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How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Recover for Your Injuries?

Injury Lawyer Team > Legal Advice  > How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Recover for Your Injuries?

How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Recover for Your Injuries?

How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Recover for Your Injuries?

The American Veterinary Medical Association cites that the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) reports over 4.5 million dog bites annually in the U.S., with more than 800,000 cases requiring medical treatment. 

Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, leading to significant medical bills and other damages. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to seek the assistance of a dog bite lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your injuries. 

This comprehensive guide details how an experienced dog bite attorney can support your case provides insights on dog bite laws in different U.S. locations and highlights various examples and scenarios where legal help is crucial.

Understanding Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can range from minor wounds to severe injuries, including deep punctures, lacerations, infections, and even psychological trauma. Dog bite victims often face substantial medical costs, lost wages, and enduring emotional distress. The CDC notes that nearly half (45.3%) of all bite injuries involve the arms or hands

Beyond the physical and emotional toll, dog bite victims often face expensive medical costs. Treatments may involve emergency care, reconstructive surgical procedures, ongoing wound care, and, in some cases, physical therapy. Moreover, dog bite injuries can lead to lost wages due to medical recovery. 

The most dangerous dog breeds for bite attacks include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, and Huskies. These breeds are often cited in reports of severe dog bite incidents due to their strength and tenacity. Proper training, awareness, and preventive measures are crucial in reducing dog bite cases.

Contact us today for a free consultation with our expert personal injury lawyers. We’ll fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.

What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, you should take prompt medical attention for your injuries and ensure you are in a safe environment. After ensuring the dog is safely contained and your dog bite injuries are under control, gather the following:

  • Dog owner’s information: Get their name, address, and homeowners or renters insurance coverage information.
  • Witnesses: Collect the names, contact information, and physical addresses of any eyewitnesses of the dog attack.
  • Photos of the scene: If you can, take photos of the scene, including your injuries, the dog, damaged clothing, and damaged property. Take photos of anything that might prove the dog owner was being negligent.
  • Documentation: Keep any documentation related to the dog bite case, such as police reports and medical records. Also, ask the dog owner for documentation proving their dog has received a rabies vaccination.

Next, consider working with a dog bite lawyer. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer to represent you in a dog bite claim is important. Experienced dog bite lawyers can help you receive compensation for your injuries.

How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help Victims 

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported nearly 2,500 dog bite incidents in 2022. The average cost per claim was around $45,000. 

A dog bite attorney can significantly help victims by offering comprehensive legal guidance and representation. Their support ensures the dog bite victim receives justice and the financial resources needed for recovery. Here’s how a dog bite injury lawyer can help:

Legal Representation and Advocacy

Dog bite lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving dog attacks. They understand the nuances of state laws and local ordinances that pertain to dog bite incidents. A dog bite injury lawyer will represent your interests, ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Evidence Collection

Gathering evidence is crucial for a successful dog bite claim. A dog bite attorney will collect medical records, witness statements, and any other pertinent information to build a strong dog bite case.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Dog bite injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who can effectively deal with insurers to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Filing Dog Bite Lawsuits

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a dog bite attorney will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and take the dog bite case to court. They will handle all legal procedures of the dog bite lawsuit and represent you throughout the process.

In dog injury cases, the statute of limitations in Illinois is two years from the date of the bite. In Wisconsin, victims have three years to file a lawsuit. It’s crucial to adhere to the statute of limitations to pursue legal action and claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Five Ways a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Prove Negligence

Proving negligence in a dog bite case is crucial for securing compensation. A skilled dog bite lawyer can utilize these five methods to strengthen your case:

