What Do I Do If I Have Been Bitten By a Dog?

If you have been bitten by a dog, you need to seek medical treatment. Animal bites can cause serious injury and infection. Your initial medical attention will be a record of your injuries and the prescribed treatment and medication you received. Also, try to get as much information about the dog’s owner and the dog. The identification of any witnesses is important.

Should I Contact the Police?

Yes. Making a report to the police will ensure that your case is investigated. The police will gather the necessary information such as the dog’s owner, identity of any witnesses and whether the dog has bitten other victims. Your police report will be used in making a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company.

Do I Need Photographs Of My Injuries?

Yes. It is important to take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible. Some injuries such as scratches and bruises may fade but photographs will show your injuries. If you have other injuries such as bite or puncture wounds and stitches, photographs are also important. These wounds may heal over time so pictures will show your injuries. Photographs of prescribed treatments (creams or ointments) will show the type of treatment you had.

As a Parent, Can I Bring a Claim on Behalf of My Child Who Was Bitten By a Dog?

Yes. Because minors cannot bring a claim on their own, it is common for parents to bring claims on behalf of their injured children. Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries such as scarring as well as emotional trauma to children. Therefore, it is necessary for parents to bring these claims to protect the rights of their children.

Who Is Responsible To Pay For My Dog Attack Damages?

Depending on the facts of your case, there is typically an insurance policy available to pay your damages. Frequently, the victim is attacked by a dog owned by a neighbor, friend or relative. You should not be concerned with subjecting the dog owner to economic hardship because insurance will most likely cover damages. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney will investigate and determine whether the responsible party has insurance to cover your damages.

Should I Talk With the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company?

No. You should not discuss your claim with the dog owner’s insurance company until you first consult with your dog bite lawyer. Frequently, the insurance company will try to get you to agree to give a recorded statement. This can disadvantage your case if it is done before you have an attorney. Many insurance companies count on victims not to get an attorney.

How Do I Prove That The Dog Owner Is Liable For My Dog Bite Injuries?

New Hampshire has a law or statute that makes a dog owner “strictly liable” for the harm caused by a dog’s “vicious or mischievous acts.” Generally, this means that the dog owner will be liable for your dog bite injuries without regard to whether the dog owner was careless or knew that the dog could be dangerous.

Do I Have To Prove That the Dog Bit Me In Order To Recover Damages?

No. New Hampshire law does not require an actual bite but can include anything which causes injury. There was a recent case in the New Hampshire Supreme Court in which the victim became frightened by an attacking dog which resulted in the victim falling off their bike and resulting in injuries. The New Hampshire Supreme Court held that the dog bite statute does not require an “actual bite or other direct physical contact.”

How Much Is My Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on the particular facts of your case. Dog bite injuries can have a devastating physical and emotional effect on the victim. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost earnings and future earning capacity. Depending on severity and location of the dog bite attack, there may be scarring which requires future cosmetic surgery as well as other continued medical care. You would be entitled to recover those future medical expenses. Because of the emotional trauma of a dog bite injury on the victim, you are entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life or hedonic damages. Additional damages may be available depending on the circumstances of the case.

Should I Hire An Attorney For My Dog Bite Attack?

Your lawyer can help you with two important parts of your case. First is making sure you get the medical attention you need. The second important thing is your lawyer can get you the money you deserve for your injuries. Because the dog owner typically has insurance coverage, the insurance company has their own experienced adjusters and lawyers. The insurance company needs to know that you have an attorney that is experienced and willing to bring a case to trial. It is the threat of a trial that puts the pressure on the insurance company to offer you a fair settlement. The insurance company knows which lawyers will try a case and which lawyers just want to settle a case.

Why Should I Hire Douglas, Leonard & Garvey As My Dog Bite Lawyers?

Choosing the right lawyer does make a difference. Having the right lawyer may mean the difference between success and failure. Because most dog bite cases involve dealing with an insurance company, our job as your attorneys is to get you the most compensation for your injuries. The job of the insurance company is to pay you the least amount of money for your claim. Our lawyers have the reputation and experience of being a trial law firm. What makes our law firm different is that insurance companies and their adjusters know that we will take the case to trial if they do not offer full compensation for your injuries. Having an inexperienced lawyer or law firm that isn’t willing to go to court, puts you and your case at a disadvantage. This may mean settling your case too early or not for full and fair compensation.

Please call us for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-240-1988 or complete our contact form online.