Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Just One Call
Dog Attack & Dog Bite Lawyer
One of the best dog bite liability law firms in America
Our Dog Bite Law Firm
Millions recovered for those injured by Dog Bites and Dog Attacks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 4.5 million dog bites in the U.S. each year, and many of these become infected. [1]
Goldberg & Loren has recovered over 500 million dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients and are aggressive litigators who fight for maximum compensation.
When it comes to dog attacks and the law, we know what it takes to win your case. We have a team of dog bite attorneys who are dedicated to helping victims of animal attacks seek justice.
If you have been a victim of a dog attack, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our attorneys have handled a variety of dog attack cases involving serious injuries such as disfigurement, scarring, emotional trauma, and even wrongful death.
We understand that every case is unique, and our dog bite attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights. We will aggressively pursue the maximum recovery available under the law and work for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
We understand that dog attacks can be traumatic experiences and will fight hard to get you the justice you deserve. Call us at 1-800-731-4878 for a free consultation. You pay nothing, unless we win!
What is a Dog Attack?
A dog attack occurs when a dog aggressively bites or attacks a person. Such an incident can result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and sometimes even death. When a dog attack occurs, it can be challenging to determine who is responsible, especially if the dog has no owner present. In most cases, it is the owner of the dog who is held responsible for the attack.
However, other factors such as negligence on the part of the dog owner or caregiver may also be taken into account when determining liability. In most states, the time limit for pursuing legal action is between one to three years. Our dog bite lawyer can advise you regarding the Statue of Limitations for your state.
What Should You Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, take the proper steps to ensure your safety and well-being. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, medical bills, and emotional trauma so it’s important to receive the correct medical attention and legal advice.
Immediately after being bitten by a dog, you should take the following steps:
1. Seek medical attention: Dog bites can cause serious infections and require professional treatment. Contact your doctor or visit a hospital if necessary to receive the proper medical care for your injury.
2. Report the incident: Let the authorities know about a dog attack as soon as possible. Depending on state laws, you may need to report the incident to local animal control or the police.
3. Obtain evidence: If you can, take pictures of your injury and the dog. You should also collect contact information for witnesses or anyone else who may have seen the attack happen.
4. Contact an attorney: You may be entitled to financial compensation as a bite victim for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages from the dog owner. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights in a bite lawsuit and pursue legal action.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog bite injuries can range from minor scratches to severe physical harm, trauma, psychological trauma and emotional distress. The types of injuries that can result from a dog attack vary depending on the circumstances of the attack, but some common injuries include:
- Puncture Wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth and powerful jaws that can cause deep puncture wounds and extensive tissue damage. These types of injuries can result in scarring and disfigurement and can require surgery to repair.
- Broken Bones: A dog attack can lead to broken bones, particularly in vulnerable areas like the hands, arms, and face. Broken bones can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
- Nerve Damage: A dog bite can damage nerves, leading to chronic pain and loss of function in the affected area.
- Emotional Trauma: A dog attack can have a profound emotional impact on the victim, leading to anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Infection: Dog bites can lead to serious infections, such as rabies and tetanus. Infections can cause severe complications and require medical attention.
- Muscle Damage: Dog attacks can also cause muscle damage and may require physical therapy to recover from. Dog bites can tear muscles, tendons, and ligaments that may need surgery to repair. In addition to physical trauma, the emotional impact of a dog attack can be long-lasting.
Victims may experience fear or anxiety when they encounter dogs in the future. They may also suffer from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. A qualified dog bite lawyer can help victims get the compensation they need to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by a dog attack.
The severity of each type of injury can vary depending on the circumstances of the attack. For example, a child who is bitten on the face by a dog may suffer more severe emotional trauma than an adult who is bitten on the arm.
Many times, the damage done to injured people as a result of a dog attack requires plastic surgery, extensive psychological injuries, permanent scarring, and, in some cases, permanent disabilities. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, and if you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack – together, we can hold them accountable.
Table of Contents
-
Our Dog Bite Law Firm
-
What is a Dog Attack?
-
What Should You Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?
-
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
-
Damages Available After a Dog Bite Injury
-
The Sad Truth of Children and Dog Bites
-
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Attack?
