Lousiana Dog Bite Laws

Louisiana’s dog bite statute, La. Civ. Code Art. § 2321, imposes a variation of strict liability upon dog owners. Under this rule, an owner can be held strictly liable if: (1) the owner knew or reasonably should have known that the dog would cause harm; (2) the owner could have prevented the injuries by exercising reasonable care; (3) the owner did not exercise such reasonable care; and (4) the victim did not provoke the dog. The statute does not cover injuries from dog bites only, but it also covers other types of injuries caused by other animals. It also allows victims to recover for property damages resulting from the dog attack as well.