Getting attacked by a dog can leave you with excruciating wounds that cost a lot of money to treat, as well as scars or disfigurement that last a lifetime. Along with a fear of dogs, the attack may have also left you with psychological trauma. Even though you cannot hold the dog accountable, a reputable law firm can assist you in obtaining compensation from the animal’s owner.
Dog bites can be traumatic and painful. Your life’s trajectory may worsen as a result. If a dog bites you or a loved one, you need a knowledgeable Riverdale dog bite attorney. Make an appointment to discuss your personal injury case with Humphrey & Ballard Law in Riverdale, Georgia.
Dog bite injury types
Catastrophic dog attacks are those that leave the victim permanently injured. Some canines hold on tight when they attack. They can seriously hurt people with their teeth, jaws, and claws by: a fractured limb strains ligaments and muscles. deeper lacerations, cuts, and scrapes. Pierced body parts. Injuries to the face, causing harm to the eyes, a harmed nerve. Disfigurement and permanent scarring from illness or infections.
In addition to physical injuries, a dog attack can result in emotional harm as well, including distress, agony, dog phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How Should I Respond if a Dog Bites Me?
You should take some action to legally protect yourself while you’re still trying to process the unfortunate event. It’s also OK to feel utterly perplexed after a dog bite—it’s normal to feel that way.
Determine the animal
The dog that bit you on the arm or leg may have attacked you, and if so, you need to be quick to identify it. Be sure to note the dog’s size, color, and breed, as well as whether it was restrained or leashed at the time of the attack. Get the name, address, and insurance information of the owner. When you submit your claim, you’ll need all of this information.
Record the scene
If your condition permits, take as many photos and videos of the dog bite scene as you can. Take pictures of any warnings posted cautioning people to stay away from the dog if there are any to show that the owner was aware the dog had violent tendencies.
Receive medical care
Getting medical attention ensures that all of your injuries are documented, which will help with any potential claims in the future.
Produce a Report
After receiving medical attention for a dog bite, call the police to report the incident. Get a copy of the incident report so you have it for future insurance claims. Follow up on your claim by talking to a Riverdale dog bite attorney.
Who Is to Blame for Dog Bite Accidental Injuries?
Humphrey & Ballard Law is on your side. You can be confident that your rights will be upheld. We’ll also make sure the dog in question doesn’t attack someone else. If you are bitten in an apartment or a public setting, it may be challenging to identify an unrestrained or unleashed dog. Typically, the dog owner is legally responsible for your injuries.
In a case involving a dog bite, what kind of compensation can I anticipate?
A claim against the owner is one way to obtain money damages for both monetary and non-monetary losses brought on by a dog bite. If the attack results in death, your family members might also be eligible for compensation. You can also receive punitive damages if the dog bites you and kills you.
Economic Losses
These include: medical expenses for prescription drugs, physical therapy, rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, doctor visits, and hospitals. The attack’s collateral damage includes ripped clothing or lost jewelry. Income lost during the time you couldn’t work because of the injuries sustained from the dog bite. decreased ability to earn.
Non-Economic Losses
Additionally, non-economic damages like your pain and suffering, which includes both physical and mental suffering, may be covered by financial compensation.
Death by Mistake Damages
A dog bite injury can result in a person’s death and the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The cost of medical, funeral and burial costs as well as the diminished income the deceased would have generated, lost friendship are some of the factors to consider.
Retaliatory Damages
In addition to the normal damages, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended only to punish the party at fault. If you can demonstrate that the owner committed a willful or negligent act, you could be granted these damages in addition to those already listed above.
Advice For Picking A Dog Bite Lawyer
If you are suffering from a dog bite injury, there are a few qualities you should consider when choosing an attorney to represent you in a personal injury case.
Tips for choosing a dog bite claim attorney:
- Look for Experience: The knowledge and skill of your legal counsel will play a role in determining whether you have the best chance of being awarded compensation in a dog bite case. Personal injury law has a wide range of subspecialties, each of which may call for a distinct skill set. When making your decision, look for an attorney who has experience specifically handling dog bite injury cases.
- Ask for references: Knowing a lawyer’s reputation among past clients can give you important information about what to expect from interactions with them. Asking an attorney for references from previous clients is nothing to be afraid of. Former clients can attest to the abilities, expertise, and success in obtaining just settlement amounts for clients.
- Get A Free Consultation Here: Consider asking for a free consultation from each lawyer you’re considering to learn more about how they plan to handle your case. Since the majority of law firms provide free initial consultations, they should have no trouble accommodating this request.
Injuries from dog bites and lawsuits in the U.S.
Legal action may not always be taken in minor incidents where injuries are not as severe, but if a loved one has suffered more severe expenses and repercussions, they may be more inclined to seek legal action. According to each individual case, there may be a wide range of dog bite injuries.
The average annual number of dog bite-related deaths in the United States from 2006 to 2015 was 35, up from 16.5 deaths per year between 1979 and 1998. In cases involving dog bites, common injuries include: teeth marks, scratches, fractures, cuts, and bruises; infection in broken bones; etc. Serious injuries can include permanent scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, and even wrongful death in more severe dog bite cases.
There were 17,297 dog bite claims made nationwide in 2018, according to information from the Insurance Information Institute. Young children are most vulnerable to dog bites and are more likely to suffer serious injuries. The average cost per claim has increased by 103% between 2003 and 2018. Almost 27,000 Americans had reconstructive surgery for dog bite-related injuries in 2018.
Top-Rated Dog Bite Lawyers Serving The U.S.
Florin|Roebig is one of the top personal injury law firms in the country. With offices in Florida, Minnesota, Texas, and Colorado, we are able to provide our clients with services from a variety of locations across the United States. The lawyers at Florin Roebig have a wealth of experience obtaining just compensation for victims of dog attacks or bites.
Conclusion:
Dog bites can be traumatic and painful. Your life’s trajectory may worsen as a result. If a dog bites you or a loved one, you need a knowledgeable Riverdale dog bite attorney. Make an appointment to discuss your personal injury case with Humphrey & Ballard Law. If you are bitten by a dog, it may be challenging to identify an unrestrained or unleashed dog. The dog owner is legally responsible for your injuries. A claim against the owner is one way to obtain money damages for both monetary and non-monetary losses. The average cost per claim has increased by 103% between 2003 and 2018. Florin|Roebig is one of the top personal injury law firms in the country. There were 17,297 dog bite claims made nationwide in 2018, according to information from the Insurance Information Institute.