Mar

5

What is my liability when my dog causes injury to another dog and a loss of work for the owner?

Filed Under Law & Ethics 

dog
poolesvillegc wrote:


State - VA
County - Loudoun
My dog was in my front yard (no fence), ran after the other dog, presumably to play. The other dog had some staples that tore a little. A tussle (no biting) ensued between the two dogs. The owner jumped on top of both dogs, and re-injured his back.

He wants me to pay the vet bill, and for his time lost at work 3 days, which he claims is $4000.

Am I stupid to just give him a grand to make the problem go away?
I had my hand on my dog, I turned away for a moment, and she dashed away. His dog was on a lead!

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Comments

6 Responses to “What is my liability when my dog causes injury to another dog and a loss of work for the owner?”

  1. icy_tempest on March 7th, 2008 7:06 pm

    I’d say your best bet is to talk to an attorney. Most give free consultation and free is better than just giving this guy $1000 and hope he goes away.

    Sounds like he’s trying to scam you. There’s no way that 3 days off from work and and torn staples in a dog come out to $4000. It’s best to protect yourself.

    You may want to also check with your homeowner’s insurance policy…this may be covered.

  2. daheinousanus on March 10th, 2008 10:51 pm

    Was his dog running loose? If so, the entire event was preventable on both ends, yours and his, hence, equal blame.

    I’d tell him to get bent. Take care of the “damage” your dog may of caused to his, but for his injury, that was his stupidty, nothing more.

    As for the 4 grand demand, I’d ask him for 2 months of paystubs to prove he actually makes that much money. Then laugh when he won’t provide such and hand him $100 for the staple incident.

  3. JAY O on March 12th, 2008 1:52 am

    You would not be if the other dog was on a lead. Does not matter if it was your property. You have a duty to take precautions with your animal. If $1000 will make it all go away, I would be tempted to jump. I would also have him sign something that for the consideration of $1000 he agrees not to sue. BTW I think that this would all be covered under your homeowners policy. If the dog was not on a lead, tell the guy where to go and you will gladly see him in court.

  4. Jazzy on March 12th, 2008 10:09 pm

    You need to pay for it because none of this would have happened had you dog been properly restrained, which is the dog owners responsibility.

  5. Michael H on March 14th, 2008 1:27 am

    he has a very weak case trying to collect on his medical bills and lose of work, but you are responsible for his vet bills.It was his idea to ”physicaly jump” on the animals instead of trying another way(option) to break them up.NEVER a wise idea to use any part of your body to stop a dog fight. I would tell him to take you to court over his med bills and backpay,but pay him with a check for his vet bills and in the ”memo” section on the check,you write ”this matter paid in full” If he chooses court, apply to be heard on ”The People’s Court” good Luck!

  6. MissWong on March 16th, 2008 10:48 am

    So what exactly ARE the leash laws in your area and was the other guys dogs on a leash?

    Let me know what his job is that he makes $4000 for 3 days work. I need that job!!!

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