According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, with 1 out of 5 bites becoming infected. While dog bites can occur anywhere, the majority occur at home or in a dog owner’s yard. Below is an overview of the laws regarding dog bites, and who pays for injuries when an accident occurs. If you have been injured by a dog bite, it may help to contact a personal injury attorney for advice.
Many dog bites occur while people are visiting the homes of friends and family. This may cause the injured party to be concerned about seeking compensation for their injuries because they do not want to place loved ones in a place of financial hardship. However, in most dog bite cases, the dog owner does not have to personally pay for the victim’s injuries because it may be covered by:
- Renter’s Insurance
- Homeowner’s Insurance
- Commercial Liability Insurance
- Property Insurance Purchased by a Landlord
- Car Insurance
- Pet Insurance
These policies may provide coverage so that victims can receive compensation for medical treatment, and pain and suffering.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can range from mild to disfiguring. Studies have shown that most dog bite victims are children ages 5 to 9. In adults, men are bitten more often than women. Some of the most common injuries associated with dog bites in children and adults include:
- Facial scarring
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Puncture Wounds
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Emotional Distress
What If the Dog Owner Does Not Have Insurance?
When someone is bitten by a dog, the dog owner’s insurance typically pays for the victim’s medical bills and lost wages. But what if the dog’s owner does not have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to cover the expenses associated with the attack? In these instances, a personal injury attorney may be able to recover money for the victim’s injuries by filing a lawsuit against the owner’s personal assets. As with any personal injury claim, it is important to establish that the owner was negligent, resulting in injury to another person.
How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Charlottesville VA Trusts Help Dog Bite Victims?
Dog bite victims who suffer serious injury will most likely have mounting medical expenses, and may lose time from work. They may also be unsure how to move forward with their case to obtain a settlement for their injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help by:
- Gathering evidence
- Speaking with medical experts
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Calculating lost wages and medical bills
- Filing court documents
- Representing you in court
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, contact a personal injury attorney at once. During a consultation, an attorney will go over the facts surrounding your case, and may let you know the best way to move ahead to obtain a settlement for your injuries. While being bitten by a dog is a traumatic event, having an experienced dog bite lawyer on your side can greatly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with your case.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from MartinWren P.C. for their insight into personal injury practice.