I have owned different animals throughout my life and have also been bitten by a few:) I have experienced both sides of coin on this issue. If you are a pet owner, protect your pet by protecting others. If you are facing-off with someone's pet, first, protect yourself and then try to better understand the situation. I found the following information very helpful/useful ...

Determining liability in dog bite injury cases can be both simple and complex. Since dogs themselves cannot truly be held accountable in a court of law, blame for a dog attack generally falls on the dog's owner. This seems reasonable - a pet owner ought to be held responsible for allowing his or her pet to attack, injure, or kill another person; any conscientious pet owner could be expected to take preventative measures against an animal attack. The issue may not be as simple as it seems at first glance, however.

Dangerous Propensity

In the United States, there is no single unifying standard for assigning liability in dog bite cases. Some states have statutes which apply only to a pet owner, while others may hold responsible anyone who was in possession of the dog at the time of the attack. Compensation may also vary from state to state; some areas require full compensation, but others provide only partial compensation.

The common thread which runs through most animal attack statutes is known as "dangerous propensity." It essentially says that a dog's owner can only be held liable for an attack if he or she knew or should have known that the dog had a "dangerous propensity" or tendency to bite, maul, or otherwise attack people without being provoked.

Dangerous propensity can be established in a variety of ways, as demonstrated by dozens of different court cases. Factors such as a dog's species, training, occupation, or general character may or may not be enough to prove dangerous propensity, depending on the case. The actions of the owner may also be used as proof of foreknowledge; if a pet owner brags about his dog's aggressiveness, keeps the dog muzzled around people, or has signs on his property warning about the dog, a court may rule that he knew about his dog's viciousness, whether or not the animal had a history of violence.

The "One Bite Rule"

Currently, just over a third of the United States has adopted the "one bite rule" as a guideline for judging dog attack cases. In a simple statement, the one bite rule holds that a dog's owner cannot be expected to be aware of dangerous propensity unless the dog has previously bitten or attacked someone.

The one bite rule is a double-edged sword - on the one hand, dog owners receive a sort of shield or buffer against an unexpected incident; on the other hand, the rule also provides a strong basis for holding the owner responsible for any subsequent attacks.

About the Author
Joseph Devine
For more information about legal statutes governing dog attacks, visit the website of Racine dog bite lawyers Habush, Habush, & Rottier, S.C. at http://www.racinepersonalinjurylawyer.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

What should you do when you are assaulted? Consult an attorney that fits your situation and determine is a lawsuit is needed. If you are in a fender bender, consult an attorney who specilizes in this particular legal issue. If you experience food poisoning, consult an attorney that has experience with food poisoning. If you are assaulted, consult a personal assault attorney.

Not all attoneys are great at litigation and courtroom trials. Most if not all attorneys will understand lawsuits to some degree but that does not mean they are good litigators. Ask your attorney for their litigation experience and consider their answer in your selection.

Should you settle? Ultimately this decision is up to you, but I suggest consulting an attorney first! Most if not all initial consultations are free. Attorneys want you business as much as you need their services.

Remember, when talking to an attorney, they are on your side! You do not need to lie. Any attorney will tell, the more they know about the truth, the better prepared they are to protect your interest. If you check the yellow pages for attorneys, you may be surprised to see the number of attorneys listed. Many cities throughout the United States and hundreds of attorneys listed.

As previously mentioned, there are many attorneys specializing in many different types of law but may not be experience in litigation. Ensure you find the one that can represent you fairly! Take time to view the various types of accidents on this site. I believe in helping the poor ... if you feel you do not have the money to afford an attorney, think again! Many attorneys will work with you if you have a good case.

NOTE: Do not settle an claim until you consult an attorney. Legal fees can be expensive not to mention all the medical costs you may incur from a hit and run accident. Seeking professional legal advise from a state licensed attorney is a good idea. Attorneys may cost you hundreds but can save you thousands!

When selecting an attorney, always remember attorneys typically specialize in specific areas of the law. For example, you would not want to seek a probate attorney for representation in a hit and run accident. Be smart when selecting an attorney and consult with friends and family. In addition, you may consider checking with the state Bar Association.

Have you already consulted an attorney? If so, did the attorney provide valuable information and are you satisfied with their recommendations? If not, consider a different attorney. Many attorneys will offer free consultation on accident cases. Call around and check the internet for good, local attorneys.