Can someone sue me a year after a dog bite?
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Can someone sue me a year after a dog bite?
My American Bulldog bit my son’s friend on the nose over a year ago. It was an accident. The boy sat on my dog’s leg and the dog reacted. She did not viciously bite him. She was quarantined for 2 weeks. At the time I told the mom I would pay half of the doctor bill. She told me they had insurance and not to worry about it. Now the dad is asking me to pay half of all the co-pays and half for the laser treatments to treat the scar. What are my rights at this time?
Asked on October 20, 2016 under Personal Injury, Colorado
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
As long as the statute of limitations has not expired, you can be sued by the parents of the boy who was bitten by your dog. If the case is settled, NO lawsuit is filed.
As the owner of the dog, you are liable for negligence for injuries caused by the dog. Your liability would include the boy's medical bills and pain and suffering which is an amount in addition to the medical bills based on the medical reports. Since the boy has a scar, that may result in a substantial amount of compensation for pain and suffering.
If the child was bitten on your property, it would be advisable to contact your homeowner's insurance carrier which may provide coverage. The child's parents can then file their claim with your homeowner's insurance carrier.
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