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Questions about the psychology behind dog bites

On Behalf of | Nov 9, 2018 | Premises Liability

When a dog owner witnesses their dog bite another person, perhaps a friend or a stranger, he or she may argue that they could never be held responsible because the dog has never bitten before. As the victim of a dog bite, you will probably be angry about the fact that a dog owner could claim to be not responsible for the actions of their pet.

If you have been bitten by a dog in the state of Illinois, it is important to understand more about how dog bite liability law works. It is also useful to know more about the psychology behind dog bites.

Do dogs bite randomly?

Psychological studies have shown that dogs need to be provoked in some way another in order to have a reason to bite. There must be a perceived trigger in the dog’s mind. This is why it is important for dog owners to understand how their dogs are triggered and how they perceive danger.

If dogs need to be provoked, does this mean that the person bitten was at fault?

This does not mean that the dog bite victim is necessarily at fault. For example, a person might put out their hand to stroke a dog. The dog may perceive this move as aggression and then bite as a result.

Can I take legal action against the dog owner?

It is possible to take legal action against the dog owner if you can show that damages were caused by their negligence.

It is important to take action in good time if you wish to seek damages after a dog bite.