{"id":357965,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/animal-bites-plaintiff.html"},"modified":"2023-10-16T13:52:52","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T18:52:52","slug":"animal-bites-plaintiff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/animal-bites-plaintiff.html","title":{"rendered":"Hiring a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hiring a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Dog bite cases can lead to serious injuries, and an attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation from the dog\u2019s owner or their insurance company. Because state dog bite laws vary, a lawyer experienced in these cases can determine liability, gather evidence, and navigate defenses like provocation or trespassing.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Being the victim of a dog attack can be frightening. Depending on the size and ferocity of the dog, you may suffer severe injuries. If that’s the case, you may be able to file a dog bite claim against the dog’s owner just as you would file a claim against a driver in a car accident.<\/p>\n

This article discusses how dog bite attack cases work. It also highlights standard dog bite rules, including the one-bite rule and strict liability. You’ll also learn how trespassing can impact your personal injury claim.<\/p>\n

Navigating an injury claim while recovering from a dog bite is a lot to handle. With legal help<\/a>, you can focus on healing while your attorney works to secure the compensation you need to recover, both physically and emotionally.<\/p>\n

Dog Bites Fall Under Tort Law<\/h2>\n

Animal bite law covers a specific type of personal injury, or\u00a0tort<\/a>, involving people attacked or injured by dogs or other animals. Most of these personal injury cases involve dogs. Still, there are numerous types of animal and animal-ownership situations.<\/p>\n

Animal bite cases can involve more than dogs. They could involve horses, snakes, and even zoo animals.<\/p>\n

Most dog bite cases focus on whether the owner knew, or should have known, that their animal was dangerous. Certain animals are presumed to be dangerous in some states if they are classified as exotic<\/a>. Some states have enacted breed-specific legislation that, by statute, labels certain breeds as dangerous dogs. But all victims of dog bites must still prove liability before they recover damages.<\/p>\n

Finally, if a dog bite is very severe, you or your loved one could pass away from your injuries. If so, your attorney would file a wrongful death lawsuit<\/a> under tort law.<\/p>\n

A Dog Bite Can Cause Serious Injuries<\/h2>\n

If a dog bites you, there’s a possibility you’ll suffer serious injuries. Depending on the type and size of the dog, you could suffer any of the following:<\/p>\n