That Bites! What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident

Even for dog lovers, being attacked by a dog can be a scary experience. Dog bites can scar you physically and emotionally, and even cause serious injury. If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite incident, it is crucial to understand your right to compensation. Let’s discuss post-dog bite actions, factors influencing liability and compensation, specific regulations concerning dog bites in Idaho, and how a dog bite personal injury attorney provides support.

What Do You Do After a Dog Bite?

1. Seek medical attention: After a dog bite, your health and well-being should be the priority. Even if your injuries appear minor, seek medical attention promptly. Some dog bites may result in infections or complications that may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical treatment ensures that your injuries are properly assessed, treated, and documented.

2. Gather evidence: It is essential to document the incident and gather evidence to support your claim. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and any visible signs of negligence or inadequate dog control, such as broken fences or leash violations. These photographs can serve as valuable evidence when establishing liability.

3. Report the incident: Notify the appropriate authorities about the dog bite incident. Contact animal control or local law enforcement to report the attack. This step creates an official record of the incident, which can be beneficial when pursuing your claim.

4. Obtain witness statements: If there were witnesses to the dog bite, gather their contact information and statements regarding the incident. Witness testimonies can provide additional evidence and support your version of events.

5. Preserve evidence: Keep any relevant medical records, bills, photographs, or other documentation related to your injuries and treatment. These documents will help establish the extent of your damages and the impact of the dog bite on your physical and emotional well-being.

How Much Are Dog Bite Claims Worth?

You might be wondering if it’s worth reporting, submitting a dog bite case, and hiring a personal injury attorney. But medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can add up, and a dog bite claim can help compensate for those expenses.

The value of a dog bite claim depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, employment complications, emotional distress, and long-term consequences. Severe injuries, such as deep lacerations or nerve damage, may result in higher compensation. Emotional distress, scarring, or long-term disabilities caused by the dog bite can also impact the value of the claim.

A dog bite attorney can assess the extent of your damages and work to secure fair compensation. They will consider both economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life) when calculating the potential value of your claim.

What Factors Affect Liability in Dog Bite Cases?

If you file a dog bite claim, there are four major factors that can impact your case: 

• Dog owner negligence: Proving that the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the attack is a crucial aspect of establishing liability. This may include demonstrating that the dog was not properly restrained, the owner did not take necessary precautions, or the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

• Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on the premises where the dog bite occurred, it may affect liability. In such cases, the dog owner’s liability may be reduced, but it does not entirely absolve them of responsibility.

• Provocation: In some cases, the defense may argue that the victim provoked the dog, thereby sharing some responsibility for the incident. However, provocation must be significant and intentional to impact liability, and the dog owner still bears primary responsibility for their dog’s actions.

• Comparative negligence: Similar to provocation, some states follow a rule of comparative negligence when it comes to personal injury cases, including dog bite incidents. Comparative negligence means that the compensation awarded to the victim may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault or contribution to the incident. If the victim’s actions or negligence played a role in the dog bite incident, it may impact the amount of compensation received.

What to Know for Dog Bites in Idaho

Certain states follow different regulations and laws for personal injury cases, such as dog bites. In Idaho, here is what you will want to keep in mind: 

1. Reporting requirements: In Idaho, dog bite incidents are sometimes required to be reported to the local health department within 24 hours depending on the county. Failure to report the incident may affect your ability to pursue a claim. Contacting a personal injury attorney immediately can also help ensure you meet compliance and reporting deadlines.

2. Breed-specific legislation: Some states put restrictions and penalties on certain dog breeds. Idaho does not have specific statewide breed-specific legislation that targets certain dog breeds, such as pitbulls. Although, some local municipalities may have their own regulations regarding specific breeds. It is important to consult with a dog bite attorney familiar with local laws to understand any breed-specific considerations that may impact your case.

3. Comparative negligence: Comparative negligence was mentioned above, and Idaho does in fact follow this rule. As a result, if you are found to be at fault in any way for the dog bite incident, you may receive reduced compensation for your case. A dog bite personal injury attorney can help set expectations for compensation based on this rule.

Why Should You Hire a Dog Bite Personal Injury Attorney?

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of dog bite personal injury cases, you might be wondering what next steps to take to submit an official case. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help advance your case and ensure you meet all requirements, without upfront costs. Many personal injury attorneys use a contingency fee model, meaning they only get a percentage of your compensation if you win. 

Let’s review some key benefits of hiring a dog bite personal injury attorney: 

1. Expertise in dog bite laws: Dog bite attorneys specialize in personal injury cases involving dog bites. They possess extensive knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations related to dog ownership, liability, and compensation. This expertise enables them to provide effective legal representation and present a compelling case. Dog bite laws county to county can vary. Even dog bites in Boise are governed by different laws than dog bites in Meridian. 

2. Covering medical expenses: Dog bite injuries can lead to substantial medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills. They can also use testimonials and statements from medical professionals to strengthen your case. 

3. Maximizing compensation: When reviewing a dog bite claim, insurance companies may try to undervalue your case or give you only a portion of the compensation owed to you. A dog bite attorney acts as your advocate, protecting your rights throughout the legal process. They will ensure that you are treated fairly, that your side of the story is heard, and that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

4. Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. By having an experienced attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery and well-being without the added burden of legal jargon. Knowing that a skilled attorney is working tirelessly to protect your rights and secure fair compensation provides a sense of reassurance and peace of mind.

Dog bite incidents can be upsetting and stressful, but the next steps after the fact don’t need to be. By hiring a dog bite attorney, you can navigate the legal process more effectively, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Remember to take immediate action after a dog bite, preserve evidence, and consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the complexities of your case, including any specific regulations applicable in your state. With the right legal representation, you can seek justice and ensure your voice is heard.