Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs. Dog bite claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, where the injured party has the legal right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party's actions or negligence.
If you are involved in a dog bite incident, it is important to first establish if medical treatment is necessary. Gaining pertinent information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses is also crucial. You should also report the incident to local police or animal control authorities.
Dog bite laws vary by place and circumstance and are subject to a limitation on the time you have to file a legal claim. In general, a dog bite victim has the right to seek injury compensation from any party whose negligence caused the dog bite attack, any party in violation of leash or restraint laws, and any party who knowingly harbors a dog with a history of biting people.
If a dog has bitten you, you may be entitled to recover damages as a result of this injury. Determining your legal rights, however, can be complicated. It may be unclear who you should bring a claim against and the damages to which you are entitled. To ensure that you receive just compensation, consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your situation and your legal right to compensation for your injuries