Many states deal with liability in dog bite cases using the “one bite rule.” Under this rule, a dog owner is only liable if they knew of the dog’s violent nature prior to the attack. Typically, an owner is on notice of their dog’s propensity to bite if they have bitten someone before. In other words, every dog gets a free bite before their owner faces liability. Other states operate under a “strict liability” system, where a dog owner is responsible for a bite regardless of the circumstances.