Dog Bite Attack Lawsuits

Dog Bite Attack Lawsuits

Dog bite attacks can be one of the most terrifying and horrible experiences you can have.  For many people, it is not just the serious physical injuries caused by the dog mauling, it is also the terrible memories left behind of the attack.  The emotional scars can last a lifetime, particularly in children.  If you witnessed your child getting attacked by a vicious dog, you may never fully get over the emotional trauma.  You or your child were just minding your own business and suddenly, with no provocation what so ever, a dog has attacked and injured you.

The first thing to do after a serious dog bite attack, is to immediately clean the wounds with water, clean cloths and apply an antiseptic.  Next, no matter how small the skin break, make sure to seek proper medical care.  One of the most dangerous things about a dog bite can be the germs which were introduced into your blood system by the bite of the dog.  A medical examination will help to determine what the extent of the injuries are:  it is not uncommon for tendons, bones and muscles to be affected because bites from dogs can be very deep, causing unseen damage.

In the scarey moments during and immediately after the dog bite attack, try to contain the dog, and do not allow it to run away if at all possible, without taking a chance of further injuries.  Try to establish who the owner of the dog is, for several reasons:  it will be important to establish if the dog is current on it’s immunizations, particularly the rabies vaccination.  Also, if you need to proceed with a dog bite lawsuit, knowing who the owner is will be critical to a favorable outcome in your settlement.

Often times, you may be offered a settlement in the form of a structured settlement payment. The amount can vary greatly and may depend on the severity of the dog bite injuries. The insurance company of the opposing party makes those payments over a period of time after you have reached a settlement.  These payments can sometimes span over several years.  Also factoring into the settlement will be any previous incidents the dog may have been involved in. Knowing who the owner is will be crucial.  Your dog bite lawyer will investigate the history of the dog and the owner as well.  Were either of them involved in any previous dog bite attacks?   Was their insurance company aware they had a dangerous dog? Have neighbors or others who came into contact  with the dog ever complained about the dog?

These and other matters will be handled by the dog bite attorney who is acting on your behalf.  After the proper medical care, seek the advice of the right lawyer who can best advise you of your dog bite lawsuit.