People often ask, “What is Utah’s dog bite law?” It might seem like an odd thing to have its own legal category. How could a simple dog bite involve the law?
Those are fair questions — and the answers are straightforward. The law in the United States aims to protect individual freedom while preventing harm to others. When one person injures another unreasonably, the victim may recover damages from the one responsible.
That’s just a legal way of saying: if you hurt someone, you should pay for it. These rules fall under what’s called the tort system — the body of law that governs civil injury cases.
Obviously, you can’t sue a dog for biting you. Even if you could, what would you win — a bone? Instead, the tort system lets a dog bite victim recover damages from the dog’s owner.
There are several legal theories a victim can use, each requiring proof of certain facts. Lawsuits are rarely simple, and winning one requires evidence and expertise. In Utah, there are three main legal paths to pursue compensation after a dog bite.
1. Intentional Tort
The first path is through an intentional tort claim. These cases are rare but serious. The victim must prove the owner deliberately caused the dog to bite.
Imagine visiting a friend’s home, having an argument, and the friend yells, “Get ’em, boy!” while letting their pit bull loose. That would be an intentional act. The owner chose to use their dog to cause harm, and the law rightly holds them responsible.
Intentional tort cases are uncommon because most dog bites happen by accident, not by command. But when an owner directs or encourages a bite, accountability is absolute.
2. Negligence
The second path is based on negligence. Negligence means the dog owner had a duty to act carefully, failed that duty, and caused injury as a result.
To win a negligence case, the victim must show:
The owner owed a duty to keep others safe.
The owner didn’t take proper precautions.
That carelessness led to a bite.
The bite caused measurable harm.
Negligence is the most common legal theory used in many states. However, it’s not required in Utah because of stricter protections for victims.
Proving negligence can be tricky. If the dog had never bitten anyone before, how could the owner know it might? For this reason, some states use the “One Bite Rule.”
The one-bite rule gives every dog one “free” bite before the owner becomes liable. If a dog has bitten before, the owner must take extra precautions. This rule holds repeat offenders accountable but gives first-time incidents leniency.
3. Strict Liability in Utah
Utah doesn’t follow the one-bite rule. Instead, it uses strict liability. Under this rule, an owner is responsible for any bite — no excuses.
If your dog bites someone in Utah, you are automatically liable for their injuries. The victim doesn’t need to prove negligence or that the dog was known to be vicious.
Strict liability encourages all dog owners to act responsibly. It reminds them that pet ownership comes with a legal duty to protect others.
If your dog injures someone, it’s best to act quickly and responsibly. Offer to cover their medical bills and cooperate with authorities. Utah law almost always sides with the victim in these cases.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Dog bite claims can be stressful, especially when they involve friends, neighbors, or family members. Many victims hesitate to take legal action because they don’t want to “sue” someone they know.
In reality, dog bite cases are usually handled through the dog owner’s homeowners insurance — not their personal finances. The insurance company pays the claim, not the individual.
Working with an experienced Utah Dog Bite Lawyer ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries. A skilled attorney knows how to deal with insurance adjusters and build a strong claim for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that undervalue your injuries. A lawyer protects your interests and makes sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact McMullin Injury Law
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Utah, you have legal rights. Contact McMullin Injury Law for a free consultation. Our team can help you understand Utah’s dog bite laws and guide you through every step of your recovery.
