For example, one widely cited research study by the CDC indicates that pit-bull-type dogs and Rottweilers are the most dangerous breeds. As a result, laws have been adopted in many areas that place restrictions on owning these and some other breeds.

People who are harmed by these banned breeds, as well as other animals, can file legal claims against the responsible parties to recover financial compensation for their injuries and losses.

Breed-Specific Legislation

No dog breed is nationally banned, but each municipality has the right to develop its own laws regarding those animals that may be considered dangerous.

Many areas of the country have created laws referred to as Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). These laws regulate ownership of certain dog breeds with the goal of reducing the number of canine attacks.

Most often, BSL focuses on Rottweilers and dogs that people commonly call pit bulls. The pit bull is not a single breed, however, and the term generally refers to American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers.

Other breeds BSL commonly restricts include cane corsos, Doberman pinschers and chow chows.

Bans and Ordinances in Idaho

According to DogsBite.org, a nonprofit research and education organization, BSL has been enacted in some areas of Idaho.

Pit bulls have been declared “dangerous” or “vicious” in several cities, including Kellogg and Preston. Some cities, including Fruitland and Preston, have banned ownership of these dogs, and presa canarios and cane corsos are also banned in some local municipalities. Russian wolfhounds, wolf hybrids and mountain dogs are also specifically named in Idaho statutes.

People who are found to own a banned breed can be fined hundreds of dollars. And when dog bite injuries occur, the animal may be quarantined or destroyed. Beyond that, owners may be held legally responsible for the attacks.

Legal Claims for Dog Bites

Canine attacks can cause traumatic injuries that require long-term medical care.

Dog bites also come with a serious risk of developing an infection that can spread through the body, leading to significant health problems. A personal injury claim against the animal’s owner can be filed to obtain compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, as well as lost wages and loss of future earning potential.

In some cases, another person (such as a landlord or property manager) may be held accountable for dog bite injuries. Victims may be able to include that person or entity in a legal claim, if it can be proven that they knew the dog was dangerous and they failed to take action, particularly if they had any control over the dog.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a canine attack, contact the Montgomery Dowdle Law Office of Boise, Idaho. Our experienced attorneys understand the pain and suffering that can accompany an animal attack injury, and we can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation to discuss your dog bite injuries.

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In Idaho, dog attack victims can file legal action to recover damages from the animal’s owner for their injuries, subsequent infection and other complications.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

A large percentage of canine bites cause injuries to the hands and arms, due to the victim either reaching out to the dog or shielding themselves from the attack. With children — who account for over half of all canine bite victims — head, facial and neck injuries are common, as their smaller stature puts them in close proximity to the animal’s mouth.

Dog bites usually result in lacerations and puncture wounds, but they also can cause broken bones. Severe bites may involve significant damage to the structures beneath the skin, including muscles and nerves. Attacks can, in some cases, cause permanent scarring, disfigurement or even disability.

Infections Resulting from Bites

Though many people believe that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, that’s a myth. A dog’s mouth is host to many potentially dangerous types of bacteria. When a dog bites, infectious pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can be transmitted. Infection can also occur when environmental bacteria gets inside a wound during or after an attack.

Tetanus, a debilitating nerve disease caused by a bacteria found in soil, is another common occurrence. Rabies can also be transmitted through a bite, especially if the animal has not been inoculated against the disease. The risk of developing an infection from bite wounds is greatest for punctures and wounds to upper extremities.

Seeking Damages for Your Injuries

In Idaho, dog bite lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury. Comparative negligence is also a factor. This means that a percentage of fault for the incident may be assigned to the victim, and if it is 50 percent or higher, the victim may not be able to recover damages.

To prove a dog owner liable for an attack, it is necessary to show that the owner knew the animal was aggressive, dangerous or likely to bite. The owner may be held responsible if he or she neglected to use reasonable care in controlling the animal, especially if it has attacked or bitten anyone in the past.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or infection resulting from a dog bite, an experienced attorney can help recover damages for medical expenses as well as pain and suffering. Contact the professionals at Montgomery Dowdle Law Offices in Boise, Idaho, for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries.

