According to the CDC, 1 out of every 73 people will be bitten by a dog and one in every five people bitten by a dog will require medical attention. Approximately 4.5 million dog bites happen in the United States every year. Dog bites can be dangerous and may result in a serious medical emergency. Pursuing a dog bite injury claim in Plymouth, MA is an option that you may want to consider if you want to get compensation.
A Plymouth dog bite lawyer will evaluate your case free of charge and we will only charge you if we win your case. We can provide you with options you can use to pursue justice. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
What is the Number One Reason Why Dogs Bite?
There are several reasons why dogs bite and they include:
- Feeling unwell
- They are scared or feel threatened
- They are reacting to a stressful situation
- They are engaging in rough play that involves biting
- They may be protecting their owner
Who Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs can bite anyone but the people who are at risk are children especially those aged two years and below. This is because kids at that age are not aware that their actions may aggravate a dog. For instance, they can pull a dog’s ears or its tail in an attempt to play but this can easily anger the dog. The dog can bite the child either on the neck, face, or head. The bites can be so severe that the child might need cosmetic surgery.
As for adults, the dog can either jump on them or chase them. They might have bites on their arms, wrists, or hands.
You must seek medical care after a dog bite to reduce the chances of getting an infection. Additionally, seeking medical attention will go a long way toward getting compensation for a dog bite claim in Plymouth.
How Can You Protect Yourself Against the Risk of Dog Bites in Plymouth, MA?
If you own a dangerous dog breed, it’s a good idea to get yourself dog liability insurance. The Rottweiler, for example, has a huge dog bite (328 PSI) and is considered a dangerous dog breed. You can also tell if you are harboring a dangerous dog if most of your visitors are scared of it.
Liability insurance will help you cater to medical expenses among other damages should your dog bite someone. It also helps mitigate the risk of your dog being put down because of a bad situation.
What Kind of Damage Can a Dog Bite Cause?
A dog bite can damage muscles, tendons, and layers of skin. Additionally, an open wound can get seriously infected, which is why medical attention should be the first thing on your priority list.
The dog might bite you and damage a joint or an area of your body that might limit your ability to perform daily tasks or even miss work to tend to your injuries. For instance, a bite to the face might affect the career of a model.
Dog behavior can be unpredictable and this is why dog owners need to control their pets. If a dog bites you, you are entitled to compensation under Massachusetts’s laws. You may require statements from witnesses and any other information that can help you to build a solid case.
How a Plymouth Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
Most dog bite cases fall under the premises liability laws because they happen on someone else’s property. A friend or a family member could invite you to their home only to get bitten by their dog. If this happens, it can be very hard to file a claim against them because they are people that you know.
If you have been bitten by a dog, an insurer may reach out to you with a settlement offer. While this may sound like good news, it is their way of trying to offer you less than you deserve. Additionally, the insurer might also deny your claim by implying that you provoked the dog.
It is best to avoid speaking to an insurance company without talking to a Plymouth dog bite lawyer first. At Kevin P Landry Law Offices, we will protect your rights and evaluate your case for free. Call us today to book your free consultation.
