Dog Bite Laws: What Montana Dog Owners Need To Know

Dogs are amazing companions, spirited little friends, and a lot of times a dog owner’s best friend. If you are a good dog owner – your dog is played with, loved, fed, bathed, and walked all the time. You go out of your way to keep them clean and healthy and you know that you are responsible for their well-being. But you should know that you are also responsible for their actions.

Dog Bite Laws: What Every Montana Dog Owner Should Know

If you live in Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, or the nearby areas – Tourtlotte Law Firm specializes in dog bite personal injury cases, and our attorneys want to make sure that dog owners are well informed of their rights and responsibility when it comes to their dog and any aggressive actions their dogs take. More than 4.5 million people are bit by a dog each year. 1 in 5 of those people require medical treatment and children are the most common victims. If the victim can prove that the dog owner was negligent of his/her responsibility and knowingly allowed a vicious dog near other people, the victim is entitled to recovering damages. The victim will have to prove that

• The dog was freely roaming outside of the owner’s property and was not wearing a leash.
• The owner is aware of a history of biting – even if it was only one time.
• The dog is known to be vicious and the owner allowed the pet to be around other people.

Personal Injury Lawyer In Montana If you are a dog owner and have a personal injury lawsuit against you because of a dog bite or dog attack, you could find yourself being held responsible for the injury and any expenses that should be awarded to the victim due to the injury. This could be medical costs and other losses. Legal expenses could be deemed your responsibility as well. If you aren’t sure of the dog laws in Montana, the personal injury lawyers at Tourtlotte Law Firm can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a dog owner and what you need to do if your dog bites another person. Staying proactive in preventing dog bites is the best solution for everyone involved. You will save yourself a lot of time, money and stress but you will also save another person from a serious injury. First Bite Laws The first bite law is pretty simple and most states follow it. Dogs that have not bitten, are not known to be aggressive, and have not had a history of violence are not as high of a liability risk. In these instances, the dog owner is not typically held responsible for the damages and is not liable for an injury caused by a dog. Be aware, though, that a victim’s attorney may try to prove that the dog owner was aware that the dog could become violent or aggressive – and you could still be held accountable. Be Proactive You love your dog and you want to make sure your dog is safe and that others around your dog are safe. To decrease the risk of your dog biting someone, take a few precautions when other people are around.

• In public settings, always keep your dog on a leash. Dogs should not be allowed to run around the neighborhood or any other public area freely. You are in charge of your dog and making sure other people are not subjected to one running wildly.
• Your yard should hold the dog in without problems. Latches, doors and fencing material should be strong and stable.
• Aggressive dogs should not be around other people, whether in or outside of the home. Aggressive dogs should be placed in a training program where they can learn good behavior and self-control.
• If you have visitors, warn them that there is an aggressive dog on the premises. Keep your dog in another room where he can’t attack. Keep signs posted on your property so that others can be aware of the risk.

Dog Bite Lawyers In Montana In the event that your dog bites or attacks someone, you are advised to contact the professional attorneys at Tourtlotte Law for legal assistance. We can help you evaluate your situation and create a plan to help you navigate the legal case together. Our team will work tirelessly to determine the nature of the problem and move you through the legal process as quickly and painlessly as possible.