Dogs are often beloved pets for families in the U.S. However, some dog owners may not be as responsible as others. When it comes to securing their dogs and keeping people safe, some owners may not have control over their animals. If a dog gets loose and attacks someone, a dog bite injury can ensue. This can be an extremely traumatic accident, especially for small children. If a dog bite resulted in severe injuries, you can seek compensation for your losses. Professional legal representation will help you with your claim. A Huntington dog bite lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC can help you secure your financial future.
Our West Virginia lawyers have handled dog bite cases in the past. Dog bites fall under an area of law called premises liability, where property owners are supposed to keep their property safe, so others do not suffer injuries while they’re on the premises. Dog bites are preventable injuries because if the owner had taken proper precautions, their dog would not have been able to get loose and attack the person. We’re prepared to look at your case and gather the evidence necessary to prove the dog owner acted negligently and this negligence led to your injuries.
How Do Dog Bites Happen?
When a person has a dog on their premises, they need to take measures to keep their dog enclosed. For example, if they have a fence, they need to make sure the fence is secure. If there are any holes or weak spots, the dog could easily get through and roam without any supervision—the owner may not even realize their dog is missing. If they don’t have a fence, the dog still needs to be secured outside.
This extends past their property, as well. If someone is walking their dog or taking their dog to a park, they still need to secure their dog. The dog needs to be on a leash or harness. Dog owners may believe they have the best behaved and trained dog in the world, but there’s no telling what could happen in any situation. If the dog goes after another dog or sees a squirrel and chases it, the owner may not be able to regain control before someone is hurt.
After a dog bite, you may be wondering why the dog bit. It doesn’t always mean the dog is aggressive—there are many reasons why a dog may bite. However, the owner is still responsible for staying in control of their dog.
What Leads to an Animal Attack?
Dogs have a reputation for being friendly companions. If, however, a dog feels threatened, they may lash out. We recommend the following to prevent dog bites:
- Don’t go near an unfamiliar dog.
- Panicking or making loud noises could upset a dog. If you’re near one, try to remain calm and quiet.
- Don’t run from a dog.
- If a dog is asleep, eating, or caring for puppies, don’t go near it.
- Don’t allow aggressive play.
- Small children should always be supervised around dogs.
Unfortunately, safety tips may not always stop a dog bite from happening if the owner does not have control of the dog. Your dog bite lawyer in Huntington will look into what events led up to the bite as well as the injuries you sustained.
Dog Bite Injuries
According to an article from Cleveland Clinic, infection is the main concern with dog bites. Those with diabetes or compromised immune systems may have a higher risk of infection. If a dog bites you, it’s imperative to see a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite.
Dog bite injuries can also puncture, tear, or rip the skin. Unfortunately, young children can sustain severe facial trauma because they’re often near eye-level with dogs. If the dog knocks the person over, they can also cause fall injuries like broken bones.
If you are bitten, there are a few steps you should take to care for the wound. After getting to a safe area, you should assess the wound. If it’s minor, wash out the wound with soap and water. Then, apply antibiotic cream and put on a bandage. Keep an eye on the wound—if it becomes red, painful, swollen, or if you get a fever, you need to see a doctor.
If the wound is serious, you need to stop the bleeding with a clean, dry cloth. Call 911 if you cannot stop the bleeding, you start to feel weak, or see exposed tissue or bone. You should also see a health care provider if you don’t know if the dog had its rabies vaccine.
After you see a doctor, it’s important to stick to their treatment plan. This will aid in your recovery and also show that the injuries were severe enough for you to see a doctor as soon as possible and you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do to heal.
Our Law Firm Stands for Dog Bite Victims
When a dog bites you, it’s likely you’ll need medical care. If the injuries are severe, you may need to stay in a hospital, require surgery, or will need future care. This could result in significant medical expenses. As you’re dealing with this, you may also be struggling with the emotional toll of the accident. A dog bite is a scary experience and may have long-lasting effects. With our dog bite attorneys at your side, we’ll take all your losses into account when determining the compensation you’re owed.
A dog bite victim may feel like they cannot come forward with a claim because they know the owners of the dog. There’s a good chance the dog owners are friends or family. However, when you’ve been injured, you deserve to seek compensation for your damages. This will help you get the care you need and move forward. You shouldn’t have to struggle with bills and painful injuries for an accident you didn’t cause. Our firm will help you stand tall and recover the damages so you can heal with the comfort of financial security. To schedule a consultation with our firm, give us a call today.
