Dog Bites and Animal Attack Claims

Protecting Your Rights After a Dog Bite Injury

Have you or a loved one been attacked by a dog? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. At Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog attack can have on you and your family. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of dog bites and attacks recover the compensation they deserve.

Why You May Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog attacks can cause serious injuries, from deep puncture wounds and lacerations to more severe injuries like broken bones, nerve damage, or even permanent scarring. In some cases, dog bites can lead to infections or require extensive medical treatment. In addition to the physical injury, victims may also suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or fear of dogs.

When you’re faced with the aftermath of a dog attack, it’s important to have skilled legal representation to help you navigate the claims process. Our team can help you:

Investigate the attack: We will gather evidence to identify the dog’s owner and determine whether they were negligent.
Determine liability: Dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their pets under local laws. We will assess the circumstances of the attack to determine liability.
Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our lawyers have the experience to negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will be prepared to take your case to court.

Steps to Take Following a Dog Attack

If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

Step 1

Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like infections, may not show symptoms right away.

Step 2

Report the Attack: Contact local authorities to report the attack. A report will help establish a record of the incident and may provide important evidence later.

Step 3

Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, the location of the attack, and any other relevant details. If possible, gather the dog’s owner’s information, including their name, address, and insurance details.

Step 4

Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Our lawyers offer free consultations and can guide you through the process.

Compensation for Dog Attack Victims

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, such as:

Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, medications, and any future medical care required.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income.

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious does a dog bite need to be to file a claim?

The severity of the bite itself doesn’t necessarily determine whether a claim can be filed. A dog bite claim can often be pursued even for minor injuries if there is significant medical treatment, emotional distress, or other circumstances, such as negligence or strict liability laws.

What if the dog owner was not present when the bite happened?

Yes, you can sue the dog owner if they were not present when the bite occurred, as long as you can demonstrate that the dog owner’s negligence or responsibility for the dog led to the bite. Whether the dog owner was present or not does not absolve them of responsibility, especially under strict liability laws or if they failed to properly control or supervise their dog.

If a dog didn’t bite me but knocked me over and I was injured, can I still sue?

Even if the dog didn’t bite you but caused you to fall and injure yourself, you may still have a valid personal injury claim. The dog owner could be held responsible for your injuries, especially if the fall was caused by the owner’s negligence in controlling the dog. If you sustained a significant injury, like a head trauma, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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