Most dog owners understand their responsibility to the larger public. They know it is their responsibility to keep their animals under control. A handful of owners do not share this sentiment. They have no trouble allowing their dogs to run wild. If you have been the victim of a dog attack, you do have legal options.
Your Right to be Safe
Dog owners take their animals for walks in the neighborhoods in which they live. On warm and sunny days, they may take them to a public park. These are also place where people take walks and congregate. Everyone has a right to be on the streets and recreate themselves in public parks without being the victim of a dog attack. Owners should keep their animals on a short leash while out in public. And if they know that the dog has a tendency to bite, then they should have a muzzle put on its mouth.
Of course, you should take all precautions to protect yourself from an attack. You should never pet a strange dog, even if you have permission from its owner. If you have young children, you should keep them at a safe distance from an approaching dog. A child may mistakenly provoke the dog. And some dogs bite as a form of playfulness, which will nevertheless harm a child.
The Impact of a Dog Attack
If you have been bitten by a dog, you must seek emergency care immediately. Your wound will need to be cleaned, treated, and bandaged and you will need to undergo a course of rabies shots. If the attack was especially vicious, then you may have to stay in the hospital for weeks or months. You will be without income during this time and your medical bills will add up.
A dog attack can leave you seriously debilitated for years to come. Even when you are ready to go back to work, you may have to reduce your hours or take a less strenuous and lower-paying position. This will bring unexpected financial strain to your family. Seeking damages for injuries that were not your fault is your legal right.
Getting Justice
A personal injury lawyer can help you get justice. Even while you are healing from your attack you should contact a lawyer and go over your case. Once you have decided to file suit, your lawyer will spring into action. They will gather the evidence necessary to prove the truth of your version of events.
Public dog attacks garner the attention of many people. Your lawyer will be able to take down eyewitness statements that verify that the dog attacked you without provocation. You may also be able to retrieve camera footage of the attack. Dog owners tend to be reticent to admit fault in such attacks. However, your attorney may be able to gather enough evidence to pressure the owner of the dog to offer you a fair and adequate compensation package.
If you have been the victim of a dog attack, you should Click Here to find out your options.