How to deal with a dog bite effectively and legally?
Dogs are generally regarded as men’s best friends, but unfortunately, the best friend often turns into a deadly foe, especially when small kids or defenseless adults are involved. As per the report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 4.5 million Americans fall prey to a dog bite each year. The vast majority of these victims are young children between the ages of five and nine. And one out of five such victims is injured severely, requiring medical attention.
The treatment of a dog bite victim can be severe, prolonged, and heavy on the pocket. In such situations, the victim has the legal right to demand compensation from the accused party. However, to be able to do so, it is crucial to hire an excellent dog bite attorney. One can find a good attorney even online just by searching “dog bite attorney near me” online and researching a bit about the attorneys they find.
The Medical Repurcurions
Getting bitten by a dog can have various medical repercussions, ranging from minor injuries to serious infections and diseases. Below are the potential medical consequences:
Rabies
The first medical condition that springs to mind after a dog bite is rabies. It is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. It affects the nervous system and, if untreated, is almost always fatal.
Infections
Dog bites can introduce bacteria such as Pasteurella, Staphylococcus aureus, or Capnocytophaga into the wound, leading to swelling, redness, and pus formation. Although rare, deep puncture wounds from a bite can expose individuals to tetanus bacteria, especially if they are not up-to-date with vaccinations.
Wound Complications
Severe bites can damage muscles, tendons, or bones, leading to long-term complications. Deep bites may sever nerves, resulting in numbness or loss of function in the affected area. Even minor bites can leave scars, depending on their location and depth.
Sepsis
If a dog bite infection spreads into the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the bite or subsequent treatments like antibiotics
The Law Behind the Bite
A dog bite falls under the scope of personal injury laws. Personal injury laws are civil suits, also popularly known as the law of torts. They aim to compensate the victim or the aggrieved party for physical, mental, or emotional injuries caused by the accused or the wrongdoer. Compensation for a personal injury generally includes claims for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and diminished quality of life.
A personal injury law can be understood as a protective law that safeguards the rights of a person who has sustained any injury due to another person’s action or inaction. In a nutshell, when a person is supposed to do or not do something but fails to do so without any reasonable cause, and their failure results in a person getting hurt, the case becomes a personal injury case.
In a dog bite, the victim is the person attacked by the dog. However, as the dog cannot be held liable for wrongdoing, the dog’s owner becomes the accused party. This is because, as per the law, it is the dog owner’s lawful duty to ensure their dog’s proper behavior. Therefore, when the dog acts harshly, causing injuries to others, the owner is held liable for the same.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
When one falls prey to a vicious dog bite, getting a fair compensation for their injuries, mental anguish, and the hardship caused is their legal right. However, someone recovering from a dog bite might be facing physical, emotional, and financial difficulties, not leaving them in a state where they can fight for their rights. Hiring an experienced dog bite attorney can be the right thing to do in such situations.
To find the best fit for yourself, start by searching for a good attorney. You can find popular attorneys in your area with a quick “dog bite attorney near me” search online. Once you have a few names jotted down, start your primary research by reading their testimonials and the services provided. Then, look into their work history and track records. Ensure that they have decent experience in cases similar to yours and good standing of victories.
While researching the attorney, also look into what their previous clients have to say about them. Are they good to work with? Were they communicative and helpful? Did they clear the client’s doubts? This is very important because, mostly, what people before you have experienced will also be your experience with the attorney.
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Another thing to consider is the attorney’s fee structure; otherwise, this might become a point of contention later. And finally, ensure that you have a pre-consultation with the attorneys you have shortlisted before making any final decisions. During this consultation, the attorney will put a case about why they are a good candidate for you while you assess if their work is to your liking. Once you have appointed an attorney, make sure that you follow their advice and do as they say.