Personal Injury Attorneys

Most states or/and municipalities have rules regarding the responsibilities of dog owners. From registering pups to preventing them from running at large, a dog owner is responsible for his or her pet. When a dog bites another person and causes an injury, the dog owner is often held liable. Here is what you need to know when considering a dog bite lawyer and dealing with this type of injury:

One-bite Rule vs. Strict Liability for Dog Bites

Each state is responsible for determining its own set of laws regarding dog bites and attacks. Some states have implemented the one-bite rule, whereas others impose a theory of strict liability for dog bites.

One-bite Rule

In one-bite rule states, a dog is typically allotted one “free” bite before its owner is liable for damages. Once the dog is determined to be dangerous. A label that is given after its free bite has been exhausted. Then an owner will be held liable based on negligence for a dog’s future bites. The theory behind this is that the owner knew of the dog’s tendency towards violence, and should have restrained the dog. The owner could have otherwise prevented it from biting a victim. A dog bite lawyer in new york will be able to further explain this rule.

Strict Liability

In strict liability dog bite states, a dog owner is held liable for a victim’s economic damages regardless of whether or not the dog has been deemed dangerous. In these states, negligence-based actions are usually also allowed if it can be proven that the dog bite would not have occurred but for the dog owner’s negligence. As an experienced dog bite lawyer can tell you, with a negligence-based claim, non-economic damages are recoverable. Despite the fact that they are commonly called “man’s best friend,” dogs can attack. They are animals, subject to instinct and to abuse or improper training by their owners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year. 800,000 of these attacks require medical attention. 386,000 require emergency treatment and approximately 16 lead to the death of the victim. In view of these statistics, it is easy to see why dog bites are such an important area of our firm’s practice. Napoli Shkolnik PLLC has a skilled team of dog bite lawyers representing those who have been bitten or otherwise injured by dogs, helping them seek justice and financial compensation for the injuries they have suffered.  

Tips for Avoiding an Attack

There are several steps you can take both as a dog owner and as a person dealing with an unfamiliar dog in order to reduce the likelihood of an attack. Most of these principles are based upon the fact that dogs are animals that may act on instinct in certain scenarios.
  • If you are considering getting a dog, do your research.
  • Ask your veterinarian or other professional about the types of breeds that will be suitable for your particular lifestyle, including where you live and whether you have children.
  • Spend time with a dog before purchasing or adopting it. This is particularly true with adolescent or adult dogs.
  • Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog.
  • Always supervise children when they are playing with a dog.
  • Properly socialize and train your dog.
  • Teach your dog submissive behaviors and do not play aggressive games with your dog that may teach him or her to play rough.
  • If you encounter an unfamiliar dog, use caution. Do not pet or approach the dog without the owner’s consent. Allow the dog to see and smell you first.
  • Do not run away or make sudden movements if you are approached by an unfamiliar dog. Remain where you are.
  • If the dog attacks you and knocks you over, roll into a ball, remaining still.
  • Do not disturb a dog when it is sleeping, eating, caring for puppies or playing with a toy.
  • Be particularly careful when approaching a dog on its own territory.
  • Teach children proper techniques for dealing with both familiar and unfamiliar dogs.
  • Half of dog bite victims requiring medical care are children.
 

What should I do if bitten by a dog?

If you are bitten, knocked over, attacked or injured by a dog in any way, it is important to take the following steps as soon as possible:

Seek medical attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, if you suffered a puncture wound you may be at risk of infection. Some other injuries, like head trauma or back injuries, may seem minor at first but may end up having a serious impact on your life. Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor and tell them that you have been attacked by a dog.

Identify the dog and its owner

You will need to determine who owns the dog if you are to hire a dog bite lawyer to recover financial compensation for your injuries. If you do not immediately recognize the dog, you could learn its identity by asking people in the neighborhood or even by getting in touch with the local animal control agency.

Gather as much information and evidence as you can

Get the contact information of the dog owner as well as the information of any witnesses who saw what occurred. Take pictures of your injuries, the dog, the owner and any other pertinent evidence. Keep detailed notes of your recollection of the events leading up to the attack. Keep all medical records and receipts for purchases you make related to the incident and your injuries. This includes invoices from your doctor or receipts for medication, medical supplies, etc.

Contact a Dog bite Lawyer

A legal professional who handles dog bite cases in your area will be able to determine whether the dog owner can be held liable. They can assist you in taking the proper steps to seek compensation for medical care, future medical expenses, lost earnings, future loss of earnings, pain and suffering. Depending on the case, the dog owner’s home owner’s insurance policy may cover your damages. Your attorney can also look to other sources of compensation.

Seek the Representation of an Experienced Dog Bite lawyer

A dog bite defense attorney can provide you with more information about your state’s law, as well as whether pursuing a claim under statutory law (strict liability) or case law/common law (negligence) is within your best interest. At Napoli Shkolnik, PLLC, our personal injury attorneys are waiting for your call. Reach us today for experienced representation that you can trust.
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