Personal Injury
Most dog owners view their pets as more than just companions. They are family members. Unfortunately, they sometimes attack people and other pets. They can inflict injuries ranging from mild to life-threatening. In particularly tragic cases, the attack may result in death.
Whether the dog was provoked or some instinct drove them to attack, the dog’s owners can be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused. For that, you need to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you.
Here’s an overview of five things you should know about dog bite lawsuits:
- Can I sue for a dog bite injury?
Absolutely. An individual injured by a dog can file a legal claim to hold the dog’s owner liable for dog attack-related injuries. The dog’s owner may also be held responsible for the harm their dog does to someone else’s dog.
“Strict liability” laws hold that a dog owner can be held accountable for injuries caused by the dog, even if the owner didn’t know the dog had the potential to be dangerous. If a dog has a history of attacking or biting, the dog owner may be held financially responsible for even more damages.
- Is there a statute of limitations on dog bite injury lawsuits?
The statute of limitations for filing a suit over a dog bite injury is typically around two or three years from the occurrence date, depending on the location (state) where the injury happened. Be aware — insurance companies can drag things out and try to let the statute of limitations expire.
A lawsuit may be your only recourse, and the sooner it is filed, the better.
- How long does a dog bite injury lawsuit take to get resolved?
The resolution of your claim can depend on whether or not it goes to court. Most dog bite injuries cases are settled without going to trial. However, some do, particularly those involving severe injury or death. The more that’s at stake, the greater the likelihood the case will go to trial.
- Do I need an attorney to file a lawsuit?
If you try to represent yourself, you may soon find you are in way over your head. In most personal injury cases, the suit is against the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurance companies have highly experienced attorneys whose only job is to defend against lawsuits, so it is nearly impossible for you to win a case against them without legal representation.
- How much can I expect to get for my injuries?
The size of the settlement depends on how severe your injuries are. Your suit can seek compensation for the following:
- Reimbursement for medical bills
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Get help from an experienced attorney
You have nothing to lose by hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you. You need someone to focus on your legal matter while you focus on recovering from your injury. You should be compensated for the harm done to you. Contact the law office of Wade Suthard, P.C. to schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer today.
