Dog bites and other attacks by domestic animals can be incredibly serious and can inflict life-threatening injuries on victims. It is important that, in the wake of such an incident, a victim seeks medical attention to ensure that their injuries are attended to and that they are assessed for any potential exposure to animal-carried diseases. In Hawaii, the victim of a dog bite or attack generally may sue for their losses through a civil personal injury claim.
There are some exceptions to this rule, though. For example, if a person was trespassing onto the land of their neighbor’s property when the attack occurred, their harm may not be compensable. The facts of such cases should be assessed with the help of personal injury attorneys.
Also, another way that a dog bite attack may not be compensable through civil litigation is when a victim caused or provoked the attacking animal into action. If, as an example, a victim abused, threatened or taunted a dog into attacking them then the victim may be held responsible for the harm they allegedly caused.
This post does not provide any medical or legal guidance, and it is important that victims of dog bites and animal attacks seek out their own counsel. The facts of a specific case can be of great importance when a person builds their claims for their damages based on a dog bite. The allegations that a victim allegedly provoked an animal into action or trespassed onto someone else’s land may be overcome if a victim prepares a strong, factual argument that supports their legal position.