Owners Liability For an Unvaccinated Dog Attack

Dog attacks can range from minor cuts and scrapes to major injuries, the transmission of potentially deadly diseases, or death. When someone is injured in a dog attack, it is imperative they receive medical attention right away. Following that, they may be able to receive compensation from the dog owner to cover medical bills and related costs, especially if the dog was loose at the time or if they are unvaccinated. 

What Can Happen From a Dog Bite

A dog bite can be serious on its own, as there is a chance for infections because of the way dogs bite. There’s also the possibility of broken bones, scars, nerve damage, and more. Someone who is bitten by an unvaccinated dog may be at a higher risk, as there is the potential for some diseases, like rabies, to transfer from an unvaccinated dog to someone who is bitten by them. It is imperative for someone who has been bitten by a dog, especially if the vaccination status is unknown, to seek immediate medical care to prevent further complications. 

Why is the Owner Liable?

Dog owners are required to be in control of their pets at all times. It is important for them to make sure they know where the dogs are, that they have proper training, and that they are fully vaccinated against potential diseases like rabies. If the owner doesn’t have control over the dog and the dog bites or attacks someone, the owner is held liable. They can face further legal complications after the bite if they knowingly did not have a leash on the dog or failed to get the required vaccinations for the dog. 

What Happens if the Dog is Unvaccinated?

A dog that is unvaccinated has the ability to spread diseases with their bite and may be more likely to bite if the disease has started to impact them. Dogs with rabies are known to be more prone to attack, and the rabies can spread to humans, where it is 100% fatal. Humans that are bitten by a dog without vaccinations or with an unknown vaccination status must go through the vaccine process for rabies immediately, as after symptoms start to show, there is no cure for it. This can be a painful process, but it is necessary to help prevent the person from getting rabies. 

Getting Help Covering Medical Bills After Dog Attack

When someone is injured in a dog attack, especially if the dog is unvaccinated, they may have a significant amount of medical bills and other expenses related to their recovery. The dog owner is liable for the injuries caused by the dog, so they may be required to provide compensation to cover the victim’s medical and related costs. In many cases, this is covered by the dog owner’s insurance company, but not always. It is important for the victim to receive legal assistance so they know their own rights and have help getting the largest settlement possible so they don’t have to cover any related expenses on their own. 

Dog owners must have control over their dogs at all times and are required by law to have at least minimal vaccines for their pets. If someone is attacked by a dog that is unvaccinated, they may be owed compensation for their injuries from the dog’s owner. Speak with a lawyer today about your situation to learn more.