-
Dog Bites and Fatalities by Breed
-
Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases
-
Establishing Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
-
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Dog Bite Injury
-
States with a One Bite Rule
-
The Most Common Defense Used in Dog Bite Injury Claims
-
Leash Laws and Bite Injury Lawsuits
-
What if I Am Partially to Blame for The Dog Attack?
-
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Automobile Accidents
Case Results
Damages Available After a Dog Bite Injury
- Medical Expenses: A dog bite injury can result in significant medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatments. Compensation for medical expenses can help cover these costs.
- Lost Wages: If a dog bite injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include both current and future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: A dog bite injury can cause physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering can help ease the burden of these effects.
- Other Damages: Other damages may be available depending on the circumstances of the attack, such as property damage or punitive damages if the dog owner acted recklessly or intentionally.
The amount of compensation available will depend on the specific circumstances of the attack and the types of damages suffered. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you calculate the compensation you are entitled to and negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Successful dog bite settlements have resulted in significant awards for victims.
For example, a woman in California received a $1.1 million settlement after a dog attack caused extensive injuries to her hand, including nerve damage and multiple surgeries.
Another woman in Pennsylvania received a $350,000 settlement after a dog attack left her with permanent scars and emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, contact our dog bite attorneys to discuss your case and potential compensation.
The Sad Truth of Children and Dog Bites
Industry experts have found that nearly 42% of dog bite fatalities are children under the age of 11. [2] This is especially concerning as children are more vulnerable to serious injury due to their small size.
When a child is involved in a dog attack, the parents may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a dog has injured your child, our dog bite lawyer will help ensure you receive the compensation you need to cover these costs.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Attack?
If you are the victim of a dog attack, it’s important to understand who can be held responsible for your injuries. In most cases, the owner of the dog or pet owner is held liable for any damages caused by their pet.
This means that the pet owner is responsible for costs associated with your personal injuries including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering resulting from the attack.
In addition to dog owners, third-party caregivers may also be held responsible for a dog attack. If someone was entrusted with the care of the dog at the time of the attack, they may be held liable for any injuries the dog causes.
This can include:
- dog walkers,
- groomers, and
- other pet care professionals.
In some cases, a landlord may also be held liable for a dog attack if they knew the dog was dangerous.
This can occur if the landlord was aware that the dog had previously attacked someone, or if they were aware of the owner’s inability to control the dog.
Parents of a minor dog owner may also be held responsible if they were aware of their child’s inability to control the dog.
Dog Bites and Fatalities by Breed
Dog bites and fatalities caused by certain breeds of dogs are a major concern for many people. Every year, thousands of people suffer serious injury, or even death, due to dog attacks. While all types of dogs can bite or attack, some breeds pose more risk than others.
The most dangerous breeds in terms of the number of fatal attacks are Pit bulls, Rottweiler ‘s, and wolf hybrid. Pit bulls accounted for 66% of all dog bite fatalities in 2019, followed by Rottweilers (10%), and wolf hybrids (4%).
Any breed of dog can cause harm if it has not been trained properly or socialized properly. It is also possible for a dog of any breed to act aggressively due to an underlying medical condition.
Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases
When it comes to a dog bite case, the law typically holds that the owner of the dog is strictly liable for any injuries caused by their pet. This means that in most instances, victims can recover compensation for damages without having to prove that the owner was negligent or careless.
Strict liability does not always apply in a dog bite incidents however. In some states, certain exceptions may be made depending on the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Establishing Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
Establishing negligence in dog bite cases is an essential aspect of determining liability and identifying the responsible party. When victims allege owner negligence, they claim that the dog’s owner breached their duty or responsibility by failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.
Breach of Duty: The first part of establishing negligence is proving that the defendant had a duty of care to the victim. This means that the dog owner was required to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. The duty of care may vary depending on the circumstances, but generally, it will include ensuring that the dog is properly trained and supervised.
Causation: The second part of establishing negligence is proving that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the victim’s injuries. This means that it must be proven that the attack would not have occurred but for the owner’s negligence.
Damages: The third part of establishing negligence is proving that the victim suffered damages as a result of the attack. This includes physical, emotional, and financial losses. An experienced lawyer can help you calculate damages and negotiate for the maximum compensation.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Dog Bite Injury
Dog bites can result in serious injuries and can have a significant impact on your life. The good news is that if you are a victim of a dog bite injury, you may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma through the dog owner’s insurance policy.
