Dogs are a popular companion animal and bring joy to our lives, but they can also be unpredictable and cause problems. When an owner lacks control of his or her dog, and that dog bites someone, the victim has a right to take legal action.
If you are bitten, especially if the bite resulted in injuries serious enough to seek medical attention, you could be entitled to compensation. The same is true if a dog bites your dog or other pet. And in some cases, if a dog is a repeat offender and has bitten before, the owner could face more serious consequences, including criminal charges.
What Should You Do If You are Bitten by a Dog?
Ideally, you’ll have the opportunity to prevent or avoid a bite before it happens. If you spend time outside in an area where there are dogs, learn to recognize the signs of aggression. Also remember that if a dog or other animal looks wild-eyed or confused, it could be rabid and you need to keep as much of a distance as possible.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell in every situation if a dog could behave aggressively, and no matter what you do to avoid it, you could get bit. If this is the case, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you believe the bite is not that serious, you still need to see a doctor.
It’s also important, if you can, to gather information about the dog’s medical history and the contact information of the owner. If your run-in occurred with a loose or stray dog, ask people in the area what they know about the dog. The information you gather make the aftermath of the bite much less unpleasant.
Should I Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer?
In some cases, it might be possible to work out an arrangement with the owner of the dog. Occasionally, dog owners take responsibility for their pet’s actions and offer to pay the costs associated with a bite. As long as you’re treated fairly and your medical bills are paid, you might be able to resolve the matter on your own.
However, there are many cases in which a dog’s owner refuses to admit responsibility. This can often be the case if a dog gets loose and you are bitten without the owner’s immediately knowledge. Animals that are lost and scared tend to be more aggressive, so a dog that wouldn’t normally bite might do so if on the run – something a dog owner might find hard to believe depending on his or her pet’s “usual” temperament.
If you’ve been bitten and the owner of the dog refuses to cooperate, or you are having an issue identifying the owner of a dog that bit you, an attorney can help.
After you’ve dealt with any immediate medical issues and you’ve done what you can to identify the dog’s owner, you can speak to an attorney about your situation. It’s especially important to seek legal assistance if the bite is serious enough to require significant medical attention.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to discuss a dog bite incident involving you or a loved one, contact the Law Office of Robert M. Geller at (813) 337-7798.
