Animal Attacks

Should I Hire an Attorney?

There are about 4.7 million dog bites every year in the United States. Approximately 800,000 of those attacked have to seek medical injuries for their injuries. In addition, more than half of those injured are children. If you or a loved one has been attached by a dog then you may have a claim against the owner of that dog. In addition, if you adopted your dog from a shelter and were attacked by your own dog you may have a claim against the shelter you adopted your dog from. 

Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Dog bites can cause severe illnesses and injuries of all types that could escalate rapidly. The wounds are disfiguring and tough, leading to significant viruses and infections. For instance, if you are attacked by a dog your wounds could become infected and lead to a much more serious injury. In addition, many bites cause scarring and disfigurement which will likely last forever. 

What if My Pet Attacked Someone? 

If your pet attacks someone, you are liable to compensate the victim, especially when you neglect to restrain or leash your pet. Even if your pet is trained, you are liable for any type of attack that occurs. In addition, your dog does not need to have a history of attacking people, it could be as little as having a dog that is an aggressive breed to be liable. 


Strict Liability 

Some breeds are considered inherently dangerous. When this particular breed attacks someone, the owner should compensate the victim. The same is true if the owner of the dog was aware that the dog was aggressive or had attacked someone or another animal in the past. If strict liability applies then the attacked party does not have to prove negligence on behalf of the owner. The statute states simply that the owner of a dog who bit someone needed to take reasonable steps to remove the present danger and if they didn’t then they are liable for the damages. 

How to Seek Compensation for Your Injuries 

If you are attacked by a dog you can make a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. Even if the attack happens outside of the home, the homeowners insurance policy will still apply. 


These claims can be extremely complicated even if the attack is straight forward. If you haven’t already you should strongly consider speaking to a personal injury attorney to see how they can assist you with this. 


An attorney can help you recover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc., but you should follow the following items to make sure you receive maximum compensation:

• Do not delay medical care; rehabilitation, treatment, or revaluation

• Notify the concerned parties quickly

• Take multiple photos of all the injuries suffered 

• Call a personal injury attorney to set up a free consultation

Take Action Immediately

Anyone who has been attacked by a dog could have a claim for damages. Seek medical attention as soon as an animal attacks you, and seek legal advice. 

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