  1. Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses of the dog bite incident can provide vital evidence about the attack and the dog owner’s failure to control the dog. Your dog bite lawyer will gather detailed statements to justify your claim.
  2. Photographs or Video: Visual evidence of inadequate containment measures (e.g., broken fences, lack of leash) and your dog bite injuries immediately after the incident can demonstrate negligence. Your dog bite attorney will effectively use this evidence.
  3. Violations of Animal Control Laws: If the dog owner violated local laws, it can strongly indicate negligence. A personal injury attorney dog bite specialist will leverage specific breaches, such as failing to leash the dog in public.
  4. Evidence of Prior Dog Bite Attacks: Previous incidents can show the dog owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous behavior. Your dog bite injury lawyer will investigate and present this history to establish a pattern of negligence.
  5. Medical and Financial Records: Detailed documentation of your medical treatment and financial losses can substantiate the severity of your injuries. A dog bites lawyer will use these records to quantify your losses and demand appropriate compensation.

Working with a skilled dog bite attorney ensures all evidence is thoroughly examined and utilized, enhancing your chances of a successful dog bite claim.

The Importance of a Dog Bite Lawyer in Legal Proceedings

At the Injury Lawyer Team, hiring a dog bite lawyer with specific expertise in dog bite cases is critical for several reasons:

Expertise in Dog Bite Laws

Our dog bite attorneys are well-versed in state-specific laws and local regulations governing dog bites, which can significantly impact the outcome of your dog bite case.

Experience with Similar Cases

Our extensive experience with similar cases allows us to anticipate challenges and strategize effectively.

Network of Experts

We have a network of medical experts, investigators, and other professionals who can support your dog bite case.

Maximizing Compensation

We are adept at calculating the full extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical bills, ensuring you receive comprehensive compensation.

Engaging a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer from the Injury Lawyer Team is essential for navigating the complexities of legal proceedings and securing the best possible outcome for you.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws By State

There exist many strict liability laws related to dog attacks in the United States. Strict liability laws hold dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their pets, irrespective of the dog owner’s knowledge of the dog’s past behavior. Here’s how these laws apply in different states:

Illinois

In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16). A dog bite injury lawyer can explain that the dog owner is liable if:

  1. The dog either attacks, tries to attack, or harms someone.
  2. The person injured was legally present on the premises at the time.
  3. There was no provocation of the dog by the victim.

Exceptions are made if the individual is trespassing or instigating the dog. Dog bite lawyers can help in understanding these laws.

Indiana

Indiana enforces strict liability primarily for government workers, such as postal carriers. According to Indiana Code 15-20-1-3, a dog owner is strictly liable if the victim is performing duties imposed by state or federal law. Dog bite injury lawyers can assist in these specific scenarios.

Missouri

Missouri’s strict liability statute (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.036) states that dog owners are liable if:

  1. The injured person was either on public property or was legally on private property. 
  2. Additionally, the injured person did not incite the dog.

A dog bite attorney can help victims understand their rights under these laws.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin follows a “one bite rule” for the first bite, meaning the dog owner is not typically held liable unless the dog has a known history of aggression. Penalties range between $50 and $500 if the dog causes injury. For a second bite, strict liability applies, and the dog owner can be liable for double the damages. Lawyers for dog bites can help victims pursue these claims.

Strict liability laws simplify the process for dog bite victims to claim damages by not requiring proof of the owner’s negligence. Instead, victims need only show that the injury occurred and that they did not provoke the dog. This framework shifts the burden onto dog owners to ensure their pets do not cause harm.

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How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

The amount of compensation victims could receive depends on the specifics of the dog bite case like the victim’s behavior, dog’s attack history, severity of injuries, and others. A personal injury attorney will review your dog bite case to discuss the amount of compensation you could recover. Dog bite injury lawyers can help you identify all sources of compensable damages, including past and future damages.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite in 2022 was $64,555.

Calculating Your Past and Future Damages

The term “damages” encompasses the losses resulting from a dog attack. Through a personal injury claim, you might be eligible for compensation for these damages. A lawyer can assist in identifying all potential sources of compensable damages in dog bite claims, covering both past and future losses. Understanding the estimated value of your damages puts you in a strong position to negotiate a personal injury settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company.

