Here’s How Much Money You Will Pay in Utah When Your Dog Bites a Mail Carrier

There has been an increase in dogs biting postal workers in Utah. If you are a dog owner, you should know the law in the state and who has to pay when a dog gets aggressive. There is no grace period in these circumstances. 

The Law in Utah Assigns Liability for Dog Bites to the Animal’s Owner 

It doesn’t matter if your dog has never bitten anyone before, in Utah, the owner of the dog is responsible for covering medical costs and damage done. It doesn’t matter what breed the dog is either. 

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You might think aggressive breeds like pit bulls might weigh heavier, but Utah law is concerned solely on the behavior of the animal and not the breed. There are some exceptions where the owner may not be liable, or the penalty is lessened. 

Exceptions on Dog Bite Law Include Trespassing or Provoking a Dog 

If the person who was bitten entered someone's private property without their consent, the penalty may be lessened or waived entirely. If the animal was properly restrained or behind a fence or in an enclosure, that will be factored in. 

The law also takes into account if the animal was provoked by the victim of the bite. This can be factored in by a judge in the case as well. 

Read More: What Is The Law In Utah About Being Buried In Your Yard?

If you have a dog make sure it is secured when the mail carrier comes by or move your mailbox away from the house if you can. You will be held liable for any injury, and this can get real expensive fast with medical bills and lost wages.