The One-Bite Rule
Rhode Island law makes a clear distinction between bites occurring on or off the owner’s property. If someone is injured by a dog while on the dog owner’s property, the strict liability dog bite law doesn’t apply. Consequently, the dog bite victim has to seek liability under the “one bite” rule. This rule states that the owner of the dog is liable for the injury if he knew that the dog would act in an aggressive manner because of:
- A prior bite incident
- A recent surgery or injury, making the dog more sensitive
- An historically aggressive breed
- A history of aggression without a bite
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