Should I Call a Lawyer for a Dog Bite

April 30, 2021 in Uncategorized | MARTIN WREN, P.C. | LEAVE A COMMENT

Dog Bite Lawyer

Nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by a dog each year, and almost half of that number are children. Dog bites are a serious problem and about 900,000 of those bitten need some kind of medical attention. Some bites are even fatal. Around 3,000 people each year need reconstructive surgy due to a dog bite.

Dogs are a wonderful addition to the family, and normally they go their whole lives without bitting someone. However, there is always a risk that it could happen. If your dog bites someone or you and your pet were injured by someone else’s dog then you may need to hire a dog bite lawyer. 

What to do After a Dog Bite 

The very first step is to see if you need medical attention. Chances are, if the dog bit hard enough that you need to head to the ER. No two dog bites are the same, and that is why it is important to seek out a medical professional. Make sure you take documentation of the bite and have all the information of the other dog owner. 

Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Case

Truthfully this part is going to depend on the laws in your state. Even more than that the laws can vary by county and even city to city. Most states adhere to a statutory strict liability which puts liability on the owner of the dog. This means the owner is responsible to cover the cost of the injury. 

In many cases, there are various dog bite and negligence statutes that mean the owner of the dog has the duty to protect others from harm caused by their dog. This would include guests, workers on their property, and even people in public. Owners also have to obey local leash laws. Depending on the dog bite case, it will depend on who is going to be liable, as it may not be the dog owner but people like animal caretakers or even property owners. 

Provocation and Exception to the Rule

Just like anything though, there are exceptions to the rule. Speaking with a dog bite lawyer in Houston Texas is the best way to understand these exceptions. If you were the victim and you were engaging in irresponsible or unlawful actions that preceded the incident then you will find yourself liable for the bite. 

If you have been bitten by a dog and are unsure of what your next steps should be, then don’t hesitate to reach out to a dog bite lawyer we want to help you and you can trust that we will listen and have an understanding of your case. If you have questions reach out to us today and we will do everything we can to help you. 

 

Contact Our Virginia Lawyers

We serve clients throughout Virginia — from Charlottesville and Central Virginia to metropolitan Richmond; Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley to Roanoke; and the cities of Hampton Roads to the Northern Virginia cities of  Fairfax, Alexandria and Arlington.

To speak with one of our attorneys, please call us at (434) 817-3100.

Our Virginia personal injury lawyers at MartinWren, P.C. have a statewide practice and offer free consultations at a time and location that is convenient for you.  We will gladly meet with you at your home or at the hospital, even on nights and weekends.

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