A Salt Lake City man was bit by a put bull on Friday, May, 12. Police say the man let his dog outside of his home near 300 North and 300 West at 12:30 in the afternoon when the owner of the pit bill, who was walking his dog, cut through the man’s yard. The pit bull started fighting with the other dog and the man tried to save his dog but the pit bull bit him on the arm.
KSL news reports that Salt Lake City animal control officers are still investigating this accident.
Statistically, pit bulls are more likely to be involved in a Utah dog bite incident than other breeds of dog. Certainly, having a pit bull puts the dog’s owner at a greater risk for a dog bite claim. In this case, the man who was bit has a claim against the owner or keeper of this pit bull. It doesn’t matter if this dog has never bitten anyone else in its life. Utah law holds the owner or keep of the animal “strictly liable” for injuries that result.
In these situations, the injured party should document the bite by taking pictures of the injured area as well as the location where the bite happened and if possible, the offending dog. They should also get prompt medical attention since animals can carry bacteria that could cause serious injury.
I would also advise the injured person to talk to a Utah dog bite lawyer for more advice on what they should be doing right now to make sure their claim is preserved. Most attorneys who practice dog bite law will offer a free consultation. Best wishes to the injured man for a speedy recovery.