תוכן עניינים
Dog Bite: Full Rights of the Injured Person
A dog bite, whether it involves an actual bite, a push, or a knockdown, is an event that can leave lasting injuries. Israeli law grants the injured party strong rights. A personal injury attorney at the Lev-Taieb firm will be happy to assist you.
What the Law Says
Section 41 of the Torts Ordinance establishes strict liability for the owner of an animal. The practical meaning: the dog’s owner is responsible for damages caused by his dog, even without proof of negligence. There is no need to prove that the dog’s owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Who Is Liable
- The registered owners of the dog.
- Whoever held the dog at the time of the injury.
- The property owner from whose premises the dog escaped.
Types of Damages That Can Be Claimed
Physical Damages
- Bite wounds and medical treatment.
- Surgeries for scar repair.
- Scars and aesthetic damage.
- Nerve damage.
Psychological Damages
- Fear of dogs (cynophobia).
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Chronic anxiety.
What to Do Immediately After the Injury
- Seek emergency room treatment even if the wound appears minor. Dog bites can cause infections.
- Photograph the wounds before treatment.
- Collect identification details of the dog’s owner.
- Obtain witness statements from bystanders.
- File a report with the police and local authority.
- Consult an attorney promptly.
Contemporaneous Medical Documentation
Keep all documents: emergency room summary, records, referrals to specialist physicians, documentation of psychological treatment sessions, sick days.
Common Questions
The dog’s owner says the dog has never bitten before. Does that exempt him from liability?
No. Liability exists regardless of the dog’s history.
The dog knocked me over and did not bite me. Can I still claim?
Yes. Any dog-related injury entitles you to compensation, not only bites.
My psychological suffering is greater than the physical damage. How do you prove that?
By means of a psychological or psychiatric examination that documents the disorder and its impact on daily life.
How long does the lawsuit last?
Lawsuits against dog owners usually last between half a year and two years, depending on the severity of the damage and the cooperation of the other side.
Is there insurance that covers dog bite injuries?
Homeowners liability insurance of the dog owner may cover such injuries. Homeowners insurance of the owner sometimes includes such coverage as well.
For free consultation, contact the personal injury attorney at the Lev-Taieb firm. Phone: 072-2428822.
