Though dogs are our best friends, they can bite anytime. A dog bite can cause mild to severe injuries to the victim. Kids are more likely to be bitten by dogs as compared to adults. Men are more likely to be bitten by dogs as that of women. More than 4 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs and over 8,00,000 of these people present for medical care each year.
Common Physical Injuries Caused As A Result of A Dog Bite
- Facial Injuries
- Puncture Wounds
- Scarring
- Nerve Damage
- Head Injuries
- Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Crush Injuries
- Emotional Trauma
- Rabies
- Lacerations
Tips To Prevent Dog Bites
To prevent dog bites, one must follow the following tips:
- It is advisable to choose the dog having a good temperament
- It is advisable to stay away from street dogs
- Avoid leaving kids alone with your pet
- Never touch any dog that is feeding his/her puppies
- Do not run away or make loud noises in front of a dog
Compensation Entitled to Victims in Case of A Dog Bite
Medical Bills
When you are bitten by someone’s dog, you don’t need to pay anything for your medical care. If an owner can’t take the necessary precautions to protect people from his/her pet, the owner’s insurance company is liable to pay medical bills.
Missed Income
It’s obvious that you may need to miss work to recover from injuries caused as a result of a dog bite. If you miss your income while recovering, the dog owner’s insurance company may be liable to compensate for physical and financial suffering.
Pain and Suffering
It’s no secret that the dog bite can have lasting injuries. You are entitled to be compensated for the pain and suffering caused due to someone else’s negligence.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages might be expected if the dog had a history of biting others. Medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering come under punitive damages. And these damages are paid by an insurance company of the dog’s owner. By contrast, punitive damages are anticipated to punish the individual who is liable for the damage.
If you or your family member has been bitten by a dog, it is important to ask for compensation for your injuries. Hiring a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer can help you receive the maximum possible compensation for your pain and suffering.
