Dogs are beloved members of many families, providing companionship and joy to their owners. However, dogs can also be unpredictable and dangerous, especially if they are not properly trained or socialized. Each year, millions of people in the United States are bitten by dogs, with many of these incidents resulting in serious injuries or even death. This essay will go over what to do if you are attacked by a dog, how to establish liability in a dog bite case, and how to pursue compensation for dog bite injuries.
What To Do If You Are Bitten By A Dog?
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, it is important to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the dog bite seems minor, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can easily become infected, and prompt treatment can help prevent complications.
- Identify The Dog: If possible, try to identify the dog that bit you. Get the owner’s name and contact information, and ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
- Report The Incident: Report the dog bite to your local animal control agency or police department. This is important for public health reasons, as well as for determining liability in the case.
- Document The Incident: Take photos of your injuries, and write down a detailed account of what happened. This information may be useful if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Contact An Attorney: Consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Long Island who has experience handling dog bite cases. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries.
How To Determine Liability In A Dog Bite Case?
In most states, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means that the owner can be held responsible for damages regardless of whether they were negligent or knew that their dog had aggressive tendencies.
One exception to strict liability is the “one bite” rule, which applies in some states. Under this rule, a dog owner is not liable for injuries caused by their dog’s first bite, unless they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. However, once a dog has bitten someone, the owner is considered to have notice of the dog’s dangerous propensities and can be held strictly liable for any subsequent bites.
Another exception to strict liability is when the injured person was trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the incident. In these cases, the dog owner may not be liable for damages.
It is important to note that liability can also be shared in some cases. For example, if the injured person was partially at fault for the incident (for example, if they were teasing or tormenting the dog), their damages may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
How To Seek Compensation For Injuries Sustained In A Dog Bite Incident?
The types of damages that may be available include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medications.
- Lost Wages: If you were unable to work as a result of your injuries, you may be able to recover the income you lost.
- Pain And Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages.