As dog lovers, it’s natural to assume that all dogs are friendly and harmless. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some dog breeds have a higher tendency to be aggressive and dangerous than others. These dogs can cause serious personal injuries, especially if they attack humans or other domestic animals.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries caused by a dangerous dog in Maine, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. In this article, we will discuss Maine’s dog bite laws and how they apply to dangerous dog breeds.
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Dangerous Dog Breeds in Maine
The following dog breeds are considered to be dangerous and aggressive in Maine:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Huskies
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Chow Chows
- Akitas
- American Staffordshire Terriers
Keep in mind that just because a dog is not on this list, it doesn’t mean it cannot be dangerous. Any dog can become aggressive and attack if it feels frightened, provoked, or threatened.
Maine Dog Bite Laws
Maine follows a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites and attacks. This means that dog owners are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or not.
Under Maine law, if a dog bites or attacks a person, the owner or keeper of the dog is liable for all damages suffered by the victim, unless the victim was engaged in illegal activities or trespassing on the owner’s property.
Determining Liability in Dangerous Dog Breed Cases
When dealing with a dangerous dog breed, it’s important to determine who is responsible for the dog’s behavior and any resulting injuries. In Maine, liability can be determined in the following ways:
At-Fault Dog Owner
If a dog owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous and had a history of aggression, they can be held strictly liable for the dog’s behavior. This means that the victim doesn’t need to prove that the owner was negligent in any specific way.
At-Fault Property Owners or Keepers
If a property owner or keeper (such as a dog walker or pet-sitter) knew or should have known that a dangerous dog was on their premises, they can also be held strictly liable for any resulting injuries.
Comparative Negligence
If the victim was partly at fault for the dog attack or bite (for example, if they provoked the dog), they may still be able to recover damages. However, their award may be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. In other words, if the victim was 20% at fault, their award would be reduced by 20%.
Dog Attacks on Other Domestic Animals
Under Maine law, dog owners are strictly liable for any damages caused by their dogs to other domestic animals, including cats and livestock.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Maine
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous dog breed, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of the injuries and the extent of the damages suffered.
Conclusion
Dog bites and attacks can be extremely traumatic and result in serious personal injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured by a dangerous dog breed in Maine, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
At Fales & Fales, P.A., we have extensive experience in handling dog bite cases and aggressively pursue compensation on behalf of our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.