Estimates are that there are approximately 60 million dogs in the United States. Most are loyal, lovable pets. Unfortunately, sometimes dogs bite. Certain breeds of dogs are more likely to bite than others. The number of people who require medical attention from dog bites has increased steadily. Dogs bite nearly 5 million Americans every year. Approximately 800,000 of these bites require medical care. A high percentage of dog bite victims are children. Because of their size, children frequently are bitten on the face.
If you or a family member has been a victim of a dog bite, contact LOVETT & LOVETT. Finding the right personal injury lawyers can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. LOVETT & LOVETT represents people who have been attacked by dogs in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
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WHAT TO DO IF A DOG BITES YOU
A dog bite is a very traumatic injury because it is usually either a surprise to the victim or the result of an attack. Seek medical attention immediately. The crushing nature of a dog bite can cause permanent nerve damage. A dog bite can cause infections if there are punctures in your skin. Make sure to tell the doctor and other medical personnel about all areas where you were bitten and where you are experiencing pain.
IDENTIFY THE DOG AND ITS OWNER
Find out the name and address of the owner of the dog and the dog's license information. Make sure a report on the incident is filed with the appropriate animal control agency.
Take the name, address and telephone number of any potential witness and save this information someplace where it will not be lost. Once you have obtained witness information, do not contact or speak to the witnesses again or try to get any written statements from them.
Let LOVETT & LOVETT obtain any statements from the witnesses.
TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs can be very useful to your case. They can be effective to demonstrate injuries to a claims adjuster or can be used as exhibits at a trial of your case if that is necessary. Take pictures of the place where the incident occurred, the condition of your clothing after the incident and the injuries to your body.
KEEP YOUR CLOTHING
Any clothing you were wearing at the time of the attack should be retained. Clothing can demonstrate the destructive force of the dog’s bite or be used to show blood loss or other elements of the attack. In litigation (a lawsuit) you may be asked to produce the clothing you were wearing as part of insurance company’s defense.
WHAT NOT TO DO IF A DOG BITES YOU
DO NOT make any statements about your case with the dog’s owner, the property owner or any agents, employees or insurance representatives of the property owner.
DO NOT accept any forms of payment or sign anything without speaking to your lawyer. Doing so could waive your right to recovery.
DO NOT apologize for the incident or make any admissions of fault or blame. The insurer or their attorneys can use statements that acknowledge blame or fault for the attack to minimize or deny your claim. Don't sign any document admitting fault.