Dog Bite Liability in Delaware
Whether a dog owner in Delaware is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for any injury, death or loss to a person or property caused by the dog, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing (or trying to commit) a crime on the owner's property, committing a crime against any person, or teasing, tormenting or… Del. Code tit. 16, § 3053F
| Dog bites | Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for any injury, death or loss to a person or property caused by the dog, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing (or trying to commit) a crime on the owner's property, committing a crime against any person, or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Del. Code tit. 16, § 3053F |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for personal injuries must be filed within 2 years from the date the injuries were sustained. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Del. Code tit. 10, § 8119 |
More Delaware personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Delaware
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Delaware
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Delaware
- Car Accident Claims in Delaware
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in Delaware
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Delaware
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Delaware
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Delaware
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Delaware
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Delaware
- Construction Site Injuries in Delaware
- All Delaware personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Delaware?
Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for any injury, death or loss to a person or property caused by the dog, unless the injured person was trespassing or committing (or trying to commit) a crime on the owner's property, committing a crime against any person, or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Delaware?
A lawsuit for personal injuries must be filed within 2 years from the date the injuries were sustained.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.