Dog Bite and Animal Attack

Nearly five million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Estimates indicate that over half of all dog bite attacks occur in someone's home. Most dogs are great pets offering great companionship and security. Unfortunately many attacks occur because dog owners are not properly supervising and securing their dogs, and some dogs are not friendly companions, but out of control and dangerous. Often, children are the victims of dog bites and many of the attacks go unreported.

If you or your child is the victim of a dog bite, there may be significant physical and emotional consequences. Physical consequences include:

  •  Potential infection from dog bites
  •  Broken bones
  •  Cuts and lacerations
  •  Permanent facial or other scarring

Emotional trauma is also very common after a dog bite attack. In some situations, the signs of trauma may not become apparent until long after the incident and may include nightmares or flashbacks.

If a dog attacks, the owner is responsible even if they didn't realize that their dog was dangerous. The law will consider whether the victim somehow provoked the dog or whether the property owner had a "Bad Dog" warning posted.

After a dog attack, you should be sure to get medical attention right away, exchange contact information with the dog owner and any witnesses, take photographs of your injury and the dog, and file a police or animal control report. You should not sign any papers or make any settlement agreements until you have spoken to an injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases.

As a dog attach victim you may be compensated for such things as pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical and hospital expenses, scar revision surgery, lost wages and loss of ability to earn wages in the future.

It is important that you contact a lawyer soon after the incident to preserve evidence and to learn of your legal rights. Call us at (877) 311-4811.