Q: My neighbors have a lot of cows and they are out all the time. So i hit one so I am responsible?
We are on a busy highway and the cows get out all the time especially lately. I hit one the other night 2 were out. He knows they are always out how does he not have to pay for the damages. They are his they are not wild animals.
A:
Generally, farmers aren’t liable for personal injuries caused when their cows get out if they have proper fencing. However, there are occasionally exceptions. You should contact a lawyer, especially if you have serious personal injuries.
Here’s the statutes on this issue:
Ala Code 3-4-6
If any trespass or damage is done by any animal breaking into lands not enclosed by a lawful fence as defined in this chapter, the owner shall not be liable therefor.
Ala Code 3-4-3
A fence made of three or more wires securely fastened to trees or posts not more than eight feet apart, the wires being not more than 15 inches apart and the top wire at least four feet from the ground, shall be a lawful fence so far as concerns equine or equidae and cattle.
Don Oliver Keene 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.
