Signs of a Dangerous Dog

Many people consider their dogs part of the family, but any dog can bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 4.5 million people are bitten and more than 800,000 people receive medical attention for dog bites in the U.S. each year. At Moore Law Firm, our attorneys in Mobile have helped more than 15,000 personal injury victims in Alabama. Our dog bite lawyers explain Alabama dog bite law and offer tips for preventing dangerous dog attacks and what to do if you’re bitten by a dog.

Dog Owner Liability in Alabama

In Alabama, the legal concept of strict liability is applied in most dog bite cases. This means that pet owners are liable for any injuries their dog causes if the dog was not provoked and the injured person was lawfully on their property. Generally, if a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for paying actual damages such as medical bills and other injury-related expenses.

However, dog bite law in Alabama can be tricky to understand, as an injured victim may be able to recover additional non-economic damages like pain and suffering if they are attacked by a dog that’s previously bitten someone, is aggressive, or is a dangerous dog breed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that if a dog is running loose and hurts someone, local leash laws and other ordinances may apply. If the dog owner is found to be negligent, they may be on the hook for both economic and non-economic damages.

Dangerous Dog Breeds

In some municipalities, breed-specific legislation may deem breeds such as pit bull terriers inherently dangerous or ban them altogether. Lack of proper training and care can lead to any dog acting out, but statistically, some breeds do bite more often than others. According to DogsBite.org, a nonprofit research and education organization, the 10 most dangerous dogs in the U.S. include:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Cane Corso
• Presa Canario
• German Shepherd
• Husky/Alaskan Malamute
• Wolf-Dog Hybrids
• Doberman
• Chow Chow
• Akita

Homeowners and renters insurance policies often exclude aggressive or dangerous dog breeds from coverage. This means if you’re injured by a certain breed and wish to pursue damages, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the dog’s owner.

Common Signs of Aggression in Dogs

It’s important to recognize certain behaviors and warning signs of a possible dog bite or attack. Growling is usually a sign that a dog is angry or frightened. Barking isn’t always an aggressive behavior. However, if a dog is permitted to bark excessively, it can lead to aggression. If you encounter a dog that’s barking, it’s best to leave it alone. A dog that stares at you intensely and becomes very still may be about to lunge or attack. Holding direct eye contact with a dog in this stance is not a good idea. Dogs may also bare their teeth while growling as a sign of an impending attack.

Any dog may bite, especially if they’re nervous, scared, sleeping, eating, or protecting toys or their puppies. A breed such as a Rottweiler or pit bull can kill a child or adult in a matter of minutes. Regardless of whether you are at someone’s home or on the street, if you encounter a dog that’s growling, barking, or lunging, they may be dangerous and should be avoided.

How to Prevent Dog Bites

In a perfect world, people would properly train, socialize, contain, and leash their dogs. Unfortunately, dog bites and attacks are all too common, so you must pay attention to potential warning signs and take steps to protect yourself.

Most dog bites happen during everyday activities with familiar dogs. Children are the most common victims of dog bites, and should always be supervised when interacting with dogs. As a dog owner, teaching others how to properly interact with your dog can help keep them safe. Keep your dog in a secure, fenced area or enclosure when they’re outside, and always use a leash when walking your dog.

Never approach a strange dog and to pet it. Always ask first and listen if the owner tells you not to pet their dog. If you know that a dog has bitten someone before, has displayed aggressive tendencies, or is one of the most dangerous dog breeds, it’s best to avoid it keep it away from children and other animals.

How an Alabama Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

Even the most conscientious animal lovers can be hurt by a dangerous dog. To recover compensation for damages, you must establish fault in a dog bite case, which can be challenging to do on your own. If a dog bites or attacks you or a loved one, a personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, advise you of your options, and work to help you recover compensation if you have a valid claim.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers In Mobile, AL

For the past 30 years, the personal injury attorneys at Moore Law Firm have been dedicated to helping injured victims find justice and recover the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call our dog bite attorneys at 251-445-7602, use the convenient chat feature on our website, or contact us today.