What Are My Legal Rights if I Get Bitten by a Dog?
Did you know that nearly 5 million people suffer from dog bites each year? Unfortunately, these incidents can quickly develop into something serious.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the steps to take after being bitten. Dog bite laws by state differ, and there are other nuances you need to keep in mind before moving forward.
Let’s explore how you should deal with getting bitten by a dog.
Here Are The Ones:
Overview:
- Why Is Getting Bitten by a Dog Dangerous?
- What Should You Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog?
- What Is Dog Bite Treatment Like?
- What Are My Legal Rights?
- What Is the One Free Bite Rule?
- What Should I Look For in an Attorney?
- When Should I File a Claim?
- What Should I Include in My Claim?
- What Is the Average Settlement For a Dog Bite?
- What if the Dog That Bit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?
- Getting Bitten by a Dog Is a Serious Incident
1. Why Is Getting Bitten by a Dog Dangerous?
There are several reasons why getting bitten by a dog can be dangerous. Primarily, dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria that can cause infection. Depending on the size and breed of the dog, the bite itself could do serious damage.
If you’re allergic to dogs, a bite could trigger a severe reaction. This is why it’s so important to take quick action after being bitten.
2. What Should You Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog?
If you’re bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is wash the wound with soap and water. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
Next, apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, call 911. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply a clean bandage to the wound.
If the dog that bit you is a stray, it’s important to get in touch with animal control right away. They will be able to help you find the owner of the dog and make sure it’s up-to-date on its vaccinations.
If the dog is owned by someone you know, you should still contact animal control. They will likely want to speak with the owner and make sure the dog isn’t a danger to the community.
3. What Is Dog Bite Treatment Like?
The treatment you’ll need after being bitten by a dog will depend on the severity of the wound. If the wound is deep, you may need stitches.
In some cases, antibiotics may also be necessary to prevent infection. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to clean the wound and make sure it heals properly.
4. What Are My Legal Rights?
The legal rights you have after being bitten by a dog will depend on the state you live in. In some states, the owner of the dog is automatically liable if their pet bites someone. In other states, there may be a “one bite rule” that says the owner isn’t held responsible.
5. What Is the One Free Bite Rule?
As previously mentioned, some states have a “one bite rule” when it comes to dog bites.
This means that the owner of the dog isn’t held responsible unless they knew the animal was dangerous. If this is the case in your state, you may still be able to sue the owner if you can prove they were negligent.
For example, if the owner knew the dog was aggressive but didn’t take steps to keep it under control. If you’re not sure what the laws are in your state, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Though if you consider yourself a pet lover, then make sure to check out our exclusive article on some unknown amazing facts about dogs!
Nearly 5 million people suffer from dog bites each year
6. What Should I Look For in an Attorney?
If you decide to speak with an attorney, there are a few things you should look for. You’ll want to make sure they have experience handling dog bite cases. You’ll also want to ask about their success rate.
This will play a large role in your decision-making process. It’s essential to make sure they’re comfortable taking your case to trial if necessary. Unfortunately, not all cases can be resolved through negotiation. If your attorney isn’t prepared to take your case to trial, you may want to consider finding someone else.
7. When Should I File a Claim?
Ideally, you should file a claim as soon as possible after being bitten by a dog. This will increase the chances of success. In some cases, you may have up to two years to file a claim. However, it’s always best to speak with an attorney to find out the statute of limitations in your state.
8. What Should I Include in My Claim?
When you’re filing a claim, you’ll need to provide evidence that the dog bite occurred and that you were injured because of it. This can be in the form of medical records, photos, and eyewitness testimony. You’ll also need to prove that the owner of the dog was negligent.
A common example is when a dog owner lets their animal roam free without a leash or other form of restraint. This could easily result in the dog biting someone.
9. What Is the Average Settlement For a Dog Bite?
The average settlement for a dog bite varies depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, you can expect to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If your injuries are particularly severe, you may also be able to receive punitive damages. You can visit arrowheadaccidentattorneys.com to learn more about what to expect.
10. What if the Dog That Bit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the dog that bit you doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation. In this case, you would likely need to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog. If you’re successful, you would be able to collect damages awarded to you through a court order.
11. Getting Bitten by a Dog Is a Serious Incident
It’s important to remember that you have legal rights as a victim. This will help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve after being bitten by a dog.
Looking for other legal info that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.
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