Even if a dog is well-behaved, it can cause property damage or even bodily harm. If your dog injures another dog, or if another dog injures you or your pet, you may need the services of a dog bite lawyer. The laws governing dog bites vary greatly between states. An experienced local dog bite lawyer can assist you in determining whether you have a legal claim, the potential level of your liability, the types of defenses that may be available, and the potential legal and monetary consequences of your dog bite case.
What Should I Do If I’m Attacked by an Animal?
When a dog bites you, there are several options for dealing with the situation. You can begin by filing a claim with the dog’s owner’s insurance company. A homeowner’s insurance policy typically covers dog bites that occur on the insured’s property, but many policies also cover dog bites that occur away from the insured’s property if the dog is kept on the premises.
Having a dog bite attorney on your side can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Dog Bite Injuries Lawsuits
When it comes to holding someone accountable for your dog bite injuries, it all depends on your state’s legal system and, in particular, how strong your case is. The owner of a dog that attacks someone may be held liable under common law’s “one-bite” rule. Any exceptions to this rule must be supported by evidence that the dog’s owner was aware of or had reason to suspect that their pet was dangerous.
In roughly half of the states that hold dog owners strictly liable, it is not necessary to prove that the dog’s owner attempted to prevent the incident from occurring in order for a person who was harmed by the dog’s bite to recover damages from the owner.
Among the possible defenses in dog-bite litigation are:
Depending on state law, your adversary’s dog bite lawyer may raise a number of defenses to your claim. Here are a few examples of possible counterarguments:
Even if you are a trespasser, your state’s dog bite legislation may require you to demonstrate that you were bitten while in a legally permitted area. Dog bites that occur while someone is on the property without permission are not covered under these guidelines, and the victim is not entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Many people claim that their injuries were unavoidable after an attack because they teasingly cornered and threatened the dog with an aggressive gesture.
In some cases, dog owners may argue that you are partially to blame for your own injuries. If you ignored their dog’s appropriate warnings, the owner may be able to limit or eliminate your ability to sue for damages.
It is critical that you have a dog bite lawyer on your side who is familiar with the various defenses that can be raised against your claim.
Speak with a dog bite lawyer
A dog-bite case could result in substantial fines and penalties for either pursuing or defending one. If your lawsuit is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages. It can be difficult to determine which laws, damages, and defenses apply to your specific situation. The sooner you contact a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer, the more likely you are to win your case.
