When Your Dog Bites Another Hiker

It’s a great day for a hike with your dog! It is sunny, and time to set off on the trail. You and your dog encounter other hikers, and it is all good. Unfortunately, things turn out sour when your dog sees another hiker with a dog. The dogs growl at each other, and the other hiker accidentally stumbles into your dog, causing them to bite. Things can get complicated when your dog bites another hiker.

The Scenario

Lucy is about to go on a great hike with her dog Rex. Initially, it looks like a great time. But things turn for the worst when they encounter another hiker named Ben and his dog. Protectively, Rex barks at the other dog. Ben does his best to protect his dog and stands between the dogs, but he trips right onto the path of Rex. Unfortunately, it causes Rex to bite Ben. Ben is angry and wants to press charges against Lucy.

The Claim

Ben contends that Lucy’s dog was the aggressor and bit him with no provocation. However, Lucy countered that she could have reigned in her dog had Ben not foolishly stood in the way and then tripped onto her dog. Lucy reiterates that Ben startled her dog, which is why Rex bit. However, Lucy’s dog was initially the aggressor, so she may have to pay for damages.

Takeaways

Lucy could have reigned her dog the second he started barking. Likewise, Ben could have turned his dog around instead of standing between the two dogs. His instinct to protect his dog backfired, resulting in another dog biting him. Now, Lucy is on the hook for a dog bite, and Ben has to heal from an injury. No one wins when a dog bites another hiker.

About Dog Bite Quote

At Dean Insurance Agency, we’ve been providing protection to dog owners since 2012, with more than 10,000 policies issued. Our underwriting criteria and years of experience providing this coverage enable us to offer competitive and fair policy premiums. Our policies are available in every state except Alaska and Kentucky. The quote is free, and there is NO obligation to purchase!