As the saying goes, “dogs are a man’s best friend.” Nobody ever anticipates getting bit by a dog.
Dog bites, however, are regrettably all too prevalent and can be extremely dangerous. It’s critical to understand your legal options and rights in such a situation to make sure you receive the support you require. It is essential to consult a dog bite attorney in such a situation.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), about 4.7 million people in the US are attacked by dogs annually. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that about one in five people who are bitten by dogs need medical assistance. And if you have little children, keep in mind that the age group that experiences the greatest number of dog bite injuries is 5 to 9.
A dog bite can cause an array of injuries. They may inflict serious harm, possibly even death. Physical injuries include bruising, scratches, punctures, and cuts. Deeply piercing wounds have the potential to inflict permanent harm in more severe cases.
Legal Actions Against Dog Bites
Generally speaking, the law holds that pet owners are liable for any harm their animals may cause to people or property. Dog bite victims may be eligible for compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages in addition to their medical expenses.
Speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to make sure your rights as a victim are upheld and justice is done.
Even if the dog has never attacked before, the owner would still be responsible for your injuries. An expert attorney can defend your rights since they comprehend the intricacies of the different dog bite laws.
To make sure your rights are upheld, navigating the repercussions of a dog bite requires legal experience. Dog bite lawyers have experience assisting clients in their pursuit of just compensation and are knowledgeable about the intricacies involved in dog bite claims. They will also explain about the one-bite rule.
From determining who is at fault to fighting for the money you are entitled to, dog bite lawyers are knowledgeable about the subtleties of dog bite legislation. They can assist you at every stage of the process, regardless of whether you are a victim looking for justice or a dog owner dealing with legal issues.
Part of the reason we’ve listed the post-injury actions above is to make sure your legal rights are safeguarded. There are typically two major ways to go about getting an animal owner legally held accountable for your losses and injuries:
If the liability clauses of a homeowner’s, renter’s, or other insurance policy apply to the underlying incident, file a claim with the animal owner’s insurance company and work out a settlement.
Bring legal action against the animal owner. If your case is successful, any applicable insurance coverage will also pay any court judgment you obtain.
Keep in mind that an out-of-court settlement can happen at any stage of the personal injury case process. It’s not a given, of course, that you will receive payment for dog bite injuries from the owner of the animal or an insurance provider. This is particularly true if there are potential legal defenses.
If someone else’s dog has hurt you, it could be wise to speak with a lawyer about your options, particularly if the dog owner’s insurance company isn’t offering you a reasonable payment and/or your injuries are severe. Find out more about identifying and selecting the best personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers practice in a variety of fields. While some deal with auto accidents, others could concentrate on animal attacks and dog bites.
It will be in your best interest to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible following your injury since there are deadlines for bringing a personal injury claim. The majority of personal injury attorneys will provide you with a free case evaluation.