It started with a routine walk in a Boise neighborhood. A dog slipped through a broken gate and bit a passerby, sending her to the emergency room. In the days that followed, her leg was stitched, her medical bills grew, and one question stuck in her mind: Can I sue the dog’s owner?
Dog bites happen more often than you might think—in backyards in Nampa, sidewalks in Meridian, and parks in Twin Falls. If you’ve been attacked by someone else’s dog, you may have a legal right to recover compensation.
Idaho’s “One-Bite Rule” and What It Means
Idaho doesn’t follow a strict liability dog bite law like some other states. Instead, it uses the “one-bite rule,” which essentially gives a dog a “free pass” the first time it bites—unless the owner had reason to know the dog was dangerous.
Here’s how it works: If a dog has never shown signs of aggression, and the owner had no reason to believe it would bite, the owner might not be held liable for the first incident. But if the dog has bitten before or displayed aggressive behavior, the owner can be held responsible for any injuries that follow.
Even if it’s the first known bite, dog owners still have a duty to act responsibly. Letting a dog roam loose in Meridian or failing to secure a gate in Boise could be considered negligent—and that negligence may be enough to bring a successful claim.
When You Can Sue After a Dog Bite
If you were bitten by a dog in Idaho and you were lawfully on the property where the bite occurred, you might have a valid personal injury claim. Typical scenarios where lawsuits are possible include:
- The dog had bitten someone before or showed signs of aggression
- The owner failed to leash or contain the dog
- The attack occurred in a public space (e.g., a park or street in Twin Falls)
- You were not provoking the dog or trespassing
Children are especially vulnerable. Idaho courts recognize that children often don’t understand how to interact safely with dogs, which can influence how liability is determined in cases involving young victims.
Documentation helps tremendously. Take photos of the injuries, report the incident to local animal control (in Nampa, for example, this may be through the Nampa Police Department), and keep a record of medical treatment.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Dog bite injuries can be painful, traumatic, and costly. If your case meets the legal threshold, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – ER visits, stitches, surgery, medication
- Lost wages – If you missed work due to the injury or recovery
- Pain and suffering – For physical pain and emotional trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement – Especially relevant in cases involving facial injuries or visible scars
- Future care – If you require long-term medical support or therapy
In some severe cases, the emotional toll may exceed the physical wounds. A bite victim in Nampa who develops a fear of dogs or suffers from post-traumatic stress may also be entitled to damages for emotional distress.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Idaho
The moments after a dog attack can be chaotic, but taking the right steps early on can protect both your health and your legal claim:
- Get medical attention immediately
- Identify the dog and its owner
- Report the bite to local animal control or law enforcement
- Document your injuries and any torn clothing or damage
- Avoid giving statements to the dog owner’s insurance company without legal advice
You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in Idaho, but the sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Dog bite cases aren’t always straightforward. Proving that an owner knew a dog was dangerous—or that they were negligent—requires investigation and legal strategy. An experienced Idaho personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, evaluate your claim, and push back against lowball insurance offers.
Johnson & Lundgreen represents injury victims across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Twin Falls. If you’ve been bitten, we’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.