Emotional Support Dogs Are Causing Dog Bite Injuries on Flights
Emotional support animals are commonplace today. We see them nearly everywhere, from supermarkets to restaurants. Recently, support dogs have been causing a commotion and are making flying a little more dangerous for passengers.
In an article posted on Travelpulse.com, Lauren Bowmen reported that during the week of July 21, an emotional support dog bit an American Airlines flight attendant. The bite occurred during a flight from Dallas, TX to Greensboro, NC. The flight attendant received treatment in Dallas, requiring several stitches to close the wound.
As the Association of Flight Attendants stated after the incident, what happened “is completely unacceptable and inexcusable.” However, there has been a recent string of animal attacks against individuals on airplanes which have resulted in severe injuries. Some of the victims have filed lawsuits against the dog owners and/or the airlines.
Dog Attacks on Airplanes Result in Lawsuits
Earlier in 2019, a passenger sued Delta after being attacked multiple times by a support dog during a flight. That passenger allegedly needed nearly 30 stitches as a result of the attacks. A lawsuit was also filed when a five-year-old girl was reportedly mauled by a support animal in the Portland, OR airport.
Flight attendants have reported that there are thousands of incidents involving animals causing injuries and fear on flights. Some airlines have instilled strict limits on having emotional support dogs on long trips.
Who Will Be Liable for the Injuries Caused by Dog Bites?
Liability for injuries will depend on who owes a duty of care to the passengers and employees on a plane. What is that duty? Did someone breach the duty? Consider some of the following questions and issues that might arise in a dog bite case such as the ones mentioned above:
- Did the dog owner know or have reason to know the animal might be violent?
- Did the dog act aggressively before the incident on the airplane?
- Did the employer of the flight attendant put him in danger by allowing a dangerous animal on the plane?
- Did the victim provoke the animal?
- Was the emotional support dog adequately trained and certified?
- Did the animal ever bite someone?
If an airline has breached its duty of care and failed to protect passengers and flight attendants from animal attacks on flights, then the victim may be entitled to receive compensation. This compensation can help with the costs of medical treatment, the pain and suffering, and other damages that propagate from the injury.
Contact our Brooklyn Personal Injury Lawyers if You’ve Suffered a Dog Bite Injury
If you were bit by a dog or other animal while flying, you should consult with an attorney to find out if you are entitled to damages from the dog owner or the airline. Contact the Brooklyn Personal Injury lawyers at the Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C. for a free consultation. Contact us today at 800-560-0214.
Irene H. Gabo is a dedicated personal injury attorney based in Brooklyn, specializing in a wide range of personal injury cases. With over a decade of experience, she has successfully represented thousands of clients who have suffered injuries from motor vehicle accidents, construction incidents, dog bites, and medical malpractice. Known for her expertise and commitment, Ms. Gabo has recovered millions of dollars for her clients, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in Brooklyn, reach out to Irene for a free consultation and expert guidance on your personal injury claim.
