When To Contact A Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs are often considered members of the family in nearly every home. They are very loveable and are amazing companions, but even highly trained dogs can be damaging to property or cause personal injury.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, this may be a reason to hire a dog bite attorney right away. There are laws made for dog bites. Only a trusted dog bite attorney can tell you if your situation would constitute a legal claim and if you may be due to receive compensation for your injury or trauma. Only an experienced attorney in Dog Bite case law can confidently discuss your case and provide legal options.
Almost 4.7 million cases are reported each year, which results in 800,000 medical care reports. Therefore, having an attorney for dog bites is essential.
Potential Owner Defenses:
Below are some common defenses that may be used by the dog owner against you in the dog bite case, which can vary depending on the laws of the state.
Trespassing: If you are trespassing, or are on a property that you are not authorized to enter, you may not be eligible for compensation.
Provocation: A dog bite victim may not be eligible for compensation if they provoked the dog. This is a common defense from dog owners.
Negligence of Risk: The owner of a dog can say that the injured person is partially responsible for their injury. For example, if the owner provided some adequate warnings to the person who is bitten, and they did not heed their warnings. This may constitute a partial fault from the injured person.
One Bite” Rule: For example, in Virginia there is what’s commonly referred to as the “one bite” rule. This means that the owner of the dog is only liable if they were aware that the dog was a danger to others or had bitten someone in the past.
How to Help Prevent Dog Bites:
There are some basic best practice safety measures that should always be taken to protect yourself from dog bites.
- Always let the animal sniff and then see you before you pet it.
- Always ask the owner’s permission before petting the dog.
- Do not ever run towards the dog or run away from it.
- Canines can be fearless and dangerous. Therefore, do not look him in the eyes. Just calmly back up and stand still if you are approached by a canine.
- If a dog tries to bite you, then it is recommended that you try and put something between you and the animal. If the dog knocks you down, then cover the face roll into a ball and then lie still there.
Dogs are usually very protective and loving creatures. This means that they will often try to protect their territories and their owner whenever these things appear to be threatened. You should always be careful when approaching canines.
It is also advised to be particularly careful when children are around dogs. They must be watched diligently. Please avoid contact with dogs that are unfamiliar, or when they are eating or playing. Always ask the owner before petting the animals.
When To Contact A Dog Bite Attorney?
If you or someone you love has been a victim of a dog bite, contact our experienced Dog Bite Lawyers at Hilton & Somer today! Let us fight to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve! All Dog Bite cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you. Call or contact us today 703-560-0700.
References:
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/virginia-dog-bite-laws.html
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title3.2/chapter65/section3.2-6540/
