Dog Bite Injuries
Nearly two-thirds of Ohio households own a pet, and almost four out of every ten of those households have a dog. Most dogs may make great family companions, but they also present a risk of danger to visitors and others no matter how familiar they may be to the family. Postal workers and delivery drivers are not the only ones who may need a dog bite attorney in Fairfield following an attack.
Although even the tamest and most obedient dog can act unpredictably, canine owners are not off the hook after a dog attack. You may have the right to bring a lawsuit against the owner and recover compensation for your injuries.
What is a dog bite lawsuit?
The World Animal Foundation reports that millions of dog bites happen each year in the United States. About half of the dog bite victims are children, and children are especially vulnerable to dog bite injuries on their heads and necks. More than 800,000 of all dog bite incidents are serious enough to need medical attention.
The law requires dog owners in Fairfield to take steps and protect you and others from bites by their dogs. After an attack that causes you injuries, you could file a dog bite lawsuit against the dog owner. This lawsuit can result in you receiving compensation for your:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization and follow-up care
- Wages you could not earn because you needed to miss time from work
- Damage to personal property
- Counseling or therapy you need to address any anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the attack
Liability exists for dog owners even if they had no reason to know their dog would bite you or attack a stranger. If the owner’s dog has attacked another person before, there are special precautions that the owner must take to further protect you and others.
Failing to take any reasonable measure, or not abiding by restrictions for dangerous dogs when appropriate, is negligence and can lead to liability.
Who pays for a lawsuit following a dog attack?
In many cases, the homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for your expenses and losses. Where the dog owner’s liability is clear and not contested, you may receive payment on an insurance claim filed against the policy without ever having to set foot in court.
Some homeowners may not have enough coverage to address all of your losses. Other dog owners may not have any coverage at all. These are the situations where you will need experienced legal counsel the most. Under these conditions, a dog bite lawsuit may be the only way for you to obtain any compensation at all. But failing to take action within two years of your dog attack can irreparably harm your legal rights.
What assistance can a Fairfield dog bite attorney provide?
A dog bit you, and you can identify the owner of the dog. You might wonder what assistance you would need that a dog bite attorney can provide. Even though dog owners are responsible for injuries their animals cause, there are still issues with which an attorney can assist you. These include:
- Defeating defenses the owner might raise, such as the defense that you were trespassing when you were attacked
- Identifying the dog’s owner if you are not able to do so
- Helping ascertain the full extent of your physical, emotional, and financial injuries so that you receive appropriate compensation
- Negotiating a settlement between you, the dog owner, and any insurance company so that you obtain damages that address all of the harm you suffered
- Presenting your case to a judge or jury, if the dog owner or insurance company contests your claim and refuses to pay damages to you
Dog bite lawsuits can appear deceptively simple from a legal standpoint. But these cases can involve medical evidence, premises liability laws, and Ohio statutes that deal specifically with dog ownership. Therefore, it is crucial to your legal rights and potential recovery that you utilize the services of a Fairfield dog bite attorney who focuses their practice on these and similar injuries.
By looking for a personal injury attorney in Fairfield, your attorney will be intimately familiar with the local and state rules regarding dog ownership. They will also know the area and neighborhoods and local professionals who investigated your case or provided you with treatment.
Norris Persinger Law is your Fairfield animal attack attorney, and we have the knowledge and resources to get to work quickly on your dog bite case.
Does my child have rights if a dog attacks them?
Having a dog attack and bite your child can be a terrifying and traumatizing experience. Children are especially vulnerable to severe or life-threatening injuries because of their smaller size. If a dog bites your child, it is imperative that you get them to a hospital or medical provider quickly if you suspect more than minor injuries or if you have reason to believe the dog is rabid.
Children are not able to file lawsuits on their behalf. However, as their parent, you can bring a lawsuit for them and assert their rights. Any recovery you obtain through such a lawsuit can then be used to address the costs of your child’s injuries.
Depending on the circumstances of your child’s animal attack, you might be able to recover compensation as well for the trauma you sustained in witnessing the incident.
Why should I choose Norris Persinger Law?
If you are looking for an experienced, professional, and reputable personal injury firm with a history of successfully representing injury victims, look no further than Norris Persinger Law. Reach out to us right away if you or your child has been hurt by a dog in Fairfield, or anywhere in Ohio or Kentucky. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney from our firm will get to work right away investigating your case, filing a claim against responsible insurance policies, and advocating for your interests in court.
