Running a dog-friendly business for many is a dream come true. What better way to spend your day than surrounded by your favorite furry companions? Working in a grooming salon or running a dog-friendly cafe means you spend the majority of your business hours with dogs. But just as humans easily get nervous or triggered, the same can happen with dogs.
They can also have a bad day and lash out. Or they can easily get scared by some outside factor and end up biting one of your customers or employees. As a business owner, you must ask yourself what your responsibility is in these situations.
Nobody says that this will necessarily happen, but it’s always best to have a step-by-step plan if it does. Often, it’s dog owners who also fail to train their dogs properly before bringing them out in public or letting them run without a leash.
Dog bite incidents result in more than an injury. Often, it’s what comes after the dog bite that starts the trouble for business owners. So, let’s take a look at who shares the liability when dog bites happen on business grounds.
When a dog bite turns into a business problem
As hinted at, dog bites can happen and they don’t just take place in your local park. Annually, more than 335,000 people are admitted into the emergency room as a result of dog bites.
A customer might bring in a dog that bites someone. A delivery worker might get bitten while dropping off a package. A groomer might get injured while handling a client’s pet. There are so many scenarios that can take place and if it happens on your premises, you’ll probably be held liable.
Take, for example, a pet-friendly bookstore in Arizona that allowed dogs inside as part of a weekend promotion. Let’s say a dog bit a child and the parents filed a claim not only against the dog owner but also against the store. Then you, as a dog owner, find yourself caught off guard.
That’s why it’s important to have a clear policy on how to take action in these situations before it actually comes to a claim. You need to plan out all the steps. For instance, think about what kind of insurance policy is the best and whether you need a dog bite accident attorney.
Having legal counsel at hand is always a good idea so you might want to research some contacts and have them prepared in case something pops up.
Who is liable?
The big question is: Who pays when a dog bite happens? It depends on the circumstances.
In most states, the dog owner is primarily liable for any harm caused by their pet. However, businesses can also face legal action if they are negligent in some way. If you allow an aggressive dog on the premises or fail to warn others of potential danger, you are definitely going to be considered liable.
For businesses in states like Arizona, which apply a “strict liability” rule to dog bites, thedog’s history usually doesn’t matter. If a bite occurs while someone is lawfully on the premises, such as a customer, visitor, or employee, the dog’s owner is typically held liable, regardless of whether the dog showed previous signs of aggression.
While businesses aren’t automatically responsible, they can still be drawn into legal claims if they invited the animal onto the premises or failed to take reasonable safety measures.
In contrast, some other states, like Texas, may require proof that the business owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. Internationally, rules vary even more. Basically, it depends on the state your business is located in. That’s why legal counsel also matters as a professional attorney can help work out all the details.
Employee and contractor risks
If your business involves workers going to customers’ homes(like a delivery driver), dog bite risks rise significantly. In these cases, bites typically happen on someone else’s property, but your business may still be involved if proper precautions weren’t taken.
If the worker wears no protective gear, and the company hasn’t provided training on how to handle aggressive pets, the business can still be held liable. And yes, while the dog owner is also the one at fault here, the business might also be required to pay a certain fee.
Some states recognize dog bite injuries as valid workers’ compensation claims. Others may treat them as third-party liability issues. Either way, it’s important for business owners to understand their responsibilities in protecting their employees from foreseeable harm.
Reducing risk through policy and training
First of all, there’s no way to eliminate dog bite risks entirely, so don’t get your hopes up. But there is a way to try and stop and prevent them.
Start with clear written policies. Decide whether dogs are allowed on the premises and under what conditions. Require leashes, signage, or prior approval for animals on-site. And try to enforce these rules without any excuses.
On the other hand, if your business involves entering people’s homes, provide employee training on what to do if a dog appears threatening or is without a leash.
Sometimes, you’ll perhaps have to reject doing a service. Don’t hesitate to refuse service if an animal poses a danger. Don’t risk your business for a small profit.
Even businesses not directly dealing with animals should build pet awareness into safety planning. A quick reminder to employees about how to handle unexpected dog encounters can make a big difference.
Final thoughts: Dog bites and liability
There’s no need to close the doors of your business to dogs. You just need to think about the safety measures and take action. Be aware of the fact that dog bites can happen. They can lead to serious injuries and even more serious liability claims.
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to recognize the risk, take reasonable precautions, and make sure your insurance truly covers what you think it does.
The legal and financial consequences of a dog bite on or around your business can be severe. On top of that, your reputation might be tarnished as well. That’s why it’s important to seek legal counsel from the start and set clear policies.
