You have probably heard the saying: a dog is man’s best friend. With a big smile, wag of their tail, and other endearing qualities, dogs have a way of worming their way into our hearts. However, dogs can also be responsible for causing severe injury and harm if they bite another person or dog. If you or your dog has been the victim of a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately and hire an Arkadelphia, AR dog bite lawyer to help you determine how to move forward and recover your losses.
LeVar Law understands your concerns and fears when dealing with the aftermath and pain of a dog bite. Our team walks you through your legal options and ensures you have the resources you need to get your life back after this traumatic event. An Arkadelphia personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights along the way.
Common Causes of Dog Bites
It is estimated that 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites annually, and children are the most common victims of these attacks. Any dog is capable of biting another person or dog, regardless of their breed or how calm their temperament is. Dogs can lash out if they have been provoked, are scared, are in pain, or are safeguarding an item, resource, or person. Even playing can lead to a bite if a dog gets overstimulated enough. Paying attention to a dog’s body language is key to safe interactions and minimizing the risk of a bite.
If you, your dog, or a loved one have been hurt because of a dog bite, you need dog bite attorneys who can guide you through the aftermath. Determining the reason behind the bite, as well as other contributing factors can make these types of cases challenging without experienced guidance.
Most Common Types of Injuries Associated With Dog Bites
Dogs have strong jaws and sharp teeth that can do significant damage when they bite another human or dog. They may not let go right away either, doing further damage to the area they are biting. Being mauled by a dog can also have long-term ramifications for health and mobility. Some of the most common types of injuries from a dog bite include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and punctures
- Nerve and tissue damages
- Limb injuries
- Infections
- Scarring
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Disfigurement
Injuries from canine attacks are serious, and infection and rabies are the biggest concerns after a dog bite. For severe injuries, seek medical attention immediately. For bites that are less severe — but by no means less serious — you should treat a dog bite by thoroughly cleaning the bite area and stopping any bleeding. Once this is done, apply an antibiotic cream, bandage the wound, and talk to your doctor. While the wound heals, frequently change bandaging, watch for infections, and take any other steps per the directions of your doctor.
Take These Steps After a Dog Bite
Dog bites are frightening whether they are on the milder or more severe end of the spectrum. If you have been bit or mauled by a dog, you will want to get treatment and learn about the dog as soon as reasonably possible to know how to move forward. Knowing what to do after a dog bite injury is essential for your health, the safety of the public, and your ability to recover compensation to cover your losses.
- Receive medical care: Receive immediate treatments for wounds from a dog bite. Given the harm a bite can cause and the infection risk it poses, you need to have it properly assessed and treated as soon as possible to limit further damage. Closely follow directions from your doctor to manage pain and begin to heal.
- Report the bite: Dog bites should be reported to animal control to ensure the safety of the public moving forward and so they can take appropriate action regarding the dog’s history.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact information with the dog’s owner and ask about the dog’s breed, history, and vaccination records, especially their rabies shot.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of your injuries to show the extent of the harm the dog caused you. You can also gather statements from witnesses if possible. Additionally, you should keep all medical records, bills, and any other relevant documentation related to the event.
- Hire dog bite lawyers near you: Dealing with dog bite claims can be nuanced and complex, and a lawyer who can communicate and negotiate on your behalf can streamline the process and improve the outcome of your case.
- Begin the claim process: Once you have hired a lawyer, begin the claim process with their guidance. Discuss your options with your lawyer and let them take the lead.
Arkansas Dog Bite Laws
While Arkansas does not have any specific dog bite laws, there are still legal remedies available to you when these events occur. Dog owners can be held liable for negligence when they fail to properly restrain their dogs, exercise safety precautions, and more. They could also be held strictly liable regardless of their dog’s history. An owner’s liability can be further exacerbated if they have what is considered a “dangerous dog.” This categorization means that a dog has attacked without provocation or a reasonable cause.
The circumstances of the attack can significantly influence which type of liability is applicable. It is important to consult with dog bite lawyers in Arkadelphia, AR before taking any legal action. You should be aware of what type of claim you can pursue against the dog’s owner and let your lawyer handle the case on your behalf. In addition to their extensive knowledge and experience navigating dog bite cases, a lawyer can also help prevent these cases from escalating, given their emotional nature.
Arkansas’ One Bite Rule
Arkansas is one of 16 states that have what is known as the “one-bite rule.” This says that dog owners may not be held liable if their dog bites someone for the first time without any history or previous signs of aggression. After this, dog owners must take extra precautions now that they are aware of their dog’s potential behavior.
