Getting What Is Rightfully Yours

Dog Bite Injuries: Does a "Beware Of Dog" Sign Protect the Dog Owner or Help Build a Victim's Case?

10 September 2015 by Penny Fisher

Dogs are often considered man's best friend. However, they can also be man's worst enemy. Being attacked by a dog can lead to very serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Many times, a dog owner will place a sign that says "Beware of Dog" outside of their home in order to keep trespassers away. In some cases, the sign may be hung because owners are worried that their dog could bite someone who sets foot on the property. Having this sign in the yard may help the dog owner if a lawsuit were to arise, or it could benefit the victim. Read on to learn more.

When the Sign May Help the Owner

Having a sign placed in the yard can sometimes help the owner if a victim is bitten by their dog and then files a lawsuit. The sign could suggest that the victim voluntary took the risk by getting near a dog that they knew was present because of the sign. In Florida, as long as the victim is not under six years of age and the owner was not negligent in some way, the owner cannot be held liable if they have a sign displayed with the words "Bad Dog."

When the Sign May Help the Victim

On the other hand, a "Beware of Dog" sign could help the victim. This is particularly true if you are in a state that does not have strict liability statutes for dog bites, such as Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia, to name a few. In these states, a victim must prove that the owner was aware or had reason to believe that the dog has vicious propensities. One way that a victim can prove the owner's knowledge of vicious propensities is that the owner had a sign placed that said "Beware of Dog." It may not necessarily prove that there was prior knowledge of the dog's risk of causing injury, but it may be enough to either get the owner to settle the legal claim or to go to trial. This is especially true when combined with other evidence, such as previous bites, prior complaints, the breed of the dog, and signs of aggression.

If you've been injured by a dog or have a dog that has injured someone, it is important that you seek legal help from an experienced dog bite attorney. When you arrive for your consultation, make sure that you are as honest and as detailed about the events as you can be. The more accurately you can describe the incident, the better the lawyer can properly assess your individual case and correctly advise you of your legal options.  

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