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Dog bite law suit are civil cases, meaning that the person who was bitten by the dog is suing the dog’s owner for damages. Dog bite laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to research the laws in your state before filing a lawsuit. In many states, the owner of a dog is liable for any damage caused by the dog, regardless of whether or not the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

So, what should you expect in your dog bite law suit?  If you are a dog bite victim or know someone that has been bitten by a dog, just continue reading the article. We will give you information and insights on what you should expect in your dog bite lawsuit and other aspects related to your dog bite injury.

What to do if a dog bites you?

Dog Bite Law

When a dog bites you or injures you in another way, there are a few actions you should take right away:

  • Obtain the owner’s name and contact information. Unless you don’t plan on seeking any money, you might have a change of heart the following day after realizing that leaping in front of that leaping dog caused your ankle to swell. Find out if the owner is covered by liability insurance as well.
  • Request the names and phone numbers of every witnesses. If both you and the owner of the dog later disagree or if you are unsure of the dog’s ownership, you might need them to support your account of what happened. From your description, animal control officials might be able to locate the dog and then track down its owner.
  • Snap photos. Take a picture of the dog, any apparent wounds you have right away, and anything else that can help prove what happened, if you can (for instance, an unlocked gate or even a fence gap that the dog managed to squeeze through).
  • Seek medical help if you require it. If your wound is severe enough to need medical attention, seek it out right away. Save copies of your bills and records of any doctor’s office and even hospital visits.
  • Inform your animal control officials about the event. This is particularly crucial if you do not even know the owner of the dog and it was not wearing a licensing tag. Authorities can try to capture the dog in order to quarantine it after it bites somebody in many cities as well as some states, in order to determine whether it is rabid. To find out if the dog has previously attacked someone, you should also look through the animal control department’s records. If it gets to that point, it might help you win a case in court or in negotiations with the owner (or even the insurance adjuster).

What Legal Actions Could I Do Against the Dog Owner If Their Dog Bites Me?

We’ve detailed the actions to take above following an injury, in part to help you make sure that your legal rights were safeguarded. There are typically two major ways to make an animal owner accountable for any injuries and associated losses (referred to as “damages” in the terminology of the law):

  • Submit a claim to an animal owner insurance company and work out a settlement (where the liability clauses of a renters, homeowner’s, and or insurance policy are applicable to the underlying incident).
  • Take legal action in civil court against a pet owner (any suitable insurance coverage will also cover whatever court judgment you get if your lawsuit is successful). Keep in mind that an out-of-court settlement could still happen at any stage of your personal injury case.

Of course, it’s not a given that the dog’s owner (or even an insurance company) will pay damages for injuries caused by a dog bite. This is especially true if there could be one or even more legal defenses available.

Legal Responsibility For Dog Bites

A dog owner may be held accountable in a law suit for a dog bite and other types of injury done by the dog if one (or even more) of the following conditions are met:

  • There is a dog bite law in effect. Regardless of negligence on the part of the owner or the dog’s past, most states possess “strict liability dog-bite statutes” that hold owners liable for dog bites (as well as other injuries in some places) and other injuries.
  • The victim can demonstrate that the dog’s owner was aware of the dog’s propensity for biting. The “one-bite rule” holds dog owners accountable for injuries if they surely know that their dogs are most likely to cause harm to someone. This rule applies in states lacking strict dog-bite liability.
  • The injured party can demonstrate that the injury was caused by the dog owner’s negligence (lawyer speaks of unreasonable carelessness), such as by breaking a leash law or letting the gate open so that the dog could escape and attack the mailman.

State-to-state differences in dog owners’ legal responsibilities and associated laws can be rather large. Find out the specifics of any applicable dog bite laws in your state.

How Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlements Works

The idea of bringing any form of legal action could be overwhelming for several people. Fortunately, consulting with a lawyer relieves you of that strain and can help you better grasp what rights you have in accordance with the law. Certain dog bite incidents won’t qualify as personal injury compensation. However, in general, those who have been bitten by a dog in Las Vegas or another area of Nevada may be eligible to sue the dog’s owner. You might receive monetary compensation for every injury you suffered as part of the litigation, including any lost wages. This is why it’s crucial to gather as much data as you can in order to use it to back up your assertion. The majority of dog bite personal injury lawsuits are settled out of court. However, there are some circumstances where you would need to do so. In order for you to fully comprehend the nature of your case, our reputable experts at Dog Bite King would be willing to go through the specifics with you.

