According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 74.8 million owned dogs in the United States. Approximately 39% of households in 2007-2008 owned at least one dog. Most dogs and other pets are friendly, loving members of the family; and most pet owners are responsible and careful with their animals. However, negligence and carelessness on the part of the owner or caretaker will sometimes lead to injury. Harms and losses arising from dog bites and other animal attacks can include:
- Physical pain
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Mental and emotional suffering and distress
- Depression
- Loss of income due to disability
- Loss of future earning capacity due to disability
- Bills for medical/chiropractic/therapeutic treatment and diagnostic testing
If you are injured or bitten by a dog or another animal, you should seek immediate medical treatment. In addition to the potential harms listed above, you could also be at increased risk of infection from a dog bite or animal attack.
You should also contact a lawyer as soon as possible. It will be important to investigate the injury as quickly as possible to determine whether your injuries were due to the fault or negligence of the animal’s owner or caretaker. Some pertinent questions to ask include:
- Was the dog or other animal on a leash, or otherwise properly secured when the attack took place?
- Did the owner or caretaker take reasonable precautions to avoid the incident?
- Did the dog or other animal have a history of bites or attacks, or any other past signs of aggression?
- Was the dog or other animal provoked in any way prior to the attack?
- Were there any witnesses to the incident?
We Can Help
It is important for injured parties to understand their rights and to take measures to protect their interests. If you were injured by a dog or other animal attack and you suspect it may have been due to another’s carelessness or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can help protect your interests right from the start.
Alleviate your stress and anxiety by allowing someone else to fight for you. There is no better way to protect your rights than by hiring an experienced attorney who has handled many similar cases in the past.