Dog Bite or Animal Attack – Do You Need an Attorney?
Dog bites or animal attacks of any kind can be an incredibly traumatic experience to those involved. Pets are very common, but unfortunately, there is no guarantee that each pet owner has properly trained their pet, or has a pet that is trustworthy around humans and other animals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Half of this number are children who are between five and nine years of age, and one out of five bites causes an injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Animal attack injuries, including those from dog bites, can be devastating and can completely change a person’s life. Each state has its own laws and regulations when it comes to resolving an animal attack claim, and when you sustain injuries, you will need to look for a reputable dog bite attorney for assistance. Working with an animal attack attorney at Avrek Law Firm will keep you informed of your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages.
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Steps to Take After an Animal Attack or Dog Bite
No amount of money can make up for the personal trauma and family suffering that a personal injury causes, but opening a personal injury case can give you a sense of closure, as well as protect your rights. To properly proceed with a dog bite injury claim, the steps you take should include:
- Document your injuries and keep all your medical records
- Make a list of all property damage or loss you have suffered
- Keep receipts for all monies spent related to the accident
- Pay attention to expenses that are out of the ordinary and caused by the injury
- Keep a journal of your emotional health
- Track sleep patterns and how the injury has interfered with it
- Record every time the injury interferes with a daily routine
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The Importance of a Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause severe laceration injuries, especially to young children. Victims of this type of injury face many challenges after an attack, including severe wounds and disfiguration, and emotional and psychological damage, as well as time away from work to recover.
Medical care is often necessary to recover from an animal attack or dog bite injuries, and loss of quality of life can occur for the victim. When an attack results in injury, victims have the right to pursue legal action against the dog’s owner. In fact, each year, more than $2 billion in damages are awarded in connection to dog bites in the United States.
If you have been attacked by an animal and have suffered injuries, an animal attack lawyer at Avrek Law Firm can help you take the next steps to resolve your accident claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Through the legal system, victims of dog bites can expect the animal’s owner to compensate them for physical injuries and pain, as well as their emotional and mental suffering. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine liability when it comes to a dog bite claim, which is why it is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
No. Dog bite laws vary from state to state. For example, some states follow a strict liability theory in which the owner of the dog is held responsible for its actions regardless of whether the owner was aware of any aggressive or dangerous propensities or previous attacks.
There are states that adhere to the “one free bite” rule in which the owner’s lack of knowledge concerning the dog’s aggressive tendencies or prior attacks is considered and may effectively release the owner from liability. Make sure you call an attorney right away to see if you live in a state where this law applies.
The premises upon which the dog bite occurred may be a factor in determining liability.
Yes, cities may also have dog bite laws. City laws, such as leash laws, could affect liability.