Dog bite cases come under personal injury law, and they arise when a dog bite victim requests compensation for injuries from the dog’s owner or from an insurance company.
There are various factors involved, such as the case severity, the circumstances, or specific state laws regarding liability. These injuries can range from minor cuts to serious wounds that require extensive medical treatment, and they often have an emotional impact as well. In some cases, dog attacks can leave lasting scars or, unfortunately, permanent disfigurement.
What does a dog-bite attorney do?
They are specialized in representing victims of dog attacks, helping them through the legal process and recovering the compensation. Attorneys play a crucial role in investigating the details, and they gather evidence to build a strong argument for liability. They can assess the full extent of damages, which can include lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
They are the ones handling negotiations with insurance companies to make sure of fair compensation and represent the victim in court if necessary. They not only know all the legal intricacies but also how to manage insurance companies in case they try to minimize the claim. With support from a lawyer, victims are more likely to achieve a settlement that can really cover their losses and help them move forward.
Types of compensations
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, there is a legal right for compensation, and you should be eligible to receive damages for medical expenses, including costs for initial treatment and any reconstructive surgery if necessary.
Lost income compensation comes in case you miss time from work or if the injury has impacted your earning capacity in any way. This is essential if it results in the loss of a function in a body part or a prominent scar.
Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical discomfort and ongoing pain that results from the injury.
The emotional distress compensation comes from the distress caused by the trauma, especially in severe cases involving an attack by a vicious dog.
Don’t settle for the average
When it comes to dog breeds, you should focus on the injury. Insurance companies may offer a typical settlement figure, but this doesn’t reflect the value of your damages. You should go for compensation that accurately reflects the full extent of your injury. You shouldn’t feel pressed to accept an average settlement that doesn’t cover your losses completely, no matter if it comes from the dog’s owner or an insurance company.
Why is it important to hire a dog bite attorney in case of an incident?
It’s a good idea to contact a specialist promptly after the incident. An attorney can help by investigating, and they will estimate the true value of the case. They will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and take your case to court to pursue fair compensation.
Don’t worry about legal fees upfront because dog bite attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that if your case is successful, they get a percentage of your settlement, but you don’t owe them anything if you don’t win.
Let’s see the most dangerous dog breeds according to dog bite lawyers
Pit Bulls
The Pit Bull term covers three types: American Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier. While they make up only 6% of the US dog population, these dogs are involved in almost two-thirds of fatal dog attacks. They were initially bred as hunting dogs, possessing strong jaws and a bite force of 242 pounds per square inch.
Not every pit bull is aggressive or dangerous, and many of them are loving companions. Their power and strong-willed nature make them capable of serious harm in their bite. They are set apart by their unpredictability, as they can appear gentle until a sudden incident triggers their aggression. Their strength and determination make them hold on when they bite, making the attack particularly serious.
Rottweilers
These are powerful and muscular dogs with a weight up to 135 pounds and a bite force of 338 pounds PSI. With a deep sense of loyalty and protection, their affection can suddenly turn aggressive when they feel threatened or when they are not physically or mentally stimulated enough.
Rottweilers can be loving companions, but their protective instincts can bring sudden aggression. They are responsible for 77% of fatal dog attacks in the US, along with pit bulls. This breed is particularly known for attacking mail carriers or delivery workers because they see them as intruders.
German Shepherds
While they are highly intelligent dogs, often trained as guard dogs, their large size and powerful bite make them dangerous if not properly trained. German Shepherds are very territorial, and they may attack when they feel threatened, especially when they feel a threat from small children or strangers.
A male can weigh up to 90 pounds and they cause about 5% of dog attack fatalities in the US, but they are also responsible for many non-fatal bites. With proper training, their aggression can be controlled, but unfortunately, not all owners invest in this step, leaving others at risk.
Bulldogs
Shocked to see bulldogs on the list of dangerous dogs? They are lovely pets, but these powerful and muscular dogs can be a serious threat with no proper training. Socialization from a young age keeps them away from becoming aggressive as they grow older.
Their strong jaws and teeth triggered into aggression can lead to serious attacks. With a bite pressure of 305 PSI, enough to break bones, they are responsible for 4% of fatal dog bites.
Bullmastiffs
This breed is a cross between English mastiff and American bulldog, weighing up to 130 pounds. They have strong jaws and they won’t hesitate to protect their families in case of danger.
Not as common as other breeds, Bullmastiffs are responsible for about 3% of dog bite fatalities. They are often subject to breed-specific laws in certain states, due to their strength and size. When they attack, their bite can cause real damage, making them a dangerous breed if not properly trained and taken care of.
Siberian Huskies
They can seem harmless at first, not weighing more than 60 pounds, but they do have the potential to cause serious harm. Siberian Huskies were originally bred as working dogs, but these animals have strong survival instincts from their wilderness origins. They are independent and sometimes unpredictable.
If they feel challenged or threatened, they turn on their natural instincts and they may attack. Unfortunately, this is usually happening with small children whom they view as a threat to their territory. Huskies have a friendly appearance, but they can have powerful instincts that can become dangerous if not managed well.
Doberman Pinschers
Often used as guard dogs, they possess the same attributes as the German Shepherds: loyalty and protective instincts. They don’t cause as many fatalities as other breeds, but they are responsible for many serious bite injuries.
They are particularly intelligent and they have a natural aggression, standing up to three feet tall. When they attack, they target areas like the throat or face. When they feel threatened or they think someone could harm their loved ones, their protective nature becomes more intense. Their jaws can exert 300 pounds PSI when they bite.
If you understand the potential danger of a dog breed, you can prevent attacks and keep your safety, along with your loved ones’. It’s crucial to know your rights and seek legal advice in case of an incident.
Here you have a dog training guide if you’re interested in keeping your dog disciplined.
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