Dog Bite — No Win No Fee
Dog bite claims in the United States are handled on a contingency fee basis. Liability rules vary by state — approximately 29 states impose strict liability on dog owners, while others follow the one-bite rule or negligence standards.
What Is the Difference Between Strict Liability and the One-Bite Rule?
Direct Answer: About 36 states impose strict liability — the owner is liable for bite injuries regardless of the dog's history. The remaining states follow the one-bite rule, where the owner is only liable if they knew (or should have known) the dog was dangerous. Dog bite attorneys work on contingency.
Strict liability states hold dog owners liable for bite injuries regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The victim only needs to prove they were bitten and suffered damages.
One-bite rule states require the victim to prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous propensity. The name is somewhat misleading — it does not literally give every dog one free bite. Evidence of prior aggressive behaviour, growling, or lunging can establish knowledge.
Insurance Coverage
Dog bite claims are typically covered under the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Liability coverage generally ranges from $100,000 to $300,000. Some insurers exclude specific breeds considered high-risk. The Insurance Information Institute reports that dog bite claims account for over one-third of all homeowner's liability claims.
Common Injuries
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Infection (including rabies risk)
- Facial and hand injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD (especially in children)