Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 4.7 million people fall victim to dog bites and/or attacks. In the majority of such cases, it's the family dog that is doing the biting - but not always. In fact, hundreds of thousands of children and adults fall victim to dog bites from their neighbors' pets annually. If you are one of them, you may be entitled to compensation for such attacks, as well as for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

A barking dog — Victims of animal attacks can pursue damages for their injuries from the pet owners' insurance companies.

Liability in Dog Attacks

First, be aware that dog bite liability laws differ from state to state. Most states have laws that hold the owner liable without fault, which means that if the owner maintained the dog even after discovering that it may attack people, he can be held legally responsible for any subsequent attack. In such a case - as long as the dog was not provoked - all a victim needs to prove is that he was the recipient of a dog bite. (he can submit pictures, medical records, and witness testimony as this proof).

Other states hold dog owners liable on a case-by-case basis, meaning that the court will decide if the owner has previous knowledge of the animal's aggressive tendencies. In these states, the dog's past behavior is important and will be considered.

Also, remember to keep local leash laws in mind. If you are in an area with leash laws but are nonetheless the victim of a dog bite from an unleashed animal, your case is potentially very strong. Contact a dog attack attorney in your area to learn more

If You've Been the Victim of a Dog Bite or Attack

If you have suffered a dog bite-related personal injury, it is imperative that you take the following precautions. They will help you build a credible case:

Receive appropriate medical attention and maintain copies of your records
Talk to neighbors
Talk to the dog's veterinarian
Obtain a copy of the dog's medical history
Investigate the scene
Obtain obedience school records
Obtain Animal Control records
Obtain police reports

When to Seek a Personal Injury Attorney

Not every dog bite case requires a personal injury attorney. However, when deciding whether or not to press charges against the offending dog's owner, it is wise to consult a personal injury attorney who understands this complicated area of law. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you receive just compensation for your physical injury, lost wages, future medical costs, and all other associated expenses should your case qualify. Contact one of the personal injury or dog attack attorneys in your area if:

The dog's owner fails to accept responsibility for his dog's attacks
You want to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve
You anticipate future counseling needs, for which you deserve to be compensated
You want to meet your state's statutes of limitations regarding dog bites and/or attacks
You want to build a strong, effective case in response to your dog bite