Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries affect approximately 4.7 million people in the United States annually. Of this population, about 800,000 dog bite victims require medical treatment each year. Most dog bite victims are children, as it is the second leading cause of injury to minors. Dog bite attacks account for one out of three homeowner's liability insurance claims, which translates into more than one billion dollars in payouts annually. Dog bite claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, where an injured party has the legal right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party's actions or negligence.
There are many reasons why a dog bites. Many dog bite injuries occur when a dog is trying to defend or protect his territory, establish dominance over his/her victim, is in a new, unfamiliar, or threatening environment, and when disturbed while eating, sleeping, or coveting a toy or treat. There are several factors that increase the likelihood that a dog will bite. A dog that is not altered is three times more likely to bite. Dog bite offenders often will attack when they are chained up or the victim of any other form of mistreatment. Male dogs bite more often than females, especially those between the ages of one and five. All breeds of dogs bite, though rottweilers and pit bulls perpetrate half of all dog bite related fatalities. Most of the serious injuries caused by dog bites are inflicted on the face, head or neck.
If you are involved in a dog bite incident it is important to first establish if medical treatment is necessary. Gaining pertinent information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses is also crucial. A dog bite victim may also want to report the incident to local police or animal control authorities. Contacting an attorney familiar with dog bite injury cases can help you discover what your legal rights and options may be, and help maximize and protect your interests in a dog bite case.
Dog bite law varies by place and circumstance and also may include a limitation on the time you have to file a legal claim. In general, a dog bite victim has the right to seek injury compensation from any party whose negligence caused the dog bite attack, any party in violation of leash or restraint laws, and any party who knowingly harbors a dog with a history of biting people.
After a dog bite accident, many people need answers to these questions:
| How am I going to pay for my medical bills? |
| Can I be compensated for lost wages or pain and suffering? |
| Is there any insurance money available to help me right now? |
| What papers should I sign or not sign? Do I need a lawyer? |
Let our team work for you. Our attorneys, investigators, and support staff can take care of the legwork so that you can concentrate on getting well.
Remember, there are no fees or costs unless we win.
We will evaluate your situation at no cost or obligation if you complete the following online form. Based on your information, we will let you know if we think you have a legal claim and what options you have. The decision will then be yours as to whether you would like us to represent you.
