When is a dog owner liable if their dog bites someone?
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When is a dog owner liable if their dog bites someone?
We had our dogs our confined in the backyard and someone was walking in between our fence and the neighbor’s fence claiming it is an easement. She ended up getting allegedly bit by 1 of our dogs. Are we liable for her injuries?
Asked on August 21, 2012 under Personal Injury, Indiana
Answers:
Leigh Anne Timiney / Timiney Law Firm
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Generally you are liable for any damages your dog may cause. It is unclear to me from this question whether or not the person who was injured was on your property and how she was bit by your dog if your dog was behind your fence on your property. If the person was actually a "trespasser" on your property, meaning she was not invited on your property, you could have an argument aainst liability for the dog bite. However, if she was walking in an area that is not your property and your dog somehow reached out and bit her through the fence, you are respnsible for any damages your dog may have caused.
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