DOG BITES
A dog bite can be a traumatic experience resulting in severe injuries.
Each year numerous deaths are reported due to vicious dog attacks.
A dog bite could result in the following:
• Blood diseases;
• Nerve damage;
• Permanent scarring;
• High risk of infection;
• Psychological harm lasting beyond physical injuries.
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, the
following purebreds have been responsible for the greatest number
of dog bite related fatalities over the 20 year period 1979 –
1998 (The breeds are listed in declining order of fatalities):
1. Pit Bull
2. Rottweiler
3. German Shepherd
4. Husky
5. Malamute
6. Doberman
7. Pinscher
8. Chow
9. Great Dane
10. Saint Bernard
To succeed in most animal attack cases, the Plaintiff must prove
that the animal that caused the injury was owned and kept by the
Defendant. In the past, the Plaintiff was also required to show
that the owner knew or should have known that the animal was dangerous,
mischievous, vicious, or prone to such undesirable and potentially
threatening behaviors. Under current law, however, when proof is
established that an owner was somehow negligent, such as by not
properly restraining or containing the animal, the Plaintiff may
often recover without making a showing of the animal’s viciousness.
Click
here to contact Kimberly A.
Stovall, the Dallas Personal Injury Attorney Who Cares!
Possible Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Animal attack victims are not always entitled to recover their
damages. If the Plaintiff is found to have provoked the animal,
for instance, recovery may be denied. Say for example, that a pet
owner informs a neighbor that his dog is not friendly and it should
not be touched, but the neighbor does not heed the warning and is
bitten recovery may be denied.
Dog Bite victims are also generally unable to recover in trespasser
situations. In many states in order to successfully bring suit under
a dog bite statute, the Plaintiff must show that he or she was lawfully
in the place where the injury occurred.
Over her 20 year career, Kimberly has successfully handled many
dog bite/owner negligence cases. If you or anyone you know has been
a victim of a dog bit call Kimberly now for a free consultation.
Q: What should I do if I am the victim of a dog bite?
A: The most important and immediate thing to do is seek medical
attention if necessary. Once you have been evaluated and stabilized,
you need to collect information from the dog’s owner. This
information includes the owner’s address, his/her driver’s
license number, home owner’s insurance information and names
and addresses of any witnesses to the attack. It’s also important
to gather as much evidence as you can about the dog. For example,
has the dog ever bitten any one before? What is the name, address
and phone number of the dog’s veterinarian? What is the dog’s
name? Has the postal service carrier every experienced any problem
with the dog? Have any other neighbors experienced any problems
with the dog? Write down your observations as they may help you
remember information that you might otherwise forget and may be
valuable in helping your attorney represent you. Also, take photographs
of the dog and any injuries you sustain. Bruising, lacerations and
other injuries will eventually heal so document them now for proof
later. Make sure and note the date that each photograph was taken.
Q: How much does it cost for Kimberly to meet with me and evaluate
my case?
A: Kimberly will not charge you anything for an initial consultation
and, if she takes your case, she will take it on a contingency fee
basis. You don’t have to pay anything up front and Stovall
& Associates only gets paid once your case is won or settled.
Click
here to contact Kimberly A.
Stovall, the Dallas Personal Injury Attorney Who Cares!
Martindale-Hubbell, the nation's premier law directory, has given
Kimberly A. Stovall its highest rating: "A.V." - the very best.
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