Types of Damages Recoverable in Dog Bite Cases

A dog bite victim’s ability to claim damages—the formal word for compensation—depends on how bad the dog bite was. A bite the same size that causes permanent scarring or even a bite on a more sensitive area of the body, like the eyes, will result in more damage than a bite to the arm that only needs a few stitches. If the dog bite results in more damage given the prior illness, including autoimmune diseases, those who have it may also heal more quickly.

Damages that may be recovered include:

Medical Expenses in the Past and in the Future

Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for past medical costs, including those for urgent post-bite emergency care. In addition, if the harm from the bite necessitates continued care after such a settlement or trial verdict, the sufferer may also be entitled to compensation for anticipated future medical costs.

Lost Wages from the Past and the Future

Dog bite victims occasionally have to miss work in order to receive medical care. Victims may be awarded compensation for their lost wages in these situations. After such a settlement or trial verdict, the victim of a dog bite may pursue compensation for anticipated future lost wages, much like for future medical costs. In addition, a sufferer may be entitled to compensation for the lost earning potential if a dog bite stops them from working their regular job and forces them to accept a position with a lower salary.

Funeral expenses

The remaining relatives of the victim who was fatally mauled by a dog may be compensated for burial, cremation, and/or burial costs.

Pain & Suffering

If a dog bite results in significant harm, the suffering and pain may linger forever. Emotional anguish is also included in damage to pain and suffering. Dog bite victims who require treatment to cope with their pain or trauma may be entitled to compensation for their suffering or emotional distress. Therapy may be physical, psychological, or cognitive.

Severe losses such as disfigurement, amputation, and others

Some dog bites cause limb infections that necessitate amputation. Severe scars or even other disfigurements could result from dog bites. A dog bite may cause a person to lose the ability to utilize a body part, like their hands or feet, or a biological function, like their eyesight. Victims may be awarded significant damages for these very serious injuries.

Inconvenience

In the event that a dog bite prohibits a person from carrying out their regular duties, they might have to pay someone else to undertake the tasks they would otherwise do. Victims may be awarded damages to offset these costs. Costs for grocery shopping, housekeeping, and lawn care may be among them.

Loss of enjoyment and companionship in life

A dog bite victim may be able to get compensation for suffering loss of consortium if the incident prevents them from having a physical relationship along with their spouse. Victims of dog bites who are unable to participate in their usual pastimes or activities, including sports or family gatherings, may be entitled to compensation for their losses.

What should you expect if you decide to file a dog bite law suit? 

If you’re reading this, then you or someone you know may have been the victim of a dog bite. Dog bites are a serious problem in the United States, with over 4.5 million people being bitten each year. And while most dog bites are not fatal, they can still cause serious injuries that require medical attention and can lead to costly lawsuits.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, then you may be wondering what you can expect from a potential lawsuit. The first thing to keep in mind is that every case is different, so it’s impossible to say definitively what will happen in yours. However, there are some general things that you can expect if you decide to pursue legal action against the owner of the dog that bit you.

You can expect to have to prove that the dog bite was indeed caused by the other person’s dog. This may seem like an easy task, but it can actually be quite difficult depending on the circumstances. You’ll also need to prove that the other person was negligent in caring for their dog, which led to the bite happening. This will likely involve gathering evidence such as witness statements, vet records, and more.

Once you’ve gathered all of your evidence, it will be up to a judge or jury to determine whether you are owed compensation for your injuries. If they find in your favor, then you could be awarded damages for things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Again, every case is different, so it’s impossible to say exactly how much you might receive if your case is successful.

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, then don’t hesitate to reach out to a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Do to Help?

After a dog attack, you must consult a personal injury lawyer for legal guidance. They will assist you in understanding the dog bite law.

The attorney-client relationship may also defend you if the homeowner’s insurance company for the dog owner sends a lawyer to pressure you into giving a recorded account of the attack, signing any necessary insurance documents, or completing any necessary medical authorization documentation before they authorize payment for your medical care.

Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Speak to a lawyer if you were hurt as a result of a dog owner’s carelessness by getting in touch with a law firm. They can rapidly evaluate your claim to see if you qualify for compensation for any harm or financial loss brought on by the dog bite incidents.

You may be certain that you will be fully compensated for your losses and damages by hiring an expert personal injury attorney.

The Las Vegas dog bite attorneys from Dog Bite King are aware that even the smallest dog bites can cause victims to suffer from long-lasting or permanent mental anguish. During this delicate time, our attorneys are committed to ensuring that you receive compensation for your losses and are shielded from the careless dog owner’s insurance company.

Call (702) 364-2483 or send an email to the Dog Bite King right away to arrange a free consultation with one of our tenacious dog bite attorneys in Las Vegas if you’re prepared to discuss a dog bite case with a qualified legal professional and find out if you can file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner who was responsible for your dog bite injuries.