Are Owners Responsible For Dog Bites?

Dogs and humans often share a special bond based on affection, trust and companionship. The loyalty dogs show their owners is one of many reasons that make them the most popular pets in the United States. Nearly 44 percent of U.S. households include a dog, but when bites occur, the pain, scarring and emotional trauma can affect victims for years. If you suffered a dog attack, our attorneys at Mike Morse Law Firm stand ready to assist you. Here are the answers to a few common questions about how to seek compensation for your losses after a dog bite.

How Do Dog Bites Happen? 

Many dogs bite without warning or give subtle signs before doing so. While some breeds, especially those bred for guarding and protection work, are less tolerant of strangers, any type of dog can deliver a painful bite for several reasons, including:

• Fearfulness 
• A lack of socialization as a puppy 
• Resource guarding (food, toys) 
• Little or no corrective behavior from the owner after nipping or snapping 

In many cases, poor training on the part of a dog owner can increase the risk of a dog bite. Owners who allow their dogs to mouth or nip as puppies and do not train them to interact with different types of people usually result in a dog that may bite with less provocation than a socialized and well-trained animal.

What Types of Injuries Do Dog Bites Cause? 

Dog bites can result in many different types of injuries that can cause far-reaching effects. The severity of the bite usually depends on the bite force the dog uses and the location of the bite.

Puncture Wounds 

When a dog bites, its canine teeth cause puncture wounds that may reach far below the skin. These wounds may include skin tears that occur when a victim tries to pull away from a dog that does not release an arm or leg after biting.

Ripping Wounds 

Some dog breeds instinctively shake their heads vigorously after biting. This causes deep tears in the skin and underlying tissue, leading to severe bleeding.

Crushing Wounds 

Many large-breed dogs, such as the German Shepard and the American Pit Bull Terrier, have a bite force that can crush bones in the hands and fingers. These types of crushing bites usually require surgical treatment.

Infection 

Almost any type of dog bite can lead to a serious infection. Bacteria can spread throughout the body from the bite and lead to secondary illnesses.

Our attorneys understand that the aftermath of a serious dog bite can affect you in a variety of ways and cause losses that affect you physically, emotionally and financially. We can help you build a dog bite lawsuit and earn the compensation you require to make you whole again.

Are Dog Owners Always Liable for a Dog Bite? 

Once you bring your dog bite case to our attorneys, they begin by examining the circumstances of the attack, including where it happened, who owns the dog and the types of injuries you sustained. Many home insurance policies cover injuries stemming from dog bites; however, some insurance providers will not provide coverage for certain breeds, such as Rottweilers and Mastiffs.

If the owners of the dog that bit you do not have home liability insurance, then they must pay out of pocket for your injuries. If their insurance does not cover the total cost of your injuries and you need further treatment, our attorneys work for you to hold the dog owner or owners liable.

What Types of Losses Can You Claim In a Dog Bite Case? 

When you seek compensation for losses that occur after a dog bite, working with our attorneys can help you understand your options and guide you through building a case that meets the required burden of proof in court.

Medical Bills 

The cost of treating a serious dog bite can add up to thousands of dollars, especially if you required stitches or surgical treatment after the incident. The cost of medical care also includes any emergency or triage care and future needs, such as physical therapy.

Loss of Wages 

If your dog bite injury caused you to miss work, our attorneys can include the value of that loss in your lawsuit. If you cannot return to your current job because you lost the use of a hand or fingers, our attorneys can include a loss of future wages in your lawsuit as well.

Scarring or Disfigurement 

Serious dog bites can leave permanent scarring. Bites to the face may cause the loss of an eye. These types of permanent injuries can affect you for the rest of your life, especially if the injury affects your vision.

Emotional Trauma

If a dog bite happens suddenly, such as if the animal rushed out at you from an unsecured location and attacked, you may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. This condition causes many disturbing symptoms that include vivid nightmares about the attack, a new fear of dogs and certain sounds or sights that trigger the memory of the traumatic incident. You may require psychiatric treatment and medication to ease your anxiety symptoms, the cost of which our attorneys can add to the total value of your case.

Can You Receive Punitive Damages for a Dog Attack? 

Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages punish the defendant for behavior that was reckless, negligent or intentional. While each dog bite case varies, our attorneys can request such damages in several instances, including:

• If the owners failed to properly fence in a dog with a biting history 
• The owners allowed their dog to freely roam the neighborhood 
• The owners failed to control or train an aggressive animal 

The judge may award punitive damages depending on the recklessness or negligence the dog owner exhibited, as well as the dog’s biting history.

What Proof Is Required To Build an Effective Dog Bite Lawsuit? 

When you bring your dog bite case to us, our attorneys review the circumstances and gather facts to build the foundation of your lawsuit. Once you allow us to represent you, we gather a variety of evidence from multiple sources.

Proof of Wrongdoing 

The cornerstone of your dog bite case is presenting proof that the dog owner committed a wrongdoing in the handling of the biting dog. Our attorneys will gather evidence that includes speaking to witnesses and gathering pictures or home security video footage that proves you did not provoke the dog or that the animal left its property to attack.

Proof of Monetary Loss 

Collecting medical bills, including the cost of prescriptions or medications administered at the emergency room, can prove your monetary loss. Our attorneys may also contact your employer for work records that document lost wages.

Proof of Permanent Injuries 

Scarring and other permanent injuries can affect your self-esteem and prevent you from performing important tasks, such as driving. Our attorneys will present photos and doctors’ reports to the court to prove the permanent injuries you suffered due to a serious dog attack.

Contact Us With Your Dog Bite Case 

A dog bite injury can change your life in ways you never imagined, and you may not know where to turn for help with gaining compensation from the owner. Our attorneys at Mike Morse Law Firm can help you understand your options, so contact us today for assistance and further information.