My dog just bit someone... am I screwed?

Wagging Tail · 2011-02-01T18:43:50-05:00

So I was walking my dog earlier when we were approached by a stranger. It is night time and hard to see. The man whistles and says "Cute dog, can I pet him?" I said he needed to let the dog sniff him before he got real close. The man then walks directly at my dog, which was leashed, and sticks his fist out. My dog bit his hand and held on for like 5 seconds. I slapped my dog's butt and he released his grip. The man said he was going upstairs and was going to put peroxide on it immidiately. I took my dog back inside and put him in his kennel (my dog is crate trained, it is not a form of punishment). I went upstairs to meet the man. He had his hand wrapped in a gauze and ace wrap. Bleeding was stopped, damage was minimal. Just two or three small cuts around the knuckles of his ring and middle fingers. No damage to the palm at all, nor to any of his five fingers. He insisted on going to the ER for stitches despite his friend, a RN, telling him he didn't need them. I am an EMT of 12 years and agreed, he did not need stitches. He assures me he did not want to sue because I was responsible and came to see if he was alright. I also brought documents supporting that the dog has all current vaccinations and a history of no biting and no aggression towards people. He says he is going to need time off from work because he uses his hands at work. No police or EMS personnel were called. How likely am I to get sued? Will it be a successful suit? Any advice... SERIOUS ADVICE?

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15 years ago 02/01/2011 10:25pm EST

re: 130 140 mile week guy

If you have a homeowners or renters policy your insurance company will defend you. If you're in college and still a dependent of your parents then your parents policy will defend you. In my state regarding these cases there is a saying "first bite is free" which means if your dog hasn't shown any aggressive signs and and never bitten anyone then you're not usually guilty of negligence but you might be liable for med bills. Unless your dog bit a 5 year old beauty queen in the face then you're probably going to be fine. Dog bite claims are not always clear cut and are handled on a case by case basis.

15 years ago 02/01/2011 10:33pm EST

re: Internet Sargent Slaughter

Internet Sargent Slaughter wrote:
dean moriarty wrote:
Why do you have a pet that bites? You're booby-trapping your entire life.
I gotta agree with this guy. Dogs that bite are pieces of shit anyway. Get you stupid f***ing dog under control.

Every. Dog. Bites.

They are animals, and if they become agitated enough, they will bite. It doesn't matter how gentle they seem. They all have their own bite threshold.

Be sure you have renter's insurance, which will cover your first bite. Regardless, be very careful.

My dog is very insecure when she's on her leash. I pull her away from people and dogs all the time. Off-leash, she's the sweetest thing in the world. You just have to know your dog, and be vigilant and careful.

15 years ago 02/02/2011 6:26am EST

re: Wagging Tail

Does the guy who was bitten have a bike with a basket on it? If so, hide the dog...

15 years ago 02/02/2011 6:42am EST

re: Wagging Tail

Wagging Tail wrote:
The man then walks directly at my dog, which was leashed, and sticks his fist out.

1. How was he supposed to walk? Indirectly?

2. BS. He asked to pet your dog then thrust a fist at it? Please.

Wagging Tail wrote:
I also brought documents supporting that the dog has all current vaccinations and a history of no biting and no aggression towards people.

Better get those documents revised, pal. He sure as hell does now.

If it was me I wouldn't sue you. I would certainly work to see your dog put down, though. Clearly not fit for public spaces.

15 years ago 02/02/2011 6:51am EST

re: 800 dude

800 dude wrote:
Every. Dog. Bites.
They are animals, and if they become agitated enough, they will bite. It doesn't matter how gentle they seem. They all have their own bite threshold.

Um...

Every. Person. Assaults.

They are animals, and if they become agitated enough, they will assault. It doesn't matter how gentle they seem. They all have their own assault threshold.

THANKS, GENIUS.

Thing is, the ones with a "threshold" low enough to cause harm to others usually end up taken out of society.

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