Can I really be sued for this? If so what can I do?

Question

The claim is that my dog entered my across the street neighbors yard 4 times since 2004 and attacked his dog, but this is a lie. My dog was on his chain the first two times and there never was a 4th time like he says. The third time my dog broke his chain and the dogs got into a fight in my other neighbors yard next door. My dog did not attack his dog, they mutualy started the fight. They were sniffing each other one minute and then they just started fighting. We do have a leash law in my town and his dogs were just left free to run the neighborhood while mine was on a chain. WHAT DID I DO THAT HE ISNT JUST AS RESPONSIBLE FOR. Also, on the third time the man stood out in front of my home and shouted threats of death on me and my family until the animal patrol called the police. Then a few days later his wife came over opened my door and as I walked over to her, she struck me closed fist to the head. I have lost my dog over this and payed many bills as well. Now he is sueing me for$2425

If I do have a case or a countersuit, what can I do anyway? I have no clue exactly what this guy is capable of doing to me. He said some very vulger things he would do to me and this guy is crazy! He has guns and I am scared for my life as it is now. Wouldnt it be worse after he didnt get what he wanted. HELP!

SMEDRIC?- MY DOG WAS NEVER ON HIS PROPERTY

Answer 1

You can get sued over just about anything. I'd recommend a good lawyer.

Answer 2

Since litigation is the American way , anyone can be sued at anytime so the question is pointless . . .
The REAL question is " who will win in court ?" .
And that answer is , Whomever has the best evidence.
Same with counter-suit (which is at least cheaper since there are usually no extra filing fees)
The winner will depend on how good the evidence is.

The judges were not present and CANNOT guess what went down.
Whomever brings in the most compelling evidence wins and if there is nothing but talk , talk, talk . . .
Then the cases are dismissed .
Bring in photos , vet statements about injuries , police reports etc .
Just talk rarely wins .

Answer 3

When you see his dogs out, take pictures, then call the cops.

Yes, you can be sued by anyone who can find a lawyer to handle the case. That doesn't mean they will win. If you are sued, you should immediately file a counter suit (That means sue back). Pictures and police reports will support your side. Also, date all the pictures on the back so you can support history of the case.
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Answer 4

When his wife hit you, did you have any eye witnesses? I think you can attempt to counter-sue, but you really lost your chance at anything. From day one, when you realized you where having issues with this person, you should have documented everything. When he threatened you, you should have pressed charges, or at least gotten signed papers from the animal control about this. Also, when she smacked up, you should have taken pictures of your head. You can counter sue for the amount of money you paid in on bills as well for the loss of your dog due to his lies. You can try for pain and suffering, but my thought is, he has his s*** together and he has done this before. If you can, you need to get in contact with animal control to see if you can get a written statement to have as proof that he threatened your life and livelihood, otherwise you might be paying him as well.

Answer 5

Definatly you can be sued. Countersue him. Saying his dog was free all the time, they attacked you. File police reports and when you see their animals roaming around, call animal control. You need documentation and LOTS of it to prove that you can countersue. The judge will ask you to prove all of this. Police/AC reports will prove this best. Also you said that other dogs are free too....try to get info that maybe one of these other dogs are the one who caused damage to the neighbors dog. Did u take pictures of where the woman hit you? Judge would want to see this. Everytime they do something to you, or are threatening you, take pictures and save everything. It will help you in the end. Good luck!

Answer 6

Yes you can be sued and since there are records of previous reports of your dog entering another neighbors yard the ground setting is already there. I suggest putting camera up in your yard so when you neighbor comes over to beat on you, youll have the proof to show the police. Also, youll have the proof if you dog gets out of the yard. You might want to try a chainless leash. Where you put a shock collar on your dog if he leaves your yard. Try going to petco or petsmart as them about it.

Answer 7

chances are you will win and you wont be sued. just make sure to tell every thing you said on here in cournt and dont take no for an answer. stand up for your self. get a good lawer to. if this guy wins by any chance im sry and hope he goes to hell. frist of all your dog is or was chained yup and you said his dog was not. whitch means that his dog could of been the ONLY one who attacked your dog. meaning its the guys falt that this even happen. this is bull crap lol i hope you win just fight back and dont give up. you also said his wife HIT you. thats assult and shes goin down. be sure to tell every one in cournt that. that will help me trust me. photos may help but i am a graphic arts designer and in a courn of law photos really arent takin to the fullest concern sense you can change a photo in just about any way you want. even video also. but its still good to haave more on this guy.

hope this answers your question

Answer 8

Anybody can sue anyone at any time for anything.

Doesn't mean they'll win. You might consider filing a cross complaint for harassment.

If you genuinely feel threatened by this guy, you can also get a restraining order from the court that will keep this guy on his side of the street.

Answer 9

It is your responsibility to ensure that your dog stays in your yard.
If your dog was on his property regardless of which dog started the fight you are responsible.

It is you duty to ensure that your dog cannot stray onto a neighbor's property.

So yes you can be sued. It was due to your negligence that your dog was able to get onto the neighbor's property.

If you did not filed a police report for the assault or threats at the time they occurred it is unlikely you will be able to recover any of the damages, harassment or otherwise from the incidents.

Answer 10

Depends on where you live. In Florida, for example, dog owners are strictly liable for damage caused by their dogs (including damage to other dogs), do not pass "Go," do not collect $200, because "fault" doesn't matter.

The death threats, etc. are irrelevant to your liability (if any) for your dog's actions, although you could sue the wife for assault.

Call a lawyer.

Answer 11

Heck, sue him and his wife back. If he threatened you and your family with death, and his wife entered your home and hit you I would sue them both. Go for it. The best defense is a good offense.

Update - You have the option to file a counterclaim for money damages against the guy and his wife. I would also ask the court to enter an injunction keeping them away from you.