Is Rhode Island a strict liability state for dog bites?

Yes, outside the enclosure. Under R.I. Gen. Laws 4-13-16, the owner or keeper is liable for all damages when a dog assaults, bites or otherwise injures a person while traveling the highway or out of the enclosure of the owner or keeper. No prior bite or negligence has to be shown.

What if the bite happens on the owner's property?

The Rhode Island Supreme Court has held that the strict liability provisions do not apply inside the enclosure. You must prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog's vicious propensity, the one-bite rule.

What are double damages?

If after a first recovery the same dog causes damage again, the owner or keeper pays double the damages, and the court orders the dog killed. Section 4-13-16.1 also doubles damages when a dog injures a blind or visually impaired person.

What are the defenses?

The statute does not apply if the injured person was committing a trespass or other tort on the owner's premises, was teasing, tormenting, provoking, abusing or assaulting the dog, or was attempting to commit a crime. Comparative negligence can also reduce damages.

How long do I have to file?

Three years under R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-14.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Liability

Under R.I. Gen. Laws 4-13-16, the owner or keeper is liable for all damages when a dog injures a person on the highway or outside the owner's enclosure. Inside the enclosure you must prove the owner knew of the dog's vicious propensity. A second recovery means double damages.

Cited to R.I. Gen. Laws 4-13-16 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

What is your claim worth?

Enter your estimated damages and a few quick facts about the incident.

Estimated damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.)

Where did the attack happen?

Did the owner know, or should the owner have known, the dog was vicious (a prior attack)?

Were you trespassing or committing a tort on the owner's premises, teasing or provoking the dog, or attempting a crime?

Has this dog already caused damage and the owner already paid a recovery (a second recovery)?

Who are you claiming against?

Your own share of fault, if any: 0%

Estimated result

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Add pain & suffering to this number →

Strict outside the enclosure, one bite inside it

R.I. Gen. Laws 4-13-16 makes the owner or keeper liable when a dog injures any person while traveling the highway or out of the enclosure of the owner. Inside the owner's enclosure the plaintiff must show the owner knew of the dog's propensities.

The statute's exceptions cover trespass or other tort, teasing or provoking the dog, and attempting a crime. The deadline is three years.

Injured in Rhode Island?

A local personal injury attorney can review your claim — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Rhode Island attorney

Official sources

This is an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on the cited Rhode Island statutes. Confirm how these rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Liability

What is your claim worth?

Strict outside the enclosure, one bite inside it

Official sources

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