What is One-Bite Rule?
A legal doctrine in some states where a dog owner is only liable for bite injuries if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous propensities.
Understanding One-Bite Rule
Under this rule, owners get "one free bite" before being held strictly liable. However, owners can still be liable for the first bite if they were negligent (e.g., violating leash laws) or if prior aggressive behavior indicated danger. The name is misleading—any prior dangerous behavior counts, not just bites.
Examples
- 1Owner not liable for first bite with no prior warnings
- 2Prior growling and lunging establishing knowledge of danger
- 3Violating leash law creating negligence liability for first bite
Related Terms
Dog Bite Liability
The legal responsibility of a dog owner for injuries caused when their dog bites or attacks someone, which varies by state law.
Strict Liability (Animals)
A legal doctrine in many states holding dog owners automatically liable for bite injuries regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous or took precautions.
Negligence
The failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person or their property.
Dangerous Dog
A legal classification for dogs that have shown aggressive behavior, bitten someone, or are deemed a threat to public safety, often resulting in special restrictions on the owner.
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