Legal•Info

Dog Bite Lawsuits

Call (888) 471-5989 to speak with a personal injury attorney.

Dog bites are unfortunate incidents that happen far more often than many people realize. There are a reported 4.7 million dog bite attacks each year in the United States, with 20 percent of those resulting in serious injury. Dog bite lawsuits are actually a common suit seen in courtrooms. Victims of dog bites have many rights, and with the aid of a dog bite lawyer/attorney, can receive considerable monetary compensation if the lawsuit is won.

Each state has its own laws regarding dog bite laws. Some states have enacted the one-bite law, which essentially gives dog owners a free pass when a dog attacks or bites another person for the first time. This is an antiquated law, and many people are protesting it, petitioning people to have it thrown out. The law protects owners and not the victims, who have been truly harmed and deserve to have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit.

To avoid an animal attack, it is important to look out for tell-tale signs of violent or aggressive behavior, such as chains around the animals neck, foaming at the mouth, barking for no reason, an unkempt appearance, aggressive behavior, and growling. If you have done everything you can to avoid being bitten by an animal, and you become the victim of an animal bite or attack, seek medical help immediately. If you sustain significant injuries that result in medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering, you should consult with a dog bite attorney as soon as possible.

If and when you do decide to bring a lawsuit against the dog's owner, you'll need to consult with dog bite lawyers/attorneys until you find the one who you feel suits you best and can get you the best results. Many lawyers/attorneys offer free initial consultations where they will review your case and advise you on what to do next. There you'll also discuss payment options, such as a upfront retainer fee or contingency basis, where he/she is paid only if your case is won.

When you have found a lawyer/attorney, he or she will begin to collect evidence for the case. Your lawyer may ask you to submit photos from the initial bite or attack, any clothing you might have saved, and take witness testimony. He or she may also take photos of where the attack took place in order to get an accurate representation of what took place.

Your lawyer will want to speak with the owner of the dog, and will most likely do so through his or her defense attorney. There, he/she will be able to hear both sides of the story and find areas where each account may have missing pieces or where they don't match up. It's your lawyer's job to prove your innocence and defend your rights, and find the other person guilty and accountable for their dog's actions.

A personal injury attorney or lawyer will be well-versed in your state and local dog-bite laws, and they will be able to argue your dog-bite case, on your behalf, in order to recover the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to under your states law. A victim can recover compensation from a person whose negligence caused the attack, a person who violated a leash law or a dog bite law prohibiting dogs from running at large.

A dog bite lawyer specializes in a combination of liability law, municipal code, state and county law, and legal precedent in order to produce the best outcome for his/her client. A dog bite lawyer ensures that the injured party receives the amount of restitution they deserve as a result of an animal attack.