Dog
Bites
What
should I do if I am bitten by a dog? If
you are bitten by a dog, the owner or keeper may be liable
for your injuries unless there is evidence of provocation.
If you have been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately
and contact the police. Request that the dog be impounded
and the owner contacted to verify whether the dog has had
rabies shots. This information is critical in determining
the appropriate medical treatment for your injury.
Dog bites can be serious injuries. The dog owner
or keeper and his or her insurance company may be legally
responsible to compensate you for the full extent of your
injuries including medical expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering,
and disability including permanent disfigurement. If you have
been bitten by a dog, you should contact a lawyer to determine
your legal rights.
Is
the dog's owner liable? The owner of
a dog is generally responsible for injuries caused by the
dog to other persons. It doesn't matter if the dog owner is
unaware that the dog may be vicious or that the dog has bitten
others before—the dog owner is still liable.
The dog owner's homeowner insurance policy will
normally pay for dog bite injuries caused by the insured person's
dog. There may be other coverage for medical bills from a
dog bite in addition to the liability insurance coverage.
You may want to consult with an attorney before
speaking with any insurance investigators or adjusters, so
that you will know and protect your rights. Dog bites can
be very serious injuries, particularly when children are bitten.
Damages
in a dog bite case. The owner of a dog is responsible
for injuries caused to others who are bitten by the dog. These
injuries are often painful and serious, especially when children
are the victims. The damages claimed in a dog bite case can
include all medical bills, any required plastic surgery, an
award for any permanent scars, pain and suffering, lost earnings,
and other damages that are standard in injury cases, including,
of course, future medical expenses. Some victims of dog bites
need psychological counseling, and there may be a claim for
emotional damages as well as the cost of treatment or counseling.
It is a good idea to speak with an accident attorney before
giving an interview or recorded statement to any insurance
investigators and adjustors.
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