I live in a house on the first floor with my sister and this other lady, she lives in a separate room. She bought over a friend whom I wasnt even aware of, when she walk past my room, my dog ran after her and bite her on the leg. I think she startled him, he never bite anyone before. He's a small dog (Westie) and he has gotten all his shots, am I still responsible for her hospital bill?
2007-10-30 17:53:04 · 17 answers · asked by Junebug88 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
According to the recent dog act, there are a few things that get taken into account when finding out whether the owner is liable or not. You were not at home, and it was your house, therefore, the dog considered either itself or your home to be in danger when it attacked her, therefore you are not liable, if she then tries to take things further, it will need to be taken up with her friend (your housemate) who let her in the house without your permission and not only put her in danger, but made your dog feel unsafe in it's own territory! according to the dog act, if the person attacked is on the dog's property, the owner is only liable if they invited the person onto the premises, putting them in danger! Which you didn't. Not only that she can't request for your dog to be put down because your dog felt threatened in it's own home when it attacked! the only person at fault here is your roommate, for taking her to the property without giving you sufficient warning first, so she should pay the bills! but i would take measures to make sure you are not put in this situation again....warn people about the dog, even if you don't think this will happen again! if you warn people, they take responsibility for their own actions while on your property, and you are not liable! good luck
2007-10-30 18:36:09 · answer #1 · answered by glorybnaughty1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry - I was totally and completely stuck on the fact that Wendy - the supposed DVM stole the person's answer above her. How rude of her!!
As for your situation (wow, still stuck on the supposed DVM stealing someone else's answer . . .) - it might be totally true that she startled him, maybe she made googly eyes at him, maybe she's the devil incarnate and your dog did the best thing in the world. Regardless, your dog bit her - even if she's the spawn of Satan, and therefore you are indeed responsible.
I would take her to the hospital, pay the bill, smile a lot, apologize and then send a gift basket (from the dog). If she really is a nice person (and not the spawn of Satan) she will understand and be considerate and kind in return. If she's the spawn of Satan - she might sue you. I hope she's nice. It happens - sure it's your fault, but dog bites do happen!
As for the future- you may need to all sit down - those that live in the house - and talk about what happened and what can be done to prevent that from ever happening again (perhaps the lady lets you know when people are coming over and you leash your dog - as an example). Hopefully you all can work together to live harmoniously and also independently!
2007-10-31 01:37:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
When it comes to dog bites sometimes owners get screwed. Yes you most likely will have to pay her hospital bill. She was invited into the home so it isn't like she was trespassing. If she reported the incident to animal control you will also have to pay to have your dog confined for rabies observation. Even though the dog has had all shots they still have to be confined depending on your state. And yes you have to pay for everything.
Best to invest in a crate and insist others in the house inform you so he can be crated while guest are in the house.
2007-10-31 01:07:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes youre responsible. Laws are not made to dogs or their owners advantages, which in some cases, such as yours, is really unfair. If you have people coming in your house that are going to make a big deal about something like that then you should be more careful about who comes into the house. Or since you are sharing a house, just keep your door closed or whatever.
2007-10-31 04:30:53 · answer #4 · answered by jennafisch1285 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow...that's tough. your westie caused a hospital bill? Must have been a vicious attack.
From what I know about dog bites...the owner is responsibe. But it doesn't sound like you were negligent. Maybe you should contact an attorney to find out exactly what your rights are in this situation?
2007-10-31 00:56:21 · answer #5 · answered by Helen Scott 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, just pay it and avoid a lawsuit. The hospital bill in nothing compared to all the time, energy and money that goes into suing. I know it is not really fair because you didn't know there was a strange person in the house. But that is the law.
2007-10-31 01:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be nice to the victim because he or she will have to make a decision about pursuing you for damages; if you are nice, the victim may decide to go easy on both you and your dog.
Make sure the victim gets medical attention. Take him or her to the hospital or to a doctor. Be considerate.
Whether or not you have insurance, if you have any money or credit at all, you should offer to pay for the victim's medical bills. Be a hero.
2007-10-31 00:57:53 · answer #7 · answered by ~~Lisa~~ 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes you are responsible. Insurance will probably cover it though.
You are right, she probably startled the dog, but it's like having a kid, you are responsible for the dog's actions.
2007-10-31 00:57:52 · answer #8 · answered by LittleFreedom 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not sure. If it attacked outside and didn't have a leash then you are responsible, but since it was inside and I'm guessing no one told her about a dog so I'm not so sure. It was inside your property and the dog acted like he was scared and attacked in self defense. Nice name for a dog btw. ^_^
Don't pay the bills. Go talk to someone who knows laws and ask them if its your responsibility.
2007-10-31 01:30:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Stay calm. Don't argue. Don't accuse. Be nice to the victim because he or she will have to make a decision about pursuing you for damages; if you are nice, the victim may decide to go easy on both you and your dog.
Make sure the victim gets medical attention. Take him or her to the hospital or to a doctor. Be considerate.
Whether or not you have insurance, if you have any money or credit at all, you should offer to pay for the victim's medical bills. Be a hero.
Take steps to protect others from your dog.
Avoid making statements because there are possible criminal consequences when a dog bites or injures someone.
--And technically YES, you do have to pay for the bill even though she was on your property. People have WON lawsuits because their child went in their neighbors yard and drowned in their pool.
EDIT--
I do not read other people's answers, it's not very nice to judge. We obviously got the answer from the same site. Which was -- http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/if_your.htm
I forgot to add the source, by the way.
2007-10-31 00:58:59 · answer #10 · answered by Wendy D.V.M. 3 · 1⤊ 6⤋