There are literally over 4 million dog bites and injuries each year, according to recent reports from the CDC; injuries can range from minor scrapes or bruises to significant wounds, some extreme attacks are even fatal. Knowing your rights and what to do if you or a loved one is attacked can help you respond the right way and get all of the help you need to recover after a dog related injury.
While pit bulls make headlines, injuries are caused by even small breeds every day. Little pups like Chihuahuas can cause significant damage, particularly if they are being held by the person they attack. Facial scarring and damage can occur in an instant if a little dog decides to attack. The size of the dog or its breed have no bearing on your ability to file a lawsuit and recover your losses. If you have been injured, you are entitled to compensation for your suffering and injuries.
If a dog attacks your child or pet and then turns on you, the collateral damage matters as well. You still will incur significant expenses even if you are not the party the dog attacked first. Dogs can cause injury without biting at all; a large dog can knock over an elderly person or a small child and cause significant damage without ever bearing his teeth at all. An attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure that you are compensated for any injuries caused by the dog in question.
Any pet that has not been properly restrained or is not under control of its owner could attack and injure you. Even if the animal is an exotic species instead of a dog, you still have rights and can still pursue compensation. Recent cases have made headlines; snakes, birds and even a pet chimpanzee have caused catastrophic injuries when they attacked a visitor or bystander.
A personal injury attorney familiar with animal bites and dog bites can help you learn about your options and seek out the compensation you deserve after an attack. If you have been bitten or injured by someone else’s pet, contact us to talk about your case and determine what to do next. We are committed to helping you recover and put the attack behind you.