Articles

Sheboygan Personal Injury Lawyers

Dog Bite Personal Injury Cases

From man’s best friend to the guilty participant in a personal injury case, dogs can inflict pain and damage requiring medical attention. With a dog bite case, the issues present are a little more complicated than a normal personal injury case because the guilty party is an animal.

Dog owner liability is moderated by several factors. Some states have a “one bite free” rule. This rule essentially means an owner is not legally responsible for any bites their animal inflicts until the animal has demonstrated aggressive tendencies. Contrastingly, in other states, there is a “strict liability” rule, meaning owners are responsible for all bites, regardless of previous displays (or lack thereof) of vicious behavior.

Another mitigating factor is if the canine was provoked or not before the bite. In most states, if the bitten party was trespassing and attacked in the process, the dog and dog’s owner are protected by law. In addition, posting a “Beware of Dog” sign may also help to offset any liability for injuries sustained by a dog bite.

Typical damages in a dog bite case settlement include medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, future plastic surgery costs, and psychological counseling, if necessary. Settlements may also be moderated by breed-specific legislation. Certain breeds are considered more aggressive, such as American Pit-Bull Terriers, Dobermans, Akitas, and Rottweilers, and therefore settlements in cases involving these breeds may be awarded more compensation.

If you or anyone you know is the victim of a dog bite or attack, contact the experienced Sheboygan lawyers of Habush Habush and Rottier at 866-888-3620 for assistance with your case today.