If a man on a bike came around the corner in my neighborhood and my dog ran out so the biker crashed, can I be sued?
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If a man on a bike came around the corner in my neighborhood and my dog ran out so the biker crashed, can I be sued?
My dog got surprised and ran out in his way. He crashed his bike into the mailbox across the street. It did not happen on my property and the dog never touched him or the bike. Is there any chance I may be subject to suit because of this?
Asked on March 18, 2015 under Personal Injury, Georgia
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
As a dog owner, you could be sued for negligence for the bicyclist's injuries due to your dog running into his path. Negligence is the failure to exercise due care (that degree of care that a reasonable dog owner would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances to prevent foreseeable harm).
Your liability would include compensation for the bicyclist's medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering which is an amount in addition to the medical bills and compensation for wage loss.
If the bike was damaged, you would be liable for the cost of repairs.
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