Utah Dog Bite Law: Your Rights Under Utah’s Strict Liability Statute

Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Utah, state law gives you strong protections. Utah holds dog owners and keepers strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, which means you do not have to prove the dog had bitten anyone before.

This guide explains Utah’s dog bite law, who can be held responsible, and what to do after a bite. For our dog bite practice, see our Utah dog bite lawyer page.

Utah’s Strict Liability Rule

Under Utah Code § 18-1-1, every person owning or keeping a dog is liable in damages for injury committed by that dog. The statute also says an injured person does not need to prove the dog was vicious or that the owner knew it was dangerous.

That is strict liability. In a typical negligence case, you must prove someone failed to use reasonable care. Under § 18-1-1, the focus is on whether the dog caused the injury and who owned or kept the dog.

Utah Has No “One Bite” Rule

Some states use a “one bite” rule, where an owner is liable only if they knew the dog was dangerous, often because of a prior bite. Utah does not. An owner can be liable for a dog’s first bite, even if the dog always seemed friendly. That matters especially when children are hurt by dogs that acted unpredictably.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

The statute covers people “owning or keeping” a dog. Depending on the facts, that can include the owner and someone who was caring for the dog at the time. In limited circumstances, a landlord or property owner may also be responsible, for example when they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and had the ability to address it but did not. These situations depend heavily on the facts and the lease.

Does the Law Cover Injuries Other Than Bites?

Section 18-1-1 refers to “injury committed by” a dog, not only bites. Injuries from a dog knocking someone down or jumping on them may also support a claim. How the law applies to a specific non-bite injury depends on the facts, so it is worth having an attorney review the situation.

Provocation, Trespass, and Comparative Fault

Section 18-1-1 does not list exceptions for provocation or trespassing. Instead, insurers and defense lawyers often raise those facts as comparative fault arguments, claiming the injured person shares responsibility for what happened.

Utah follows modified comparative fault under Utah Code § 78B-5-818. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, and you cannot recover if you are 50% or more at fault. For example, if your damages total $50,000 and you are found 20% at fault, you would recover $40,000.

Because these arguments can reduce or eliminate a recovery, clear evidence of how the bite happened matters. Witness statements, photos, and animal control reports can show the attack was unprovoked.

Utah law also has a limited exception for police dogs acting in the line of duty under certain conditions.

Compensation in a Utah Dog Bite Case

Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, wound care, medication, therapy, and future treatment.

Lost wages: Income lost while recovering, and lost earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work.

Pain and suffering: Physical pain and the effect of your injuries on daily life.

Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites often leave permanent scars on the face, hands, and arms, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery.

Emotional harm: Many people, especially children, develop lasting fear or anxiety after a bite.

Utah does not cap non-economic damages in dog bite cases.

The Role of Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance

Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which usually includes liability coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s pet. Insurers often try to limit payouts by disputing how the bite happened, questioning the severity of injuries, or claiming provocation. The Utah Insurance Department has consumer resources on insurance claims.

If the owner has no insurance or not enough, other sources such as umbrella policies or personal assets may be available.

How Long Do You Have to File?

Utah generally allows four years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Utah Code § 78B-2-307. Different rules may apply when the injured person is a minor. Acting sooner helps preserve evidence and witness memories. Information about the court system is available from Utah State Courts.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Get medical care. Dog bites can cause infection and nerve damage, and medical records document your injuries.

Report the bite. Contact animal control or local law enforcement to create an official record.

Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and contact information, and photograph the dog and location if you can.

Document your injuries. Photograph wounds and torn clothing, and keep all medical records and bills.

Get witness information. Witnesses can be important if the owner disputes what happened.

Avoid recorded statements. Talk to an attorney before giving statements to an insurer or signing anything.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Dog Bite Claims

• Delaying medical treatment
• Accepting a quick settlement before you know the full extent of scarring or other injuries
• Posting about the bite or your activities on social media
• Skipping follow-up care

When to Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer

Consider talking to a lawyer if your injuries are serious, the insurer denies the claim or offers too little, the owner claims you provoked the dog, the bite caused scarring or emotional trauma, or a child was hurt. London Harker handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees.

We also help people injured by dogs across Utah, including through our Lehi, Provo, and Sandy dog bite pages. If you were bitten while traveling or live out of state, see our page on Utah residents injured out of state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Utah’s dog bite law?

Utah Code § 18-1-1 makes people who own or keep a dog liable for injuries the dog causes, without requiring proof that the dog was vicious or that the owner knew it was dangerous.

Can I recover if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. Utah has no one bite rule.

What if the owner says I provoked the dog?

Provocation is usually raised as a comparative fault argument. If you are found partly at fault, your recovery is reduced, and you cannot recover at 50% or more.

Can I recover if a dog knocked me down but did not bite me?

Possibly. The statute covers injury committed by a dog, not only bites. An attorney can review how it applies to your situation.

How long do I have to file?

Generally four years from the date of injury.

Will homeowner’s insurance cover my claim?

Often, yes. Most homeowner’s and renter’s policies include liability coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog, up to the policy limits.

What damages can I recover?

Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and emotional harm.

Talk to London Harker Injury Law

Utah’s dog bite law gives injured people strong protections, but insurers still look for ways to reduce what they pay. If you or a family member was bitten by a dog in Utah, London Harker Injury Law can review your case and explain your options. Learn more on our Utah dog bite lawyer page.