trial and appeal.
My Commitment to You:
- Dedicated, Personal Representation throughout Your Entire Case
- Immediate, Aggressive Evidence Collection and Liability Dispute Resolution
- Maximum Value for Your Case
- Preventing Corporations from Creating Bad Public Policies and Shifting Their Losses to You
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
Contact Mr. Perry directly and let him fight the insurance company for you.