Dog Bites

Because the number of dog bites has now reached epidemic proportions within the United States, it is critical to know what you must do to exercise and protect your rights.

Statistics You Should Know:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
• One out of every six dog bites—or nearly 800,000 bites annually—require medical attention.
• Dog bites are the second leading cause of injury in young people under the age of 18.
• The CDC reports that an estimated 1,008 people in the United States visit the emergency department each day to receive medical treatment for dog bites.
• More than 50 percent of all bites occur on the dog owner’s property.
• Experts report that the cost of the average dog bite claim exceeded $21,000 in 2005.

Understanding the Law

Unfortunately laws governing aggressive animal behavior vary from state to state and even city to city.

While some states have passed strict laws that impose severe penalties on owners whose dogs have caused injuries and/or fatalities, about two-thirds of the states nationwide only hold the owners accountable if they are aware or suspect that their pets may have a tendency to act viciously.

Are You a Victim?

Fortunately, the law is on your side if you are assaulted by a dog or witness an attack. In most states, you are permitted to do whatever is necessary—including killing an aggressive dog in the midst of an attack—in order to protect yourself or others.

There are five vital steps that you must take if you or one of your loved ones becomes a dog-bite victim:

1. Write down the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the dog owner and any individuals who witnessed the attack.
2. Seek medical attention. Be certain to save copies of all hospital, physician, and pharmacy bills that will be needed as evidence if you pursue legal action.
3. Contact local animal control authorities. If the dog is a stray, county or city authorities will attempt to capture and quarantine the animal to determine if it is rabid.
4. Obtain all licensing information and vaccination records from the owner.
5. Take photographs of each wound or bruise, as well as blood stains on your clothing to support your case.

It’s important to note that if future surgeries to repair dog-bite wounds are required, they will be classified as “cosmetic,” and will not be covered by your health insurance policy. To avoid paying out of pocket for these medical expenses, it is imperative to file a claim at the time of injury.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Dog owners can be held legally responsible for medical bills, lost income, physical and/or emotional pain and suffering, as well as property damage. In some instances, the owner’s insurance company (either homeowner’s or renter’s) may cover these costs, whether or not the incident occurs on the owner’s property.

It is always in the victim’s best interest to hire a competent personal injury attorney who is aware of the specific laws in your demographic area and is skilled in taking the appropriate action to safeguard your physical and financial well-being.

Furthermore, an experienced attorney can help you obtain mandatory legal-medical documents from a reputable plastic surgeon that will ensure all future surgeries will be covered under your health insurance plan.

Without legal representation to present your claim to an insurance company, it is highly unlikely that your case will receive the appropriate attention or be taken seriously. A personal injury attorney in your corner helps ensure that you will receive the compensation you deserve.

To find a qualified personal injury attorney in your community, please enter your city name in the grey search box at the top of this page.

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE - PLEASE CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC CASE