Utah's Strict Liability Statute (Utah Code §18-1-1)
No "One Free Bite" Under Utah Law
Utah law holds a dog's owner responsible when the dog bites someone who is lawfully present-regardless of prior aggression or the owner's knowledge. In plain terms: if a bite causes injury, the owner is liable and the focus turns to damages and insurance.
Who Is Considered an "Owner"?
Control and Custody Determine Responsibility
Liability generally falls on the person who owns, keeps, or harbors the dog-often the pet owner, but sometimes a caretaker in charge at the time of the bite. Landlords are typically not liable unless they exercised control and knowingly allowed a
dangerous dog.
No matter how your accident happened, if you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, we’re ready to help.
Scope of Liability: What the Law Covers
Bites vs. Other Injuries
Strict liability applies to bites. If a dog knocks someone down without biting, a
negligence claim may apply instead, requiring proof the handler failed to use reasonable care.
Lawful Presence Matters
Mail carriers, delivery drivers, guests, and people in public spaces are generally protected. Trespassing can change the analysis and may bar strict liability.
Defenses Owners May Raise
How Claims Get Challenged-and How We Respond
Provocation: If someone was teasing, striking, or otherwise provoking the animal, an owner may argue reduced or no liability.
Trespassing: Illegally entering a fenced yard can limit recovery; utility and postal workers aren't trespassers.
Comparative Fault: If a victim ignored clear warnings or entered a posted area, a jury could assign some fault and reduce damages proportionally.
Reporting, Quarantine, and Public Health Steps
Why You Should Report Every Bite
Local health departments and animal control agencies track bites and may require a brief quarantine to monitor for rabies. Reporting creates an official record that supports your claim and helps protect the community.
Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim
Insurance, Documentation, and Fair Compensation
Most claims are handled through the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance. We document medical treatment, scars, therapy, and lost income, then present a detailed demand grounded in Utah law. If the insurer won't pay fairly, litigation is the next step.
Damages Available to Bite Victims
From ER Bills to Scar Revision
Compensation may include emergency care, antibiotics or rabies prophylaxis, stitches or surgery, scar revision, counseling for anxiety or PTSD, time off work, and pain and suffering. Children's claims must account for future medical and cosmetic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Answers to Common Concerns
Is Utah a "one bite" state?
No. Utah's strict liability applies from the first bite.
Will the dog be taken away or euthanized?
Not usually for a first bite; outcomes depend on severity and local ordinances. Your claim focuses on compensation, not punishment.
What if the owner says I provoked the dog?
We investigate facts, witness accounts, and medical evidence to challenge unfounded provocation claims.
How long do I have to file?
Utah injury claims are generally four years from the incident; act sooner to preserve evidence.
Statewide Help for Dog Bite Victims
Get Guidance from Top Law Utah
Whether the incident happened in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Orem/Provo, St. George, or Cedar City, Top Law Utah can explain your rights, deal with insurance, and pursue the full value of your case.