Altizer Law

Leash laws are enacted by local jurisdictions for many reasons. The case of an 80-year-old man who fell from his bicycle when a dog came into his path demonstrates one reason why leash laws matter.

In the summer of 2014, a very active 80-year-old-man was riding his bicycle. As he passed a neighbor’s house, the neighbor opened the door and allowed their dog to run into the street from their house. The dog was not on a leash and was not attended once it left the house. When the dog ran into the path of the man and his bicycle, the man fell from the bicycle. This occurred in a jurisdiction that had a local law requiring that dogs be on a leash and attended.

As a result of this incident, the man sustained fractures of the right leg, shoulder, and ribs. In addition, he sustained a concussion and severe abrasions. He was admitted to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for the leg fracture. During surgery, he went into shock due to blood loss. He remained hospitalized for nearly one week. [Read more…]