When can you be accused of provoking a dog?
Dogs are generally friendly pets, which makes it a serious concern when they attack and hurt someone. Dog attacks can lead to serious injuries, and in some instances, dangerous infections. If you are attacked by someone else’s dog, you may be eligible for financial restitution through a premises liability claim.
However, some dog attack claims are never straightforward. If it is established that you provoked the animal, then you might have a difficult time litigating your dog attack case. But what amounts to provoking the animal?
Understanding provocation
When a dog feels threatened for whatever reason, it will either take off or fight. If they can get away from the threat, they certainly will. If they feel trapped, however, they will snarl. This is their warning shot. If the threat persists, the animal will have no choice but to fight back.
Generally, any action that prompts a dog to become aggressive amounts to provocation. Some of the behaviors that may amount to provoking a dog include:
- Startling the animal
- Hitting the animal
- Stepping on the animal’s tail
- Pulling the animal’s tail, limbs or fur
- Taking the animal’s food away
- Trapping the animal
California laws and how they apply to dog attack victims
Most Californians love dogs. As such, no one wants to be a victim of a dog bite. Unfortunately, dog bites happen. If you are attacked by someone else’s dog, it is important that you seek treatment as soon as you can. Besides receiving the treatment you need, you will also obtain a medical report that is crucial for pursuing your claim.
Next, you need to file your claim within the statute of limitations period. And in California, this means filing your claim within two years from the date of the dog attack.
A dog attack claim, like most legal matters, can be complicated. Find out how you can protect your rights and interests while pursuing a premises liability claim.