The first step in filing an insurance claim for a dog bite injury is to gather all necessary information and documentation related to the incident.
This includes:
- medical bills,
- police reports,
- and any other documentation related to the incident.
Be sure to keep track of all medical care expenses and other costs associated with the injury, as this information will be essential when filing an insurance claim.
Once you have gathered all necessary information, the next step is to contact the dog owner’s insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. Be sure to provide them with a detailed account of the incident, including any relevant photos, videos, or witness statements. It’s essential to be as detailed as possible and provide all relevant information to ensure that you have the best chance of receiving compensation.
When filing an insurance claim, keep in mind that insurance companies may try to minimize the amount of compensation you receive. Our experienced dog bite injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
States with a One Bite Rule
Some states have a one-bite rule, which is a law that provides dog owners with some protection from liability in the event that their dog bites someone.
Under this rule, if a dog has never bitten anyone before and then does so without provocation, the owner may not be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. This is because the owner did not have prior knowledge of the potential for aggressive behavior.
This rule varies from state to state, so consult our dog bite attorney in your area to see if it applies to your case.
Even if the one bite rule applies, the owner may still be held liable for negligence in other ways such as failing to properly contain or supervise the dog
The Most Common Defense Used in Dog Bite Injury Claims
When it comes to dog bite injury claims, the most common defense used by pet owners is the “one free bite” rule. This means that if a pet owner is found to be negligent in their care of the animal, they will only be held liable for damages caused by a single bite. After that first bite, the owner must take steps to ensure that the animal does not cause any further harm or injury.
If a pet owner has been warned in the past that their animal may be dangerous and they fail to take necessary precautions, then they may be held liable for all damages caused by the animal.
Leash Laws and Bite Injury Lawsuits
Leash laws were created to protect people and their pets from harm, and are enforced in most parts of the United States. These laws help to ensure that dogs don’t run free in public areas, and can prevent potential attacks or bites from occurring. People who own dogs must abide by local leash laws, which usually require that a dog be securely restrained on either a leash no longer than six feet or a secure fence.
Failure to abide by local leash laws can result in serious consequences. If you have been injured due to a dog bite and the owner failed to properly restrain their pet, they may be held liable for your injuries. An experienced bite injury attorney can help you determine if your case falls under this law and what types of compensation you may be eligible for.
What if I Am Partially to Blame for The Dog Attack?
If you were partially at fault for a dog attack, you may still be able to recover damages from the owner of the animal. Even if you are considered partially responsible for the incident, remember that dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets are properly trained and supervised.
In some states, such as California, this means that even if a person contributes in some small way to the incident, they may still recover damages from the animal’s owner.
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been the victim of a dog bite injury, consulting with our experienced attorneys at Goldberg & Loren can be crucial in obtaining the compensation you need and deserve.
An experienced attorney will know the laws and regulations related to dog bites in your state and be able to advise you on the legal course of action to take.
By working with an attorney, you can have your case evaluated and determine whether you have a basis for a claim. If so, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and work to recover damages that you are entitled to.
The types of damages that an attorney may be able to recover can include medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and therapy, lost wages from missed work, emotional trauma, property damage, and punitive damages in some cases.
Our skilled attorneys will work with you to maximize the amount of compensation you receive so that you can focus on your recovery.
When working with our experienced dog bite injury lawyers, you can take advantage of the ‘No Fee Guarantee.’ This means that you will not be required to pay any upfront fees for legal representation. Instead, your attorney will take a percentage of the settlement that is recovered on your behalf.
This provides peace of mind that you do not have to pay anything until you receive compensation for your dog bite injuries. Call us at 1-800-731-4878 or contact us for a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Animal bites. (2024, January 12). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/animal-bites
[2] The Aftermath of Child Dog Attacks | Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh. (n.d.). Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. https://www.chp.edu/injury-prevention/safety/home-and-yard/dog-bites/aftermath
Being attacked or mauled by a canine is a horrible thing to have to go through. You may even question your fault, but it's not your fault. Dog attacks happen, they are animals after all. If you were attacked by another persons dog, we may be able to help.
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today:
