Table of Contents
It’s estimated that millions of people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. A dog bite victim may face various legal issues such as liability and statutory and punitive damages. This article will discuss your legal options as a dog bite victim and how to protect your legal rights.
Statutory Remedies
If your injuries are severe, you may be able to sue the dog owner for medical treatment and recovery costs. In most states, dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Before suing the dog owner, you must establish that the owner’s negligence caused your injuries.
Other factors to consider are whether or not there was a previous history of dog attacks. Even if the previous attacks occurred when the owner was not present, it would be necessary for you to show that the owner knew of the dog’s propensity to attack.
Punitive Damages
Statutory damages may also be available through a state statute. For example, New York has a civil statute that provides for up to $50,000 in damages for injuries caused by a dog.
If you can prove that the dog owner’s negligence was intentional, you may be able to recover punitive damages. However, a dog owner cannot be held liable for punitive damages if the dog bites another person in self-defense.
Get Represented
Most people bitten by pets do not have the time or money to pursue a claim on their own; they may need legal assistance because they can’t afford a high attorney’s fee. If you get represented by dog bite lawyers, they can evaluate the evidence, interview witnesses, and draft legal documents such as petitions and affidavits. Getting legal help from a dog bite attorney will help you in many ways during the claim process.
Seek Compensation
Compensatory damages provide financial relief for your medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs you incurred resulting from injuries sustained in the dog attack.
The most common type of compensatory damages is your medical expenses. The bills must be itemized and sent to the dog owner’s insurance company to prove that you incurred medical expenses.
Statutes of Limitation
All states have statutes of limitation regarding lawsuits involving personal injuries or property damage. Before filing any civil lawsuit, you must abide by the specific time frame set forth by the state’s statute of limitations. Failure to abide by the statute of limitations may result in your lawsuit being dismissed.
In conclusion, it is very important to seek medical attention if a dog bites you. It is therefore important to take any legal action, along with a medical professional, as soon as possible after the dog bite incident. When filing an insurance claim, it is also important to provide an itemized list of all your bills.
If you choose not to file a lawsuit against the dog owner and you believe that they are liable for your injuries, you may wish to seek legal assistance. By taking legal action, you will be able to recover your medical expenses and other costs that may have been incurred due to the dog attack.
