Dog Bites

Dog bites are among the most emotionally devastating injuries people suffer. Much of this emotional damage is due to the fact that the vast majority of dog attacks are against children. Children often carry the fear precipitated by the attack into their adult lives and can experience terror at the very sight of a dog. Because dogs are so prevalent in everyday life the effects of a childhood attack can leave a person unable to socialize with friends and family who are dog owners, regardless of the demeanor of their pet.

Dog bites can result in serious injuries to a child, the elderly or the average adult. Dog bites usually result in some degree of scarring and can result in permanent physical deformities. The lengthy physical recovery, multiple plastic surgeries and psychological therapy can take years, and some never fully recover.

Understanding Strict Liability

Some states require proof that a dog owner acted negligently, while others follow a “one bite” rule. California applies a “strict liability” standard, meaning a dog owner may be responsible for injury costs if a dog bites someone under certain circumstances. Generally, the person who was bitten must have been legally allowed to be where the incident occurred and must not have provoked the dog.

Establishing liability in these cases often requires understanding the location of the incident, the events leading up to the bite, and any applicable state laws.

Statute of Limitations

Each state has legal deadlines for filing a dog bite claim, commonly two to four years from the date of the incident. Many people begin by working with the dog owner or their insurance company to address medical expenses and other related costs.

If a claim cannot be resolved through insurance or negotiations, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. It is important to act before the statute of limitations expires so that your ability to pursue compensation is preserved. A lawyer familiar with state dog bite laws can help you understand the deadlines that apply in your situation.

Filing a Claim

Following a dog bite incident, you’ll want to take steps to solidify your claim, including filing a police report and seeking medical attention. It’s important to document what happened in order to secure the compensation necessary to cover medical expenses. It’s a good idea to take photographs and gather witness statements, too, if possible.

From there, you can file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance provider. Typically, this type of liability is covered by a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. However, there are limits to what these policies will cover. The policy may fully cover incidents that occur on the owner’s property, but only partially cover incidents that occur at other locations (if the dog is being walked around the neighborhood or escapes the yard, for example).

Some policies also exclude certain dog breeds that are thought to be aggressive (like pit bulls), and often, they will only cover the first bite incident, so if the dog has a history of biting, they won’t continue to provide coverage after the first payout. All of these factors could mean that the dog owner is personally liable for costs, and many owners won’t want to pay out-of-pocket.

Navigating Claims After a Dog Bite

If you file a claim with an insurance provider and the policy does not fully cover your costs, or if the process becomes difficult to navigate, you may choose to pursue a personal injury claim in court with the assistance of a lawyer.

When you are recovering from a dog bite injury, managing insurance issues and legal deadlines can feel overwhelming. Working with a law firm that provides personalized support and clear guidance can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation. Many firms, including The Law Brothers®, offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees are only collected if a recovery is obtained. Certain costs may still apply if no recovery is secured.

If you have questions about your situation or are having difficulty resolving a claim, you can contact The Law Brothers® at (800) 222-2222 or go online to schedule your free consultation.

Call us today at (800) 222-2222 for a free consultation or Contact Us online.