When we are invited to someone’s house, we have a reasonable expectation that their house is not going to be unsafe and that the owner or tenant would have taken reasonable steps to ensure our safety. This could mean a number of things, such as removing environmental hazards like rain water and ice or alerting the guests as to the broken stairs. It also encompasses another aspect of safety-ensuring one is safe from animal attacks, including dog bites.
In Louisiana, a dog owner is strictly liable for damages arising from injuries to either persons or property caused by the dog, if the owner could have prevented the injuries. It is important to note that the injuries should not have been a result of provocation from the injured person. Liability arises not only from the dog bite but also from any other type of injury sustained by the victim.
Strict liability means that if the dog caused the injury, the owner is liable. It doesn’t matter how much the owner tried to control the dog in that instance. The law doesn’t only cover dog bites but also other animal attacks and for that the standard is of negligence. This means that it must be demonstrated that the owner failed to use reasonable care to control or restrain the animal and that caused the injury.
Understanding the law and knowing how to meet certain standards imposed by law can be daunting for an average person. It may be beneficial to consult an experienced attorney for guidance on how to proceed with one’s premises liability case and get compensation for the injuries sustained.
