In Montana dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means if a dog bites someone the owner is responsible for the damages, whether the dog has a history of aggression or not. The owner’s liability extends to anyone who is lawfully on their property, including guests, mail carriers and utility workers. If a dog bites someone off the owner’s property the owner may still be liable if they knew or should have known the dog was aggressive or prone to biting.

In addition to the owner’s liability Montana law also holds others responsible for dog bites in certain situations. For example if a dog is being cared for by a kennel or boarding facility the facility may be liable if the dog bites someone while in their care. If a dog is being walked by a professional dog walker the walker may be liable if the dog bites someone while in their care.

It’s worth noting Montana law also recognizes the concept of “comparative negligence” which means if the victim of a dog bite is found to have contributed to the incident in some way their damages may be reduced. For example if the victim was teasing or provoking the dog before it bit them they may be found partially responsible for the incident.

Montana has many laws and regulations to protect the public from dog bites. For example Montana law generally requires dog owners to keep their dogs under control to prevent them from running at large. These laws also require dog owners to provide proof of rabies vaccination for their dogs and to keep their dogs on a leash in most public places.

Similarly many cities and counties in Montana have their own ordinances regulating dog ownership and behavior. For example some cities may require dog owners to register their dogs or to get a special permit to own certain breeds of dogs.

Also Montana law recognizes the concept of “dangerous dogs” which are dogs that have been deemed to be a threat to public safety because of their aggression. Owners of dangerous dogs may be required to take special precautions to prevent their dogs from getting out or biting someone and may be fined or penalized if their dogs are found at large.

Getting compensation for personal injury claims related to dog bite injuries in Montana can be tricky because it involves multiple types of evidence and negotiating with insurance companies. Compensation for medical expenses includes immediate treatment such as emergency room visits and surgeries but also future medical needs like rehabilitation, physical therapy and possible cosmetic procedures. Victims can also claim loss of earning capacity if the injuries prevent them from going back to their previous job especially in cases of significant physical impairment. In cases where the injury causes disfigurement or scarring compensation for cosmetic surgery can be pursued.

Montana dog bite victims can recover the following types of compensation:

Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, medications and ongoing treatments.

Lost Wages: If injured and unable to work victims can get compensation for lost earnings.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and physical pain.

Property Damage: If personal property was damaged (e.g. clothing or electronics) that can be included in the claim.

Calculating pain and suffering involves looking at how the injury has affected the victim’s daily life and mental health.

Homeowners insurance policies usually have liability coverage for dog bites but the details vary greatly between companies. Coverage depends on if the insurance company has breed restrictions, some won’t cover incidents involving certain breeds like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. Even if covered there may be limits on how much the policy will pay out for medical or legal costs.

In addition to medical bills homeowners policies may also cover lost wages for the victim if they can’t work during recovery. But the insurance company may increase the premiums or even cancel the policy after a dog bite claim so it’s important for a dog owner to fully understand their policy. Some policies may also have exclusions if the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner was found to be negligent, such as not securing the dog.

When a dog bites, the initial responsibility to pay for the costs usually falls on the dog owner. This can be out of pocket but in many cases the homeowners or renters insurance will step in and handle the financial aspects especially if the incident occurs on the dog owner’s property.

If insurance doesn’t apply or the dog owner doesn’t have coverage the victim may need to sue to get compensation. In addition to medical and property damages the owner may also be liable for punitive damages especially if they were reckless to public safety – such as knowing an aggressive dog was roaming unsupervised.

If the dog owner is a tenant the landlord may also be liable especially if they knew of the dangerous nature of the animal and didn’t enforce the lease restrictions or didn’t take action to prevent the threat. This layered approach to liability is why legal representation is important to identify the right parties to sue.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog you need to act fast to protect your rights and get compensation for your injuries. Here’s what to do:

1. Get medical attention immediately: Dog bites can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Even if the bite seems minor get medical attention to prevent infection and make sure you get proper treatment.
2. Report the incident: Report the incident to the police or animal control in your area. This will create a record of the incident and may be helpful in a claim against the dog owner.
3. Get evidence: Get as much evidence as you safely can about the incident including photos of the dog, the scene of the incident and any injuries you sustained. Try to get the contact information of any witnesses to the incident.
4. Contact a dog bite lawyer: A dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the process of making a claim against the dog owner. They can help you get evidence, negotiate with the owner’s insurance company and represent you in court if necessary.
5. Keep records: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment including any bills or receipts for medical expenses. Keep a record of any lost wages or other expenses related to the incident.

By doing so you’ll get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and the dog owner will be held accountable for their actions.

Holloway and Hulling know a dog bite injury is a traumatic event that requires both emotional and legal support. They will help you through every step of the process from the initial investigation to the final settlement negotiations or court proceedings. They have in-depth knowledge of Montana law to use to your advantage and address the unique aspects of your case.

The firm offers individual attention, not just another case number—they provide direct communication and keep clients informed with regular updates and explanations of the process.

Holloway and Hulling have experience with cases where insurance companies act in bad faith by delaying or denying valid claims. By being aggressive against such practices they make sure their clients are treated fairly and with respect. They have many victories that have resulted in fair compensation for victims so they can get back to their lives after a traumatic event.