Dog Bite Information Center

 

Injuries - Emotional & Physical

 

Physical Injuries Include:

 

• Abrasions, Lacerations, Punctures
• Tissue loss
• Crush injuries
• Fractured bones
• Sprain / strain injuries
• Scars
• Infections such as rabies – a rabies shot is a painful experience
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Death!

 

Dog Bite – Strict Liability

 

• Dog owners are legally responsible if their dog bites someone.
• The victim needs to show that the dog bit him/her.
• If the dog owner can prove that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing, the injured person might not receive full damages.

 

Homeowners Liability Insurance

• Homeowners Insurance will pay for short and long-term physical and emotional damages.
• They will tell you that you don’t need an attorney; they will pay for your out-of-pocket expenses.
• Do not listen to them; it is in their best interest if you do not hire an attorney.

 

Filing a Lawsuit:

 

• You have been injured due to the negligence of someone else.
• Contact a qualified dog and animal bite attorney who has the experience fighting for your rights.
• File a personal injury claim against the negligent owner for compensation of the injury sustained.  This is known as a settlement negotiation.
• The attorney will present all expenses incurred by the victim, such as x-rays, MRI’s, surgery or loss of income.
• Will try and settle but if not agreeable by both parties, it will be filed in court.
• The court will determine who was responsible.
• The court will instruct the responsible party to compensate the injured person for all losses sustained.
• You may be eligible for financial compensation, including recovery of damages for injuries, from the irresponsible animal owner.

 

A dog bite is a very serious legal matter.  Money will not pay for the child’s tears -- and you should not have to pay for the unexpected medical bills. Adults suffer, too, from lost wages and pain and suffering.

 

Although animal-attack claims usually involve dog bites, there are other animals that can bite humans, such as cats, ferrets, and birds.  An owner's liability for injuries will vary greatly in each jurisdiction.  A lawyer who is experienced in handling dog and animal bite claims can give you excellent advice and information if you have been injured in an animal attack.

 

Compensation Recovered:

 

• A person whose negligence caused the attack
• A person who violated a leash law (prohibiting dogs from running at large)
• A person whose dog has a history of injuring people

 

Dog Bite Lawsuit Damages Sought

 

• Medical Emergency Room Costs
• Hospitalization
• Plastic surgery
• Psychological & emotional trauma treatment
• If the victim was working  -  lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain & Suffering