Dog Bites: Understanding your Rights
Dog bites can be more than just a painful nuisance—they can result in serious injuries, infections, emotional trauma, and long-term medical costs. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to know your rights and the legal options available to you. In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of dog bite injuries, including your legal rights as a victim, how liability is determined, and steps you can take to protect yourself.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, your immediate response can have a significant impact on your health and your legal case. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you should do after an attack:
- Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, seek immediate medical care. Even minor bites can become infected, and infections can lead to serious complications. Your doctor will clean the wound, administer necessary vaccinations (such as the tetanus shot), and monitor for signs of infection. If the dog was not up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations, you may need a series of rabies shots.
- Report the Incident
It’s crucial to report the dog bite to local animal control authorities or law enforcement. This helps to ensure that the dog is properly quarantined and assessed for rabies or other contagious diseases. This report will also serve as an official record of the incident, which can be essential if you pursue a legal case.
- Gather Evidence
Document everything related to the incident. Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack, if possible. Get the contact information of the dog owner and any witnesses. If the dog was not on its owner’s property at the time, document where the bite took place (e.g., a public sidewalk, a neighbor’s yard).
- Identify the Dog and Owner
Make sure you have the correct identification of the dog and its owner. If you were bitten by a dog that wasn’t on a leash or didn’t have an identifiable tag, try to get the dog’s breed, color, and any distinctive markings. If the dog is a stray or the owner is unknown, this can complicate your case, but it’s still important to report the incident.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Dog bite claims can be complex, and insurance companies may try to minimize your compensation. Consulting with a personal injury attorney who has experience with dog bite cases can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
If you’re a victim of a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This can include emergency care, surgeries, medications, and follow-up treatments.
- Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury. Dog bites can cause permanent scarring, long-term pain, and even PTSD, especially if the victim is a child or has a fear of dogs.
- Lost Wages: If you miss work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost income.
- Emotional Distress: If the attack caused significant emotional trauma, this may also be included in your damages.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the dog owner and deter future misconduct.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights
Dog bites can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. However, as a victim, you have rights, and there are legal avenues available to seek compensation for your injuries. By understanding your legal options, documenting the incident, and consulting with an experienced attorney, you can take the necessary steps to hold the dog owner accountable and recover the damages you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, call the dog bite experts – Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay. We have represented thousands of dog bite victims and are dedicated to helping you recover from your dog bite injuries.