In New Hampshire, dogs are legally considered property, and owners may be responsible if their dog injures another dog. You can often recover veterinary costs and related expenses without needing to prove the dog was aggressive before. Acting quickly with proper documentation and legal help increases your chance of fair compensation.
Table of Contents
- How Does New Hampshire Law Handle Dog-On-Dog Injuries?
- What Evidence Do You Need to Support a Dog Injury Claim?
- What Happens If Negotiation with Insurance Isn’t Enough?
- Why Should You Talk to a New Hampshire Dog Injury Lawyer?
- FAQs
How Does New Hampshire Law Handle Dog-On-Dog Injuries?
Under New Hampshire law, dogs are considered personal property. That might sound cold, especially when your dog is part of the family, but it’s an important legal distinction. It means that when another dog injures your pet, the claim is treated as a property damage case. You aren’t suing for emotional distress the same way you might if you were injured yourself. Instead, you’re seeking reimbursement for the costs and losses tied directly to the injury.
Those damages can include:
- veterinary bills
- medications, therapy, and rehabilitation
- replacement costs if the injury is fatal
- transportation or boarding fees connected to treatment
In New Hampshire, if a dog injures another dog, the owner is typically responsible, even if the attacking dog has never been aggressive before. Unlike some states, you don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog had a history of dangerous behavior. This makes it easier to recover your costs, but you still have to present a clear, well-documented claim.
What Evidence Do You Need to Support a Dog Injury Claim?
The strength of your case depends on the quality of your evidence. As soon as the incident happens, take steps to preserve proof.
Start by photographing your dog’s injuries right away and throughout the healing process. Include close-up shots of wounds and wider shots that show your dog’s condition. Then, get copies of all veterinary records and bills. These not only confirm the injury but also create a clear paper trail of the costs you’ve incurred.
Identify and speak with witnesses who saw the attack or its immediate aftermath. Their statements can help confirm how the incident happened and who was responsible. Reporting the attack to local animal control or the police ensures there’s an official record, which can be important if the other owner disputes your version of events.
Exchange information with the other dog’s owner, including their name, address, and any insurance details they’re willing to provide. If they have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, their policy might cover damage caused by their dog. Keep communication brief and factual, avoid making accusations or agreeing to anything before speaking with a lawyer.
What Happens If Negotiation with Insurance Isn’t Enough?
Many of these cases settle through an insurance claim. The process is similar to filing a claim after a car accident, you present evidence of your losses, and the insurance company evaluates whether to pay. However, insurers often try to minimize payouts, question the necessity of treatment, or argue about the extent of injuries.
If negotiations stall or the insurance company denies the claim, filing a lawsuit may be the next step. A lawsuit can seek recovery for your financial losses and, in some cases, additional damages if you lost income caring for your injured pet.
You generally have three years from the date of the attack to file suit in New Hampshire. Missing that deadline can mean losing the right to recover anything. Acting quickly also increases the chances of gathering strong evidence while memories are fresh and documents are easy to obtain.
The court will consider factors such as whether the attacking dog was properly restrained, whether there were previous complaints about the dog, and whether the owner violated any local leash laws. These details can influence not only the outcome but also the amount of damages awarded.
Why Should You Talk to a New Hampshire Dog Injury Lawyer?
If another dog has injured your pet, you don’t have to handle the situation alone. At Buckley Law Offices, we understand the bond you share with your dog and the stress an unexpected injury can cause. We’ll guide you through the process of holding the
other owner accountable, whether that means negotiating with their insurer or taking your case to court.
Call Buckley Law Offices right now for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the compensation your dog and you deserve.
FAQs
Can I recover veterinary costs if my dog is injured by another dog?
Yes. Veterinary bills, medications, and rehabilitation costs are recoverable. In some cases, even boarding or transportation expenses related to treatment can be included.
What if the other dog has never been aggressive before?
In New Hampshire, prior aggression doesn’t need to be proven. The owner is typically responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if it’s the first incident.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover dog-on-dog injuries?
It can. If the other dog’s owner has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, their policy may cover damages caused by their pet. This is often the main source of compensation.
Can I sue for emotional distress if my dog is attacked?
Not in the same way as if you were injured yourself. Because dogs are considered property under NH law, claims focus on financial losses tied directly to your pet’s injury or death.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the attack. Waiting too long may prevent you from recovering any compensation.
What evidence helps the most in these cases?
Photos of injuries, veterinary records, witness statements, and official reports from animal control or police provide the strongest support for your claim.
Should I contact a lawyer if my dog was injured?
Yes. While you can file an insurance claim yourself, an attorney ensures your damages are fully documented and helps push back against low offers or denials.
