Feb 7, 2022 | read time: 2 minutes
dogs are the most common pet in the united states, with more than 69 million households in the country owning at least one dog. While most dogs make great pets, that isn’t the case for all of them. In fact, 4. 5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Those injured by a dangerous dog can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the animal’s owner. While california has favorable laws for dog bite victims, there is no guarantee that an insurance company will handle a claim fairly. At wells call injury lawyers, we help dog bite victims and their families pursue maximum compensation for their injuries through our aggressive advocacy.
Filing a personal injury claim is the most effective legal avenue to secure compensation for a dog bite injury. A personal injury claim is a lawsuit handled in the civil court system, and it seeks to hold a negligent dog owner financially liable for the harm their dog caused. Although it is possible to file a dog bite claim on your own, many victims find that having the backing of a practiced attorney results in more favorable outcomes.
A dog bite lawyer can:
investigate the circumstances around your dog bite and what led to the attack
determine liability
deal with the at-fault pet owner’s homeowners insurance on your behalf.
In addition to the statute of limitations, dog bite laws in connecticut and new york also vary when it comes to the liability of the owner. Connecticut follows the doctrine of strict liability in dog bite cases. That means the owner is generally liable for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has exhibited aggressiveness or attacked someone before. New york, on the other hand, follows the “one-bite rule. ” to be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, the owner must be aware of the dog’s aggressiveness or previous injuries it has caused and failed to take action to prevent further injury.
The long-term effects of dog bite injuries can include physical scarring, disfigurement, and chronic pain, as well as emotional distress and trauma. It is important to seek medical attention and consider these long-term effects when determining the compensation that you are entitled to receive. Normally, a plaintiff that produces persuasive evidence is better able to negotiate a favorable settlement. Irrespective of the evidence, it may be wise to settle the matter rather than potentially risk an unfavorable outcome at trial. Before engaging in settlement negotiations, the plaintiff should establish liability and damages. As connecticut law imposes strict liability on dog owners for the damages caused by their pet’s, proving liability is often a simple process.