Dog Bite Lawyers
Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys Helping Victims and Families Assert Their Legal Rights
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Dog bite victims have clear legal rights. Parents whose children have been bitten by dogs have clear legal rights as well. If you have a case, our experienced dog bite lawyers can help you assert your legal rights, and we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation promptly.
The costs associated with dog bite injuries can be substantial. Dog attacks often leave victims with severe injuries and facing substantial medical bills and other costs. Our dog bite lawyers help our clients fight for maximum compensation, and we do so at no out-of-pocket cost.
Grounds to File a Dog Bite Case
When can (and should) you file a dog bite case? Similar to other types of personal injury cases, victims and families can pursue dog bite cases on various grounds. The most common grounds for seeking fair compensation after a dog attack resulting in serious injuries include:
Dog Owner Negligence
Most dog bite cases involve claims against the dog’s owner. Dog owners can be held liable for dog bites on both public and private property.
In many cases, seeking to hold a dog owner (or property owner) liable for an attack involves proving that the owner was negligent. Failing to keep a dog fenced, failing to comply with a state leash law, and failing to keep control of a leashed dog are all examples of negligence that can warrant personal injury claims in many cases.
Strict Liability
While negligence is among the most common grounds for pursuing dog bite claims, in some cases, proof of negligence isn’t required. In some states, strict liability laws apply, and these laws hold dog owners legally responsible regardless of whether they are to blame for an attack.
Some states have a “one bite rule” (or “one free bite rule”) that limits when their strict liability laws apply. But, others do not. Additionally, regardless of whether a one bite law applies in your case, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover just compensation.
Third-Party Negligence
Third parties can also be held liable for dog injuries in some cases. These cases typically require victims or their families to prove negligence on the part of the party that is accountable. Some examples of third parties that can often be held liable for dog bite incidents include:
- Animal control (or another local animal control agency)
- Dog boarding facilities
- Dog groomers
- Dog walkers
- Veterinary facilities
Most businesses that work with dogs have insurance policies that cover dog attacks (homeowner’s insurance typically covers dog attacks as well). As a result, in most cases, seeking compensation after a dog bite incident involves filing a claim with the insurance companies.
Compensation Available to Victims of Dog Bite Attacks
If you have a claim for a dog attack, our dog bite lawyers can help you seek to recover compensation for all of your (or your child’s or other loved one’s) financial and non-financial losses. This includes losses such as:
Medical Treatment Costs
Dog bite victims are entitled to compensation for all medical expenses they incur as a result of their injuries. This includes (but is not limited to) medical expenses for treating:
- Bone crush and fracture injuries
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Other physical injuries
- Emotional trauma
From reconstructive surgery to physical therapy and psychiatric care, compensation in dog bite cases covers all of the treatment costs associated with victims’ injuries. With that said, it is up to victims (or their families) to ensure that they are seeking the full compensation they deserve, and this requires working with a personal injury lawyer who has experience holding negligent dog owners and other parties fully accountable.
Lost Income and Benefits
If you suffered injuries that prevent you from working, you are entitled to compensation for your lost wages or salary. You are also entitled to compensation for any other forms of lost income (i.e., tips and commissions) and any lost benefits.
Pain and Suffering
Dog bite victims are entitled to just compensation for their pain and suffering. Many dog bite victims experience severe pain and suffering after their attacks; and, in some cases, they continue to experience these effects for the rest of their lives. While seeking immediate medical attention can help mitigate the risk of long-term effects in some cases, there are no guarantees.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Many dog bite victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following their attacks as well. Suffering severe injuries caused by a dog’s teeth can cause severe emotional distress; and, if you have a dog bite claim, you are entitled to compensation for the effects of living with your emotional distress in addition to the costs of treatment.
Other Financial and Non-Financial Losses
In dog bite cases, injured parties (or their families) can seek just compensation for other financial and non-financial losses as well. From facial injuries and permanent scarring to loss of enjoyment of life, you (or your loved one) may have a variety of other losses that our dog bite lawyers can help you fight to recover.
Talking to a Dog Bite Lawyer is the First Step Toward Recovery
If you have a personal injury claim for a dog attack, talking to a lawyer is the first step toward recovery. Our dog bite lawyers are available to assist victims and families nationwide. We offer:
- Free Consultations – Your initial consultation is 100% free and confidential. This is your opportunity to find out if you may have grounds to file a dog bite claim.
- Contingency Fees – If you have a dog bite claim, we will handle your case on a contingency-fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win.
- Custom–Tailored Representation – We will custom-tailor our legal representation to your specific circumstances. This includes seeking full compensation for your specific losses.
- Vigorous Advocacy – We provide vigorous advocacy for dog bite attack victims and their families. We will fight to secure a favorable settlement if possible and represent you in court if necessary.
- A Focus on Your Best Interests – Throughout your case, you can feel confident knowing that we have your best interests in mind. We want to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
FAQs: Hiring a Law Firm to File a Dog Bite Claim
What Are My Legal Rights After an Animal Attack (i.e., a Dog Bite)?
If you are facing the financial and non-financial costs of a dog bite injury, you have clear legal rights. These include: (i) the right to hold the dog’s owner (or another at-fault party) accountable; (ii) the right to seek full compensation for your present and future losses; and, (iii) the right to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you. In dog bite cases, recoverable losses include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others.
Does Health Insurance Cover Injuries from Dog Attacks?
If you have health insurance, you can rely on your coverage for the initial costs of your (or your loved one’s) medical treatment. However, you should also talk to a personal injury attorney about your legal rights. The financial and non-financial costs associated with dog bites can far exceed the costs of necessary medical care, and an experienced attorney will be able to help you seek the full compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Are There Special Rules for Cases Involving Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dog Breeds?
There are special rules for cases involving pit bulls and other dangerous dog breeds in some states. When you hire a dog bite attorney to represent you, your attorney can explain how these laws apply in your case, if at all.
With that said, regardless of the breed of dog that attacked you or your child, you can—and should—seek just compensation. Our dog bite attorneys are available to speak with you for free; and, if you have a dog bite claim, we can handle your claim at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Against a Dog Owner After an Attack?
Dog owners can be held liable for attacks in many cases. With that said, to determine what claim (or claims) you are eligible to file, you will need to hire a dog bite attorney to examine the unique facts of your case. To help maximize your chances of recovering just compensation, you should schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Law Firm After a Dog Attack?
If you are facing the financial and non-financial consequences of a serious dog attack, we strongly recommend contacting a personal injury law firm right away. Our law firm handles cases involving serious injuries from dog attacks, and we are committed to seeking maximum compensation for our clients.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Do you need to know more about your legal rights after a vicious dog attack? If so, we encourage you to schedule a free case evaluation at Oberheiden Law Group today. Call 866-781-9539 or contact us online to speak with one of our experienced dog bite lawyers in confidence.
Further Information About Our Dog Bite Lawyer Services
Disclaimer:
The content on this site is informational only and describes mere allegations. The content does not suggest evidence, proof, or guaranteed liability. The merits of each case depend on specific facts. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases. For more details, please see our FTC and general disclaimers. Oberheiden Law is the law firm in charge.
