Glossary

Strict liability for dog bites

A legal rule that makes a dog's owner responsible for a bite injury regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

Also called: strict liability, dog bite statute, dog bite liability, owner liability, dog owner liability

Strict liability means an owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes, whether or not the owner was careless and whether or not the dog had bitten before. In the United States, many states have dog bite statutes that apply it, while others rely on the one-bite rule or on negligence. The exact terms differ from state to state.

Most statutes have limits. They often apply only if the victim was lawfully on the property or in a public place and was not provoking the dog, and some cover only bites, while others cover other injuries as well.

A statute decides who pays, and it is separate from a dangerous dog law which regulates a dog after an incident. Homeowner and renter insurance often pays dog bite claims, though policies can exclude breeds or prior bites. Ask a lawyer about your local rule.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

One-bite rule An older legal rule under which an owner is liable for a bite only if the owner knew the dog was dangerous, so in practice the first bite was often free. Dangerous dog law A law that lets authorities declare a dog dangerous after an attack or threat and set conditions for its owner, such as an enclosure, muzzle or insurance. Leash law A local or state rule that requires a dog to be on a leash or under control in public, with set exceptions such as designated off-leash areas. Breed-specific legislation A law that bans or restricts dogs by breed or appearance, such as pit bull type dogs, rather than by what an individual dog has done.