Delta Airlines will soon begin to require extra documentation for passengers who are traveling with service animals with them on flights. According to CBS News, this new rule comes after an increase of incidents involving animals including a dog attack last year. Beginning March 1, customers will need to show proof of health or vaccinations for their animals 48 hours in advance. In addition, owners of these animals will have to sign a statement confirming that their animal can behave. New requirements don’t apply to pets that stay in kennels during flights.
Increase in Untrained Dogs
There are federal laws in place that allow support animals in airplane cabins and in apartment buildings that don’t allow pets. However, some people just put a vest on their untrained animals just so get they can get them in a flight for free. Delta says the idea behind the new rules is to keep trained service animals safe from the aggressive ones. The airline reportedly carries 700 service or support animals every day.
But, since 2016, the company reported an 86 percent increase in animal-related incidents. These include everything from animals urinating to biting or showing aggression. In June, a 70-pound dog flying as support animal but another passenger several times in the face on a Delta plane in atlantes. The victim was hospitalized with dog bite injuries. Nineteen states have laws against calling untrained dogs as service dogs. Arizona is considering new laws to become the 20th state in that regard.
Liability Issues
Dogs can no doubt become a serious liability issue for airlines. When a service dog attacks and injures a passenger, the airline can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. In many states such as California, the dog owner can also be held liable for these injuries, whether the attack occurs in a public or private location. Dog attacks and dog bites can lead to great physical and psychological trauma. In addition to scarring and disfigurement, dog bite victims may suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, paranoia and other conditions that may require treatment and therapy.
Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of counseling and cosmetic surgery, and pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced California dog bite lawyer will be able to advice you regarding your legal rights and options, and help you secure maximum compensation for your tremendous losses.
