People love their dogs, and these pets often become beloved members of the family. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year, with children particularly vulnerable, and the damage inflicted is sometimes fatal.
Some dogs’ jaws exert pressure of several hundred pounds per square inch and can break bones. If you or a family member is involved in an unprovoked attack, you need a personal injury attorney. A Newark dog bite lawyer from our firm can advocate for you to recover the compensation you deserve.
What Is the One Bite Rule?
Some states subscribe to the one bite rule, in which an owner gets a singular pass if a dog has acted aggressively in the past. Delaware has a strict liability law, which means that if a dog bites someone, even for the first time, the owner is generally liable in most cases for the damage inflicted.
The owner will often attempt to demonstrate that you provoked the dog or were trespassing, as they are not obligated to prevent a dog from harming trespassers. This does not mean you cannot recover a damages award, but a court will closely examine the facts to determine whether your actions instigated the dog to bite. One of our Newark canine attack attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya can work to hold the dog’s owners accountable and recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Adopted Dog Ordinances
Local ordinances set expectations for dog owners. When owners accompany their canines in public, the dogs must be on a leash at all times. However, this is not necessary on the owners’ property, as long as the dog cannot roam away. Pets must also be licensed and wear tags affixed to their collars to show that they are vaccinated.
Animal control can determine whether a dog is dangerous based on past attacks on people or other animals, including livestock. In some instances, the law may require the owner of a dangerous dog to purchase liability insurance to cover potential injuries. Contact a Newark canine bite lawyer to discuss your experience and figure out your next steps.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Because of the strength of their jaws, dog bite injuries often involve:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Heavy bleeding
- Infections
- Disfigurement and scars, especially with facial injuries
- Nerve and soft tissue damage
You deserve compensation for your inflicted injuries because someone else failed to control their pet. At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya, we will assign a Newark animal attack injury lawyer to your case who can guide you through the legal process and work to win suitable compensation for your losses.
Call a Canine Attack Injury Attorney in Newark to Strategize Your Case
While most dogs are a joy to adopt, some may be reactive, ill, or mistreated. As long as you do not provoke a dog, its owner is liable for any injuries you incur, including financial damages due to missed work and emotional distress.
Dog attacks are unique because you do not have to prove the dog owner was negligent, just that the dog attacked and injured you. If you require the services of a Newark dog bite lawyer, our attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya are skilled at winning suitable compensation for your injuries. Reach out today for a consultation.