Here in the United States it is extremely common to own a dog. They are extremely loveable companions and make for great pets and friends, which is why nearly 50% of American families own a dog. However dogs are not always perfect, and dog bite incidents are unfortunately extremely common. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) there are nearly 4.5 million people bitten by dogs each year.
With how often it is to see dogs each day here in Utah, dog bite accidents remain a significant concern for our residents. A dog bite can result in serious physical injuries, infections, scarring, and even emotional trauma. If you were bitten by a dog it is important to know that Utah law has statutes in order to help protect your rights. Dog bite incidents can be confusing to handle on your own and there are plenty of myths surrounding these accidents. As Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys we understand the law, and in this article we will be breaking down the five most common myths about dog accidents and debunking them.
Myth 1: Utah Follows the “One Free Bite” Rule, so a Dog Owner is Not Liable for the First Incident.
Reality: Utah has extremely strict laws surrounding liability for dog owners for injuries that have been caused by their dogs. According to Utah Code 18-1-1, an owner is liable for damages regardless of whether the dog has previously bitten anyone or whether the owner knew that the dog was vicious or mischievous. This statute completely eliminates any “one-bite” defense that exists in other states. Even if the dog has no history or aggression and the owner exercised reasonable care, liability attaches immediately upon the injury. This means that as a victim of a dog bite in Utah you do not bear the burden of proving prior knowledge or negligence on the part of the owner.
Myth 2: Only Certain Aggressive Breeds Cause Serious Bites or Trigger Liability
Reality: Any dog, regardless of breed, size, age, or sex, has the potential to bite someone under the right circumstances. The AVMA emphasizes that individual history, socialization, training, and immediate context determine biting behavior far more than the breed. Here in Utah the liability statute makes no distinction based on the breed of the dog; liability is attached to the owner or keeper of the dog, not the breed. While some dogs may be more likely to bite than others it is irrelevant as focusing on the breed distracts from what is really important: the injury itself.
Myth 3: A Dog Owner Cannot Be Held Liable if the Bite Occurs on the Owner’s Private Property
Reality: The strict liability in Utah Code 18-1-1 that we discussed applies even when the incident takes place on the dog owner’s private property, as long as the victim was lawfully present (for example as a guest, invitee, or delivery person). There are very few exceptions to this rule that involve trespassing or committing a crime on private property. Owning property does not shield an owner from the responsibility of their dog biting someone. As long as you were lawfully on the premises as a victim you retain full rights to pursue legal compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring.
Myth 4: Most Dog Bites are Inflicted by Stray or Unfamiliar Dogs
Reality: The majority of dog bite injuries occur in familiar settings and involve dogs that are none to the victim. These incidents can be caused by family pets, neighbor’s dogs, or dogs belonging to friends or relatives. Several sources consistently show that bites by stray dogs represent a minority of the reported dog bite accidents.
Myth 5: If the Bite Appears Minor or Does not Break the Skin, There is no Viable Legal Claim
Reality: Even superficial bites can lead to significant medical consequences, including bacterial infections, rabies exposure (requiring post-exposure prophylaxis), nerve damage, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma such as anxiety or post traumatic stress. Utah law permits recovery for all reasonably foreseeable damages, including medical bills, future treatment, lost income, disfigurement, and pain and suffering. Dismissing a “minor” bite often results in victims forgoing compensation to which they are legally entitled.
A dog bite can leave you with long lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Utah’s strict liability framework is designed to protect the victims of a dog bite. These rules are there to allow victims to pursue prompt and full compensation for their injuries without any unnecessary legal hurdles.
As the best dog bite lawyers in Salt Lake City, we strongly encourage all victims of dog bites to not suffer in silence and pursue a personal injury claim to get the compensation that they deserve. At LifeLaw Trial Lawyers our team of dog bite lawyers will work tirelessly to build your case, through gathering evidence and presenting it to insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. We are here to help you through this complicated legal process, so give us a call today for a free consultation and to discuss your next steps!