what type of lawyer should i hire if my dog bit someone

What kind of lawyer do I need for a dog bite case?

What kind of lawyer do I need if my dog bit someone? Answer Most personal injury lawyers should be able to handle a dog bite injury case, and you typically don't need to worry about finding an attorney who specializes in "dog bite defense" cases as opposed to one who handles work on the plaintiff's side.

Who is liable for dog bites?

The Attorneys at Pacific West Injury Law Can Help You with Your Dog Bite Case. If your dog has recently bitten someone, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our team of professional dog bite injury lawyers will look at your case and give you the best advice possible for your unique situation. If it looks like you may be liable, we can help you put this matter behind you as …

What should you do if your dog bites someone?

 · If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were injured by someone else's dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney. Dog bite laws vary by state. A local dog bite attorney can tell you whether you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be available, and the possible legal and monetary consequences of your dog bite …

Does renters insurance cover dog bites?

 · Lawyers for Dog Bites Affordability While you don’t want to choose a dog bite attorney purely off of price, you do want to find someone that is within your budget. You may be able to find an attorney that has all of the qualifications you need that offers a payment plan. Don’t be afraid to ask how they can work with you if you’re tight on funds.

What should I do if my dog bites someone?

Attend to the bite victim: Help them wash the wound with warm soap and water thoroughly. Contact medical professionals on their behalf, and call an ambulance if needed. Even if the bite does not look very bad, they should still be seen by a medical professional because bites can turn serious quickly.

Can you sue a dog for biting you?

If you were injured by a dog in California – whether through a knockdown, bite, or more severe type of attack – the owner is liable for the accident. California applies what's known as “strict liability” on all dog owners.

What can happen if my dog bites someone?

“There are very few exceptions to this rule. If your dog bites someone, whether on your property or not, you are liable.” If the attack happened because of an intruder, different rules could apply, Bisnar says, but generally speaking, any dog bite in California is considered the dog owner's fault.

How do you defend a dog bite case?

Possible Defenses in Dog Bite CasesProvocation and Negligence. If the injured person provoked the dog to attack—either purposely or negligently—the owner may not be held liable for the resulting injuries. ... Assumption of the Risk. ... Trespassing and Recovery. ... Police and Military Dogs. ... Other Injuries. ... Sources:

How much money can you get from a dog bite?

The average dog bite settlement can vary depending on the severity of the injuries. However, according to a report, the average dog bite payout is $30,000. This figure takes into account both physical damages and emotional pain and suffering.

What is a Level 1 dog bite?

Level 1: No skin-contact by teeth – can be exuberant obnoxious behavior or aggression. Level 2: Skin contact made but no punctures. There may be small lacerations. Level 3: One-four shallow punctures from a single bite and potentially small lacerations from pulling the biting dog or victim body part away.

How many times can a dog bite someone before being put down?

2 peopleA dog that has bitten at least 2 people can be euthanized after a court hearing. These 2 bites must have happened in separate incidents. If a victim was bitten more than once in a single attack, it only counts as a single bite.

Why does a dog have to be quarantined after biting someone?

Rabies Laws Most states also have laws requiring rabies quarantine for animals that have bitten a person or another animal. Some states also have mandatory rabies quarantine for unvaccinated pets who have been bitten by a wild animal or who have a suspected bite wound of unknown origin.

Is a dog always at fault when it bites a person?

In the state of California, dog owners are held strictly liable for dog bites. Regardless of the dog's history, the owner is responsible for the dog's actions. There are some states in which a dog's first instance of biting someone is “forgiven” in the eyes of the law.

Can a dog be put down for defending its owner?

So, you would have the right to use a dog for self-defense -- whether as a legal defense in response to a dog bite claim, for example. or in response to a crime or intentional tort -- in the same way that you could legally exercise any other method of self-defense.

Can you sue someone for their dog attacking your dog?

California law permits people whose dog was attacked by another dog to sue for damages. But it is not California's dog bite statute, Civil Code 3342, that applies in such cases. Rather, California law classifies dogs as personal property.

What to do if your dog bites someone?

If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney . Since applicable laws vary by state, a local dog bite attorney can tell you whether you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be utilized, and the possible legal ...

Can you sue a dog owner for a dog bite?

You can also file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or caretaker for damages. Some state statutes even allow these lawsuits to cover other types of dog-related injuries, not just dog bites. Dog bite attorneys play a vital role in these lawsuits since they know the applicable laws of your state, how to calculate damages, ...

Can a dog bite hurt someone?

If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire a dog bite attorney. Since applicable laws vary by state, a local dog bite attorney can tell you ...

Does insurance cover dog bites?

Many homeowners insurance policies will cover an initial dog bite claim that occurs on the insured’s property. In these cases, a dog bite attorney can be very helpful in dealing with the insurance company and using their knowledge and experience to negotiate a fair settlement.

Can you be held liable for a dog bite?

Whether you can hold someone liable for your dog bite injuries will depend on the laws of your state and the strength of your case. In some states, the “one-bite” rule is used and imposes liability if the owner knew or had reason to know their dog was dangerous, for example if the dog bit someone in the past. Other statutes impose strict liability where the injured person only has to show that their injury was caused by the dog bite while they were in a place they had the legal right to be, regardless of precautions taken by the owner.

