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Charleston Dog Bite Lawyer

At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we have the resources to help you achieve your legal goals after suffering from a dog bite injury. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our Charleston dog bite lawyers understand the needs of our clients. We use our experience to ensure their stories are heard and they are compensated for all damages. To find out more, all you need to do is get in touch.

No one thinks they’re going to suffer from a ferocious dog bite. Dogs are wonderful pets and protective companions, but in some circumstances, an improperly trained or unrestrained dog can be allowed to attack a visitor unlawfully. All pet owners in the state of West Virginia have a legal responsibility to keep their dogs from harming others. This includes properly training them, putting them on a leash while out in public, and keeping them safe inside their own yard or kennel where they cannot harm others.

When this responsibility is neglected due to carelessness or negligence, a victim of a serious dog bite wound may have the right to file what is known as a personal injury lawsuit against the guilty owner. Doing so may reward the victim with financial compensation that can go towards recovery costs as well as ensure that dog owner learns to properly take care of their animal.

Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bites are more common than many believe. According to the CDC, dogs bite nearly 4.5 million people each year nationwide. That’s approximately one bite every 7 seconds. Young children, unsurprisingly, are at the most risk to suffer from a serious dog bite injury. Children from 5 to 9 years old are at the highest risk for serious facial bites.

Most dog bite injuries are also not as minor as most individuals believe. More than 880,000 people every year require emergency medical care after having a dog bite injury. 27,000 of those victims end up needing reconstructive surgery.

While an animal’s individual history, temperament, socialization, and training will always dictate whether it’s likely to bite another human being, certain dog breeds are more likely to bite than others. Here are some of the most dangerous dog breeds that may be known to attack others:

  • Rottweilers
  • Pit bulls
  • Great Danes
  • Dobermans
  • German Shepherds
  • Siberian Huskies

Liability of Dog Owners in West Virginia

Every state has its own dog bite laws. West Virginia holds to the common law liability. Any dog owner or dog keeper who allows the animal to run at large will be held liable for any damages that are suffered. In cases where the dog is found to be running at large at the time when the victim suffers injury, negligence does not have to be proven. Otherwise, it will need to be.

If a dog is knowingly vicious, the owner is not allowed to keep the animal. After a dog is proven to be dangerous or to exhibit a habit of attacking people, the judge may be authorized to have it destroyed. The owner of the dog is required to secure the dog in a way that does not allow it to injure others. If this is not the case and you have subsequently suffered injury, this is when legal help can be the most beneficial.

As you can see, West Virginia dog bite laws can be complex. To understand how your specific case may be affected by our state’s statutes and leash laws, you will need to get in touch a lawyer who’s experienced in handling animal injury claims.

Pursue Just Compensation With Charleston Dog Bite Lawyers Who Care

Dog bite injuries can be extremely serious in nature and have a greater chance of becoming infected than most puncture wounds due to the bacteria inside of a dog’s mouth. If you have been bit, you have a chance of contracting a serious disease like rabies, tetanus, MRSA, or Pasteurella from an open wound.

At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we pursue compensation on behalf of our clients who have suffered a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Emotional trauma
  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations
  • Infections or diseases such as those listed above
  • Serious bruises
  • Fractures
  • Scarring

Whether the dog that attacked you had a reputation for aggressive behavior or appeared innocent, you will need the powerful legal guidance that our Charleston dog bite lawyers offer. We have recovered millions of dollars for past clients and can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice. Viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Prior case results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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