I’ve Been Bitten: How A Dog Bite Lawyer Will Benefit Your Case
American Veterinary Medical Association shared a statistic that stated, “36.5% of households own a dog.” In our world today, it’s not rare to have a neighbor that owns a dog or pass a dog walking with their owner around the city. As our society continues to grow, more houses are being built which means less yard space for dogs to enjoy. With less yard space, more people are taking their dogs to parks and neighborhoods, but this means the dog encounters more unfamiliar people. The fact that 36.5 % of households own a dog and have less yard space for it to run raises the chance of becoming a victim of a dog attack. If you or someone you love, has suffered an injury due to a dog bite, it’s time to contact a dog bite lawyer in Lafayette.
Dog Injury Statistics
According to Canine Journal:
- Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States every year.
- 900, 000 of those bites become infected.
- The U.S population is approximately 325.8 million people as of 2017. That means a dog bites 1 out of every 72 people.
- In 2016, there were an estimated 78 million dogs in the U.S.
- The insurance industry paid more than $530 million in bite related claims in 2014.
- Most bites involve dogs who are not spayed or neutered.
Dog injuries will vary, and if one has suffered an injury, an attorney can help seek the right compensation for the injury.
Common Injuries from Bites
Dog attacks can leave various scars depending upon the injury, which may result in the need for plastic surgery or leave an individual with emotional distress. Some of the common injuries include
- Scars
- Punctures
- Nerve Damage
- Infections (Rabies)
- Disfigurement
- Broken Bones
These are just some of the injuries one can experience if they have suffered a dog attack.
In some cases, a person may become infected with a bacteria such as pasteurella multocida, which is a pathogen that can be found in wild and domestic animals, and capnocytophaga canimorsus, known as a bacteria. There are various traces of bacteria that an individual can come in contact due to a dog attack, and it’s essential to be evaluated by a doctor.
What should I do if I’m a Victim of a Dog Attack?
- You need to seek medical attention immediately.
- If possible, find out if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies. It’s imperative that medical personnel test you for rabies, whether the dog has been vaccinated or not. Although some states require dogs to have a rabies shot, not all people obey the law. It’s safer to check to make sure you have not been infected with rabies.
- Take photographs of your injuries.
- Do not talk to the owner of the dog or anyone that may contact you from the owner’s insurance company. Also, do not sign any type of agreement until you contact an attorney.
- Keep the clothing you wore when you were attacked. It can possibly be used as evidence in your case.
- Make sure to receive a copy of your medical records. They can be used to grant you financial compensation.
- Contact one of our Lafayette lawyers.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
Contacting an attorney may be exactly what you need to gain the compensation you deserve. Here are a few reasons you should hire a dog bite lawyer:
- An attorney has the legal experience and knowledge to handle your case. They will know exactly how to take care of your injury and what type of questions they need to ask.
- An expert in bite injuries will ensure the laws are followed. They will also guide you through the paperwork you need to complete.
- A lawyer can also help you gain any financial compensation or damages you deserve. Such as medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering, lost wages, and permanent disability.
Contact a Lafayette Attorney
If you or someone you know has been injured in a dog attack, you need a personal injury lawyer who handles dog injury cases. An experienced lawyer will assist you in gaining the financial compensation you deserve and has the knowledge to help you file your case.
In Louisiana, dog owners are liable for the actions of their dogs, including bites. In Lafayette, there is no such thing as “one free bite.”
The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux provide free case consultations for Lafayette dog attack victims. To schedule your free consultation, call our office at 337-989-1212. We can explain your legal options.
Animal Control Resources
If you come in contact with a potentially dangerous dog, contact a local animal shelter or animal care center. Listed below are resource links.
Lafayette Area