The Ins and Outs of Dog Bite Claims

Dog bites are a serious problem in the United States. Every year, dog bites cause more than 800,000 injuries and 300 deaths. In addition, dog bite victims incur more than $500 million in costs annually. If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to know your rights and what steps to take next. If you go to this lawyer here, you can find out more still and look to pursue that claim.

How is a Dog Bite Defined in Legal Terms?

A bite from a dog is a type of personal injury, which means that you can file a claim against the dog owner’s insurance company to recover damages. To win your dog bite case, you will need to prove that the dog owner was negligent.

A lawyer will look at whether the dog is classed as a type or one aggressive enough to expect it to be fitted with a muzzle when out and about or in the company of other persons it is not familiar with.

Defining Negligence

Negligence is defined as the failure to take reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm. For example, if a dog owner knows that his dog is aggressive and has a history of biting people, but does not take steps to prevent the dog from biting someone, then he may be considered negligent.

To win your dog bite case, you will need to prove that the dog owner’s negligence resulted in your injury. This means that you will need to show that the dog bite would not have happened if the dog owner had taken reasonable precautions.

It is the irresponsible dog owners out there that run the risk of creating personal injury claims. The lawyers specializing in this area are, however, ready for them and know what constitutes a claim. As well, they have the legal expertise and experience of past cases to make a difference in the level of compensation ultimately paid out.

What Are Some Examples of Reasonable Precautions?

Some examples of reasonable precautions that a dog owner might take to prevent his dog from biting someone includes:

  • Keeping the dog on a leash in public.
  • Confining the dog to a fenced-in yard.
  • Muzzling the dog when in public.
  • Warning people that the dog is aggressive.

These are some bullet points to think of as a dog owner and when looking to claim against someone after sustaining a dog bite. Likely, at least one of these has not been observed if you are in the position of needing to claim a dog bite. This will help the dog owner become more responsible and provide the financial compensation due to the trauma caused, settle the medical bills payable, and deal with the potential loss of income for the period the injured party is unable to work to full capacity.

What Should You Do If You Are Bitten By a Dog?

If you are bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if the bite does not seem serious, it is important to have it checked out by a doctor. Dog bites can cause serious infections, so it is important to get medical help as soon as possible. Once you have sought medical attention, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. A personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you of your legal rights and help you.

Dog bite claims can be tricky, but with the right personal injury lawyer on your side, you can get the compensation you are entitled to. If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal help. Personal injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge necessary to get you the best outcome in your case.

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