Dog bite liability by state
Whether your state holds dog owners strictly liable for bites or follows the one-bite rule.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Rules have exceptions; open your state for details and the law it comes from.
| State | Rule | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Alaska Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| Arizona Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Arkansas Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| California Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Colorado Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability for serious injuries |
| Connecticut Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Delaware Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| District of Columbia Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule, with many exceptions |
| Florida Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Georgia Single detailed source | Mixed | Liable if the owner knew the dog was dangerous or broke a leash law |
| Hawaii Single detailed source | Mixed | Negligence, unless the dog is known to be dangerous |
| Idaho Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Illinois Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Indiana Single detailed source | Mixed | Strict liability only for public servants on duty; otherwise one-bite rule |
| Iowa Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Kansas Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| Kentucky Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Louisiana Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Maine Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Maryland Single detailed source | Mixed | Presumed liability (owner can rebut) |
| Massachusetts Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Michigan Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Minnesota Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Mississippi Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| Missouri Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Montana Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability in cities and towns |
| Nebraska Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Nevada Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| New Hampshire Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| New Jersey Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| New Mexico Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule (negligence) |
| New York Single detailed source | Mixed | Mixed: strict liability for medical costs from dangerous dogs; otherwise one-bite rule |
| North Carolina Single detailed source | Mixed | Strict liability only for dangerous dogs or dogs running loose at night |
| North Dakota Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule (negligence) |
| Ohio Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Oklahoma Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Oregon Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability for economic damages |
| Pennsylvania Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability for medical costs; more requires proof of fault |
| Rhode Island Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability outside the owner's enclosure |
| South Carolina Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability for bites and attacks |
| South Dakota Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| Tennessee Single detailed source | Mixed | Liable in public places or where the injured person was lawfully present |
| Texas Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| Utah Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| Vermont Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| Virginia Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
| Washington Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability |
| West Virginia Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability if the dog was running at large |
| Wisconsin Single detailed source | Strict liability | Strict liability (double damages after a prior bite) |
| Wyoming Single detailed source | One-bite rule | One-bite rule |
How we checked this
Rules come from Nolo's 50-state dog-bite law table, with statute citations. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.