Getting bitten by a dog can be a scary situation. It can also result in serious injuries. In this blog post, we are discussing dog bites and liability. You’ll learn:
- Strict liability;
- What you should know about insurance;
- The types of compensation you may be eligible to receive; and
- How to determine compensation for dog bites.
Here’s what you should know from a workplace injury lawyer who deals with dog bites in the workplace:
Strict Liability For Dog Owners
Most jurisdictions support strict liability for dog owners. To simplify, dog owners must be responsible for the dog bite or attack even if someone was harassing the dog. Keep in mind, though, that one defense that may impact how much compensation the bite may be worth is exacerbating or provoking the animal. This can apply to all ages, depending on the situation. For example, if a child is being rough with a dog and teasing them, and the dog bites, the owner might not be held liable however this depends on many different factors.
Strict liability means that even if the dog has no history of biting, the owner should have known if the dog has the tendency to bite people or other animals.
What About Homeowners Or Renters Insurance?
If you own a dog, you should make sure that the breed and size of the dog is covered by homeowners or renters insurance as our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC would encourage. If you have either type of insurance, the person bit could file a claim with your insurance company. However, again, it’s important that your insurance company knows the breed and size of the dog so that any potential future events with the dog may be covered.
Bitten? You May Be Eligible For Compensation
If you’re bitten by a dog, you may be eligible for compensation, such as:
- Unexpected medical bills, including stitches or surgery;
- Property or personal damage caused by the incident;
- Time missed from work;
- Anxiety or other mental health issues, such as PTSD that require treatment; and
- Pain and suffering
The above is not a full list of the potential types of compensation. To learn more about compensation, talk with an experienced dog bite attorney in your area. They will carefully review your case to determine how they can best help.
How Much Is A Dog Bite Claim Worth?
Even similar types of dog bites may be different in terms of determining compensation. A general rule of thumb is that the more serious the injury, the more likely it is that a person would receive a higher compensation amount. By speaking with a dog bite attorney, you may be able to ascertain the amount of compensation. Remember, compensation is based on pain and suffering you are dealing with.
No matter where you are bitten, whether at work, at home, or in a public place, you are entitled to compensation. It is important to seek prompt medical treatment, document your injuries with the proper authorities, and then contact a legal expert near you for help.
