Category Archives: Dog Bite Law & Lawsuits

A collection of blog posts about dog bite lawsuits and dog bite liability — one bite rule and strict liability — and laws pertaining to dangerous dogs.

Lafourche Officials 'Set Up' Second Attack; Rebuff State Representative

From left: State Rep. Rickey Hardy, Judge Jerome Barbera III and double-mauler "Shank." The Lafourche "Compromise" Larose, LA - On October 19, a pit bull owned by Jerome and Lillian Jarreau escaped its home and attacked a woman. Police said the attack was "brief but furious," after the dog ripped into 48-year old Tecla Smith's left arm. Smith's son Juan, who witnessed the attack, said he was surprised that the pit bull did not let go after being beaten on the head with a two-by-f… [Read full blog post]

Louisiana State Dog Attack Law (HB 155) Wins Final Legislative Approval

State Rep. Rickey Hardy's bill, HB 155, passes in a unanimous vote. Unanimous Vote Louisiana - In a bill that will broaden state laws on negligent homicide and make it easier to prosecute dog attacks that result in severe injury or death, House Bill 155 passed the Louisiana House 89-0. Earlier in the month, the Senate passed the proposal 31-0. The bill is dedicated to 83-year old Luna McDaniel of Ville Platte who was killed by three loose pit bulls in 2008 and to 4-year old Michael… [Read full blog post]

Lillian's Law - Texas State Dangerous Dog Law

Austin, TX - Lillian's Law (HB 1355) is the new Texas State dangerous dog law. Under the law, the owner of a loose dog that causes injury or death can be prosecuted if the owner is found to be "criminally negligent" in failing to prevent the dog from escaping. The third-degree felony charge can bring a sentence of 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If the victim dies, a dog owner can be charged with a second-degree felony, bringing up to 20 years in prison. Lillian's Law stems f… [Read full blog post]

2005 Dog Bite Fatality: Victim's Family Sues Animal Control in Spotsylvania

Officers Cleared in Suit UPDATE 03/06/09: A jury decided against awarding any money to Dorothy Sullivan's beneficiaries in the wrongful death suit filed against county employees. The suit, filed in 2007 against four Spotsylvania County animal control officers, claimed gross negligence by the officers in the time leading up to Sullivan's killing by a pack of pit bulls in March of 2005. Deanna Large, who owned the dogs, was convicted later that year of involuntary manslaug… [Read full blog post]