Q: Can I be sued for trespassing and shelter fees?
I was having a conversation with the dog's owner when the dog came up, wanting to be petted. Owning a dog, I naturally began to pet the dog while carrying on the conversation. The dog suddenly became aggressive and bit me. This is not the first time this dog has attacked someone. I am now having people say I was trespassing and responsible to pay the shelter fees.
A:
If you are speaking to the owner you are not trespassing unless there's something I'm missing. If you knew the dog was dangerous you may be considered careless for putting your hand down, unless you felt that with the owner there the dog wouldn't do anything.
If the owner didn't warn you the owner has liabiltiy for the bite--suggest you contact a member of the Idaho Assn for Justice in the county where it happened.They give free consults.
Kevin M Rogers agrees with this answer
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
