Dog/Animal Bite Attack Injuries
Pets can be a wonderful addition to an individual's life. Some studies even show that having a dog or a cat can provide health benefits. But animals will always be animals, and sometimes they can turn vicious for no apparent reason. Some dogs, like pit bulls and bull terriers, are indeed known for their aggressive tendencies. But others attack out of the blue, shocking both the victims as well as the owners. The most common type of animal bite is a dog bite. These can be quite tragic, with deep physical an emotional effects or even resulting in death.
The legal rights of a animal/dog bite victim depend on where the attack happened (meaning the state and city). The laws vary from state to state, and sometimes even from city to city. In every state, a victim can recover compensation from:
- A person whose negligence caused the attack,
- A person who violated a leash law or a law prohibiting dogs from "running at large," and
- A person who kept a dog with the knowledge that the dog had a history of injuring people.
Sometimes a victim can recover compensation from people who, at first glance, might appear to have little to do with the dog. For example, a landlord might be liable if he knows that a tenant keeps a dog that bites people, provided that the landlord has the legal power to get rid of the tenant. Or a day care center might be liable for permitting someone with a large, aggressive dog to allow it onto the premises.
Additionally, in most states a victim can recover compensation from a dog owner because of the state's "dog bite statute." Generally, dog bite statutes make a dog owner responsible for all bites, even if the dog never bit anyone before. Regardless of the case and the situation surrounding it, if you find yourself attacked by an animal, you should contact an attorney. Sometimes you may have rights of which you are not yet aware. An experienced lawyer can guide you through this complex process and ultimately help you get the compensation you deserve.
Other issues in animal attack cases:
- Attacks by show animals.
- Attacks by animals in petting zoos.
- Attacks by animals used in children shows.
- Attacks by animals in pet stores.
If you have been attacked/bitten by an animal. Get medical attention immediately and then contact personal injury attorney Nicolas Babinsky to discuss your legal options.
Topics to discuss with your dog/animal bite injury attorney:
- What to do immediately after the attack
- Legal rights of a dog bite victim
- Legal rights of a rescuer
- Should parents get a lawyer for their injured child?
- The "one bite rule"
- Bodily and emotional injuries
- Free surgery for children disfigured by dogs
- How injuries are given dollar values
- Structured settlements
- Injuries in dog parks
- Electric fences
- Landlords' rights and liabilities
- Homeowner Associations' liability for dog bites
- Humane society as a defendant
- Police dogs and civil rights
- Beware of the "statute of limitations"
- Dangerous and vicious dogs
- Criminal penalties for a dog bite
