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District of Columbia Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

Call (888) 471-5989 to speak with a personal injury attorney.

Under the District of Columbia liability statute, if a person is bitten or otherwise injured by a dog while the dog is running at large, the owner may be found liable even if the owner was not previously knowledgeable about the dog's vicious propensities.

The District of Columbia also has a dangerous dog statute. Under the law in the District of Columbia, a dangerous dog is one who:
has bitten or attacked a person or domestic animal without provocation
approaches in a menacing manner, without provocation, any person or domestic animal as if to attack; or
has demonstrated a propensity to attack without provocation, or to otherwise endanger the safety of humans or domestic animals.

Owners of dogs which have been defined as dangerous dogs under the statute have several responsibilities. If they do not fulfill these responsibilities, they can be held liable if the dog attacks or bites a person or domestic animal. An owner of a dangerous dog must:
confine a dangerous dog indoors, or confine it outdoors in a locked pen or a structure of the dimensions five feet wide by 10 feet long and six feet high. The structure or pen must not allow escape by the animal or entrance by young children;
when the dog is not confined, ensure that it is controlled by a responsible person, as well as muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash of no longer than four feet;
register their dogs with local authorities as dangerous;
maintain liability coverage of at least $50,000 for injuries inflicted by the dog;
post upon their property a written warning about the dangerous dog, in addition to a symbolic warning that can be understood by children.

If a dangerous dog kills or seriously injuries a person or domestic animal, without provocation, the owner is subject to a fine of up to $10,000 in addition to civil liability.

If you have been bitten by a dog, and you feel you may have a case against the dog's owner, contact a qualified District of Columbia dog bite lawyer, who can help determine whether or not you have a case and assist you throughout the process of bringing a lawsuit against the owner or handler of the dog that attacked you. Most dog bite lawyers will evaluate your case free of charge, and will not charge you legal fees unless they are successful in getting a settlement or judgment in your favor.

With nearly 5 million attacks involving dogs each year, from minor bites and scratches to vicious attacks that could result in death it is no wonder hospitals around the country collectively report roughly 1,000 emergency visits per day due to dog bites. While death occurs in fewer than 100 of the reported dog bites that occur across America annually, dog bites that require hospitalization are all too common. According to studies, 20 percent of dogs who bite are non-neutered, and most incidents of biting involve an unrestrained dog on their owner's property. Men under 20, and just in general, are most likely to be injured from a pet bite. Women and the elderly are at a higher risk of being bitten by a cat.