Dog Bite Laws in Montana: Liability, Damages, and What Victims Should Do After an Attack

Dog Bite Injuries Are More Common Than You Think

Montana’s outdoor lifestyle means more interaction between people and dogs — on trails, in parks, on rural properties, and in residential neighborhoods. When a dog attack occurs, the injuries can be devastating, particularly for children. Severe lacerations, puncture wounds, facial disfigurement, nerve damage, and infections are common consequences of dog bites.

At Cannon Breck Law, we represent dog bite victims throughout the Flathead Valley and across Montana, helping them recover compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma.

Montana Dog Bite Liability: The Rules

Montana does not have a specific “dog bite statute” like many other states. Instead, dog bite liability in Montana is typically established through:

• Negligence — if the dog owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent an attack
• Strict liability for known dangerous dogs — Montana courts have held that owners who know their dog has vicious propensities can be held strictly liable for injuries
• Local leash laws and animal control ordinances — violation of local ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed or confined can establish negligence per se
• Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-715 — provides that the owner of a domestic animal that is not naturally dangerous is liable for injuries only if the owner knew of the animal’s dangerous propensity

The “One Bite” Consideration

Montana generally follows what is sometimes called the “one bite” approach — meaning that a dog owner may not be liable for the first bite if they had no reason to know the dog was dangerous. However, this is misleading. Evidence of dangerous propensity is not limited to prior bites. Growling, lunging, aggressive behavior, and even breed-specific traits can all be relevant evidence.

Damages in Montana Dog Bite Cases

Victims of dog attacks may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, and reconstructive surgery
• Lost wages — time missed from work during recovery
• Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack
• Scarring and disfigurement — particularly significant in facial injuries
• Psychological trauma — PTSD, fear of dogs, anxiety, and depression are common after attacks
• Property damage — damage to clothing, personal items, or other pets

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Montana

1. Seek immediate medical attention — dog bites carry serious infection risks including rabies
2. Report the bite to local animal control or law enforcement
3. Identify the dog and owner — get contact information and insurance details
4. Document the injuries — photograph the wounds immediately and throughout healing
5. Obtain witness statements — anyone who saw the attack or knows the dog’s history
6. Do not give recorded statements to the dog owner’s insurance company without consulting an attorney

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in the Flathead Valley, contact Cannon Breck Law for a free consultation. We will investigate the attack, identify all sources of recovery, and fight for full compensation.