Injuries stemming from dog bites or other types of dog attacks can cause serious damage to you. Injuries are both physical and psychological. Dogs are powerful animals and their attacks can leave you with broken bones, nerve damage, infection, permanent visible scars, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In order for you to have a claim for compensation, you must prove that the owner of the dog was negligent in the handling of the animal. For example, if the dog has bitten other people, then the owner should have handled the dog in a way that prevents it from attacking. It must be proven that the owner should have known that the dog was a threat.
Typically, the homeowner’s insurance policy will cover injuries caused by the dog. A dog bite victim may be compensated for medical treatments, rehabilitation, wage loss, future cost of care, and pain and suffering damages. It is important that you seek out immediate medical attention if you have suffered a dog bite. Dog bites are considered septic and you will likely be put on antibiotics, even if the dog has up-to-date veterinary records.
Make sure you gather the following information from the owner of the offending dog: the dog owner’s name and address; photographs of the injury; the name and a brief description of the dog; the contact information of any person who may have witnessed the incident; and if possible whether or not the dog owner’s liability insurance provides coverage for dog attacks.