Who is responsible for dog injuries?

For example, parents of a dog-owning minor, animal caretakers (such as dog sitters or a kennel), property owners, and landlords could be held responsible in some situations.

How many people get dog bites in a year?

With around 4 million people experiencing dog bites each year, this is not a small problem. You may be wondering if you should look into lawyers for dog bites or if you should just “let it go.”

What is the liability of a dog owner?

In other cases, the owners are liable even if the dog causes an enjoy from knocking someone over or something similar.

What is a dog bite lawyer?

A dog bite lawyer (or dog bite attorney) is a legal professional trained in the laws applicable to owning animals (dog bite laws or pet laws) such as dogs and the offering of legal services to victims and dog owners in the event of personal injury caused by a dog attack. Dogs are generally loyal animals.

Who is liable for dog bites?

Dog owners, dog handlers, and property owners may be held liable for damages caused by their dogs. In some jurisdictions, the state laws follow strict liability for dog bite liability meaning that the plaintiff will need to prove that the dog caused the injuries while he or she was lawfully present.

Can a dog attack a human?

Dogs are generally loyal animals. However, there are instances when dogs end up attacking a human and causing severe personal injuries, in some cases leading to death. When a dog attack takes place, depending on the circumstances, the dog owner may be liable to compensate the victim of the attack for damages.

Can a dog bite cause infection?

In other cases, dog bites can lead to severe infections to the victim due the bacteria or disease transmitted through the dogs saliva. It’s important to consult with a legal professional to assess the consequences and full extent of injuries suffered resulting from a dog attack.

Who is responsible for dog attacks?

Another type of person who may be responsible for dog attacks is a dog handler. If the dog was under the supervision of a dog walker, dog daycare, or kennel employee, the dog handler or the supervising company may be held liable for the injuries caused by the dog. Property owners can also be held liable for their dogs.

What to do if your dog bites a child?

If you or a child is wounded, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor and get medical treatment right away. Dogs can transmit bacteria and diseases through their saliva and it’s important to ensure that the victim of the bite is not infected. It’s also very important to contact the police and report the attack.

Can a dog bite be recovered?

Dog bites are typically associated with certain types of injuries such as: Although this is a non-exhaustive list of possible dog bite injuries , any injury caused by a dog may be eligible for recovery. It is recommended that you consult with a dog bite lawyer to better understand your rights and obligations.

What You Should Do When Your Dog Bites Someone

There are several reasons for your dog to attack an individual. It is important to be as kind as possible to the victim. The dog bite victim will often reciprocate this kindness. If you are lucky, and the injury was not serious, the victim will not take any legal action. Be sure that the victim receives medical attention as soon as possible.

The Types of Courts You and Your Dog Bite Lawyer May Have to Go Through

Dog bite cases are commonly handled in three possible courts. If it is the first time this happens, you will probably settle this in a civil court. If the bite were more serious or even fatal, you would have to go to a criminal court where you will face a number of charges as the owner of the attacker.

Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite?

In some states, owners are liable for dog bites if they knew their animals were likely to hurt someone. Several other states—including Florida, New Jersey, and California—have strict-liability laws that make pet owners legally responsible for almost all dog-bite injuries, regardless of the animals' tendencies or the owners' carelessness.

What happens if a dog bites someone?

Depending on the seriousness of the incident, the victim’s injuries, and whether your dog has a history of biting people, you might face proceedings under state laws or local ordinances known as dangerous-dog laws. Assuming someone reported the attack, animal control or law officers may impound your dog and start proceedings to have it declared dangerous. Although the procedures vary from state to state, there will usually be an administrative hearing. You’ll have a right to be notified about the proceeding, as well as the right to challenge the outcome.

What happens if a dog is declared dangerous?

If your dog has been declared dangerous and you haven’t successfully appealed that decision, some states allow or require authorities to order the animal destroyed. Otherwise, you’ll have to follow a long list of restrictions in order to keep your dog.

How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

The deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits vary from state to state, but they're typically two or more years.

How long do you quarantine a dog after rabies?

Even if your dog has been vaccinated for rabies, you’ll typically have to make the animal available for a 10-day quarantine and observation by local public health officials or a vet. In some states, the quarantine can take place in your home, but only if you meet certain conditions.

What is the law in Michigan regarding dog bites?

According to Michigan dog bite law, the attack must occur “without provocation.”. Often, the owner and/or the insurance company try to prove the victim provoked the dog. A qualified dog bite lawyer knows how to counteract these claims and present a winning case.

How long does it take to file a dog bite claim in Michigan?

Is there a statute of limitations for dog bite cases? In Michigan, personal injury claims must be filed within three years. However, if the victim is under 18, they may file a claim until their 19th birthday.

Is a dog attack traumatic?

These include the severity of the injuries and whether there is permanent scarring or other lasting damage. Because a dog attack is a traumatic experience, the psychological damage is also taken into consideration.

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Michigan?

In Michigan, personal injury claims must be filed within three years. However, if the victim is under 18, they may file a claim until their 19th birthday. However, if you or your child is bitten, you should contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible for the best result.