Who’s Responsible for a Dog Bite on Public Property in Moundsville?

Getting bitten by a dog can be a terrifying experience. We have all read the headlines about children and adults being attacked by the family dog, but what about when it happens on public property?

Contact Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC to learn who’s responsible for a dog bite on public property in Moundsville. Our knowledgeable dog bite injury attorneys could help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Was the Dog “Running at Large?”

If the dog that bit you or your loved one on public property in Moundsville was “running at large,” or not under the control of a handler, the state of West Virginia’s strict liability laws come into play. Under West Virginia Code §19-20-13, the dog’s owner is responsible for any injuries their pet inflicts upon another individual, even if they did not know their pet had dangerous tendencies. Furthermore, you do not have to prove that the owner acted negligently to successfully file a claim with their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

What if the Dog Was Not Running at Large?

If the owner or handler had control of the dog, typically with a leash, proving liability is a bit more complex. In such cases, the “one bite” rule may apply. This legal doctrine states that the owner could be held responsible if they were aware that the dog was aggressive and likely to cause someone harm. Our attorneys often prove this by showing the animal had a history of biting and that the owner was negligent in their control of their dog.

Additional Factors to Consider When Determining Dog Bite Responsibility

West Virginia’s legal system may also take other factors into account when determining who is liable for a Moundsville dog bite on public property. First, you must have been lawfully present on the property when the bite occurred and have not provoked the dog into attacking. The statute of limitations on dog bites is just two years, meaning any delay in filing your claim could result in a dismissal.

Contact our Moundsville Lawyers to Learn More About Who is Liable for a Dog Bite on Public Property

If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog on public property, you deserve justice. The compassionate personal injury attorneys at Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC could fight for your family’s rights to recover damages.

Reach out to our experienced legal team to get your claim started and learn who’s responsible for a dog bite on public property in Moundsville. We offer free consultations to review the details of your case.