Dog Bites Often Require Expensive Medical Treatment

Dog bites are capable of inflicting mild to serious injuries, including painful damage to soft tissues and bones. A dog bite incident often results in:

  • Deep lacerations and contusions
  • Nerve damage
  • Torn ligaments and tendons
  • Sprains and strains
  • Puncture wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Injuries to the head, neck, and face
  • Eye injuries

Personal injury lawyers can assist in collecting evidence, including medical bills, to demonstrate the severity of your dog bite injuries and the necessary medical treatments. Additionally, they may seek expert opinions from doctors, plastic surgeons, or other medical specialists to substantiate the nature of your injuries.

Psychological Harm May Be as Severe as Physical Injuries

Dog attacks frequently result in significant psychological trauma for the victims. Many individuals bitten by dogs develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Your experienced attorney can help illustrate the psychological effects of the dog attack on you.

Lost Income and Impaired Earning Capacity

If your injuries caused you to miss work or permanently affected your ability to work, you might be eligible for compensation. This includes lost income and reduced earning capacity. Your lawyer can collaborate with financial experts and other professionals to determine the value of your lost wages, decreased earning potential, and related damages.

Hiring an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer at the Injury Lawyer Team

At the Injury Lawyer Team, our experienced dog bite lawyers play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of legal proceedings following a dog attack. Here’s how we assist dog bite injury victims throughout the process:

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, our lawyers will evaluate your case, advising on the best course of action and potential compensation. Most dog bite lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss the case.

Investigation

We conduct a thorough investigation to gather all necessary evidence of the dog attack, including medical records, police reports, and witness testimonies.

Dog Bite Claim Preparation

Our dog bite attorneys will prepare and file the necessary claims, ensuring all documentation is accurate and comprehensive.

Negotiation

Skilled negotiation with insurance companies and the defendant’s lawyers to reach a fair settlement is a crucial part of our role.

Litigation

If a settlement cannot be reached, we will take your dog bite case to court, present evidence and argue on your behalf.

Post-Trial Support

After a trial, our lawyers will assist with collecting the awarded compensation and provide any necessary ongoing legal support.

At our law firm, we are committed to ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for the unfortunate dog attack.

Examples of How Attorneys Resolve Dog Bite Cases

To understand how dog bite attorneys work, consider these examples:

Case 1

A child was bitten by a neighbor’s dog while playing in their yard. The parents hired a personal injury attorney specialist in dog bite cases who collected evidence, including medical reports and witness statements. The law firm negotiated with the homeowner’s insurance company, resulting in a $75,000 settlement for the child’s medical expenses and emotional trauma.

Case 2

A senior woman was attacked by a stray dog while walking in the park. She suffered severe injuries, including a broken arm and deep lacerations. Her dog bite injury attorney filed a lawsuit against the city for failing to control stray dogs. The lawsuit for the dog bite attack was settled for $100,000 to cover her medical bills and rehabilitation costs.

Case 3

A postal worker was bitten by a dog while delivering mail. The dog bite attorney filed a workers’ compensation claim and also pursued a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner. The combined settlements amounted to $85,000.

Conclusion

Dog bite lawyers play a crucial role in helping victims recover from their injuries by securing fair compensation. By gathering extensive evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and demonstrating the dog owner’s negligence, dog bite attorneys ensure that victims receive the support they need. 

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact a dog bite lawyer at the Injury Lawyer Team to discuss your case and begin the path to recovery. Call (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation with our skilled dog bite attorneys and recover maximum compensation for your injuries.

FAQs

What is the typical compensation for a dog bite injury?

The typical compensation for a dog bite injury can range from a few thousand to over $100,000, depending on factors like the severity of the injury and local laws.

Is it possible to file a claim if a dog bites you?

Yes, it is possible to file a claim if a dog bites you, often involving seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.

How to defend against a lawsuit related to a dog bite?

Defending a dog bite lawsuit typically involves demonstrating that the dog was provoked, that the dog owner exercised reasonable care, or that the injured party trespassed or assumed the risk.

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