My daughter who lives in another state just got a pitbull puppy. If when the dog grows up it bites someone, can my wife and I be attached in a lawsuit
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My daughter who lives in another state just got a pitbull puppy. If when the dog grows up it bites someone, can my wife and I be attached in a lawsuit
My wife and I are providing help with tuition and living expenses to our 19 year old daughter.
Asked on June 5, 2009 under Personal Injury, California
Answers:
L.M., Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
No, your daughter is an adult under the law for most purposes at 18, and even though you are helping her with her expenses, she is legally responsible for her own actions. In California, if your dog bites someone, you are "strictly liable" for their damages, meaning that no negligence on your part needs to be proven and the dog need not have bitten anyone before. I would suggest you encourage your daughter to get some puppy training as soon as the dog is old enough (around 12 weeks).
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