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Bitten by a dog at a holiday party? The law may make the owner liable

Attorney Joshua Zokaeem of The Capital Law Firm explained that dog bite liability depends on state law, which varies significantly across the country.
Most states follow one of two legal approaches to determine owner responsibility: strict liability, which holds owners responsible regardless of history, or negligence, which requires proof that owners failed to exercise reasonable care.
California enforces strict liability for a first bite, whereas other jurisdictions may require proof of a dog’s prior dangerous behavior or that the owner acted negligently to establish liability.
Homeowners and renters should verify their insurance coverage for dog-related injuries, as legal claims often result in significant medical and public health costs.
To prevent unexpected reactions, experts recommend supervising pets around children and keeping them away from crowded social gatherings, as animals may behave unpredictably in unfamiliar environments.

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