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Take These Immediate Steps

Responding to a dog bite injury is no different than for any other injury; begin by seeking medical attention immediately. Even the smallest bite can carry viruses or bacteria that result in serious infection and complications. Also contact the police or other local law enforcement agencies if you are the victim of a canine attack. It is important that a police report is filed to establish the facts. Collecting all pertinent information about the dog is also crucial. At minimum, note the name and address of the owners, their insurance information and specifics about the animal’s breed. Take pictures of the dog if possible, and also of your injuries, your clothing and the area in which the dog attacked you. Document as much as you can at the time of the incident. If witnesses were present, be sure to note their contact information as well.

The Next Steps

Once you have been checked out by a doctor and you’re out of harm’s way, contact your local animal control office. This isn’t only for your protection, but for the protection of anyone who may come into contact with the animal in the future. The animal control agency will investigate the attack and can take further action if warranted. Obtain a copy of your police report and any other documentation that may be available. You will need this information to help your lawyer in the review of your potential claim.

Proving Liability

Dog bite liability may not always be the easiest to prove because of the laws that govern dog registration, dangerous breeds and leash and muzzle requirements. Research the animal laws in your area to establish what the owners are obligated to do to contain their animal. Generally, if you can prove that the attack was not provoked, you weren’t trespassing, and it is not a trained police or military dog, you may have a chance at proving liability.

If you have an Idaho dog bite injury case you’d like to explore further, contact Montgomery Dowdle Law Offices to schedule a consultation. Their experienced legal team can review the facts of your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your dog bite.

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Bites can occur in a variety of situations, but many of these are preventable. It may be difficult to determine who is at fault in a dog bite case, but experts agree that prevention is the best approach. Read on for some helpful tips to help your child avoid being bitten by a dog.

How Bites Occur

In some cases, kids may have a negative encounter with a friend’s or family member’s pet while visiting their home. Dogs are territorial, and a variety of stimuli can incite a negative response in their home. In other cases, the encounter may take place outdoors, either with a loose dog or one that is on a leash with its owner. In most cases, however, children are bitten by dogs when adult supervision is absent, when the dog is chained outside and the child comes within reach, when the dog is eating or when more than one dog is present.

Determining Fault for Bites

The typical reaction for most people is to blame the dog, no matter the circumstances, because biting humans is never allowed. This is true, of course, but it is important for people to remember and respect the fact that dogs are descended from wild animals and do not have the conscious reasoning and decision-making skills that humans do. Even the most gentle, well-trained animal, if caught by surprise or treated aggressively, can lash out. Consider the many more dogs that are not gentle or well-trained, and the risk grows exponentially. Depending on the circumstances, bite victims may be able to receive compensation from the owner’s insurance company, but this requires that the incident meet certain qualifications. To keep kids safe from harm, the onus is on parents to teach them how to avoid this danger.

Helping Children Avoid Dog Bites

Professional dog trainer Caesar Milan recommends three simple concepts to teach children. The first is to never approach a strange dog, no matter how friendly it may appear. If the animal’s owner is present, teach them to ask politely if they can pet the dog, but to understand that the owner may say no. The second concept is to remain calm if approached by any strange animal. Running away or yelling may incite the dog’s predatory instinct or cause it anxiety, either of which can lead to aggression. Teach your children that if they are knocked down by a dog, to roll into a tight ball, cover their head and neck and stay still. A child should practice Milan’s “No Talk, No Touch, No Eye Contact” rule. This both demonstrates respect for the dog and establishes the human as the pack leader.

Even with the utmost caution, bites can still occur. If your child or another family member has been bitten by a dog, contact the experienced attorneys at Montgomery Dowdle. They can help you understand your rights and the Idaho laws that relate to dog bites.

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