According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4.5 million people become victims of dog bites/attacks and almost one in five of those victims need medical attention. Children are the most common victims and they are also the ones more likely to be severely injured. If you or your loved one has been injured because of a dog bite, know that you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injury/loss. Liability for dog bite injuries falls on the pet owner.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs may bite for a number of different reasons. Any dog can become aggressive and agitated regardless of their size, breed, or gender. A dog may bite if it:
- Is sick or sore because of a surgery or injury.
- Feels threatened.
- Is stressed.
- Is playing and bites too hard because it doesn’t know its own strength.
- Has been startled or scared.
- Is defending its food, belongings, or territory.
- Protecting its young.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
There are certain things you can do to prevent dog bites. Here are some recommendations:
- Don’t encourage your dog to be aggressive when playing.
- Don’t run from a dog or panic when it is approaching you.
- Don’t approach an unfamiliar animal.
- Don’t disturb a dog when it is asleep or eating.
Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite
If a dog bites you, you may seek compensation from the dog owner by filing a dog bite injury claim. Economic compensation that you can expect to receive includes the costs of:
- Lost income
- Medical costs
- Loss of future earning capacity
Non-economic impacts that you can receive compensation for include:
- Emotional distress
- Physical suffering and pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Proving Liability After a Dog Bite
You will need to work with an experienced dog bite lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the case law and legislation as it applies to owner liability, dog attacks, and the recovery of compensation for victims. Depending on the laws in your state and your particular situation, you may need to prove that:
- You were bitten by a dog; and
- It was aggressive or had a history of attacking people in the past, the owner was negligent in some way regarding their dog, or the owner acted in violation of the animal code.
When is a Dog Owner Not Liable?
There are certain instances when a dog owner is not liable for a dog attack or bite. These include instances where the victim was abusing, provoking, or teasing the dog, the victim was committing another crime, e.g. assaulting the dog owner, or the victim was trespassing.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Dog Bite Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
Dog bites can leave their victims with lifetime physical injury or emotional distress. If you or your loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is highly recommended that you hire professional help to learn about your legal rights and options in your state. Our experienced attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC can provide proper guidance and help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Use our online contact form or call us at (703) 560-0700 for a free consultation.
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