How Louisiana handles dog injuries and dangerous dogs

Civil Code art. 2321 makes the owner of an animal answerable for the damage it causes. a 2024 bill analysis describes the dog rule as strict liability for injuries the owner could have prevented and which did not result from provocation. The dogbitelaw.com summary of Louisiana law quotes a Louisiana Supreme Court holding that a plaintiff must show the dog presented an unreasonable risk of harm.

The Nolo summary of Louisiana dog bite law says a victim generally has one year to sue and that punitive damages are not allowed in dog bite cases. Because the deadline is short, record dates carefully after any incident.

The R.S. 14:102.12 through 102.18 as compiled by animallaw.info describe a district court hearing in which an owner must show cause why a dog should not be declared dangerous or vicious. They require a dangerous dog to be kept indoors or in a secure enclosure on the owner's property and to be restrained by a leash that prevents escape or access to other persons when off the property.

Ask your insurer in writing whether the dog changes coverage and read lease or association rules before you commit.