Your Dog Could be Bitten by Another Dog in Arkadelphia, AR
Canine attacks are not limited to humans but can also occur between dogs. If your dog is bitten by another dog, many of the same rules apply when it comes to liability. When a dog is bitten by another dog in Arkansas, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for not taking sufficient steps to restrain their dog. They can also be held liable if they are aware that the dog has a history of aggression or has been deemed as a “dangerous dog.”
Similar to humans, bite wounds in dogs can also have serious health ramifications and concerns. If your dog has been bitten, they should be examined by a vet to assess the damage that was done. Your dog’s fur may hide some of their injuries, so a professional can best diagnose your dog’s condition and get it the care it needs.
Demonstrating Negligence on the Part of the Dog’s Owner
When pursuing a claim against an owner of a dog who bit you or your dog, you must demonstrate that the owner’s negligence was the underlying reason for the attack. Your lawyer will help you gather the evidence you need to satisfy this requirement in your case. From there, your lawyer will proceed with establishing the four components of negligence, which are:
- Duty of care: The owner was responsible for appropriately restraining their dog or taking extra precautions if their dog has a history of violence. The goal is to ensure safety and prevent harm.
- Breach of duty: The owner failed to exercise precautions and act according to their responsibility as a dog owner.
- Causation: Because of the owner’s actions, their dog attacked and bit your or your dog, and this was the reason for injury.
- Damages: As a liable party, the owner is responsible for paying damages for you or your dog’s injuries.
Compensation Provides Valuable Relief After a Dog Bite in Arkadelphia, AR
Given the severity of a dog bite, you may be facing surgery and other extensive treatments that can add up very quickly. When you are facing staggering medical bills, you need to recover compensation as quickly as possible to gain relief. You may be able to claim damages for other losses as well. The most common types of compensation for a dog bite include:
- Special damages will cover your losses that have a financial value. These often include your current and ongoing medical expenses and wages you may have lost from being unable to work. If a dog bite leads to a fatality, special damages will also cover funeral and burial expenses.
- General damages will cover what you lost due to the trauma you experienced. A dog bite can cause you to experience pain and suffering, PTSD, anxiety and depression, emotional distress, a decreased quality of life, and an inability to enjoy life or companionship.
As your lawyer helps you with your case, they will assess which losses you have suffered to determine which ones you are entitled to claim. The amount of your settlement will depend on the extent of the losses you have suffered and how severe they are. Ongoing treatment and needs will also be factored in. By assessing the value of your case, your lawyer can determine how much compensation to secure through negotiations.
File Your Claim as Soon as Possible
When you are facing a long road to recovery after a dog bite, you will want to avoid waiting to file your claim and pursuing damages. In fact, Arkansas only allows you three years to bring forth your claim before they will bar recovery, per Ark. Code § 16-56-105. Talk to your lawyer about your options when you speak with them about your case.
A Skilled Lawyer Can Improve the Outcome of Your Case
Dog bites can be excruciating and frightening. All thoughts of hiring a lawyer may dim in the light of the pain you are in. However, when you hire a lawyer, you can hand off the management and negotiation for your case to a seasoned dog bite attorney in Arkadelphia, AR so you can truly focus on recovering from your injuries. Your lawyer will communicate with insurance companies and opposing parties on your behalf and fight to get you the maximum settlement for your losses.
To ensure that a lawyer’s approach and communication methods match your needs and goals, it is important to know what questions to ask a personal injury lawyer when first choosing who will represent you. You should ask about their experience handling dog bite cases and how they plan to approach your case. Learn about their negotiation skills and that they have the case results to back up their claims. You should inquire about who will be handling your case. A good lawyer will be compassionate to your situation, have a good reputation in the community, and have strong communication skills.
Once you have selected and hired a lawyer, they will get to work investigating your case. They will take the information you shared and dig deeper to gain additional insight and collect any additional evidence that is needed. They will put together a strong case and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair treatment and compensation that will sufficiently cover your losses.
Hire LeVar Law to Fight for You
When searching for dog bite lawyers near me, LeVar Law can provide compassionate support and effective solutions to the challenges you are facing. Your case becomes our case as we prioritize your well-being and give your case the attention and time it deserves. We keep your best interests at the center of everything we do and protect you throughout the entire process. To learn more about how we can serve you, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
