The Alarming Reality of Dog Bites

It is estimated that up to sixty-eight percent of US households have pets. Owning a pet is something that many people love to do. Our pets become a part of our family. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen.

In fact, dog bites happen more often than you may think. According to Canine Journal there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites each year in the US. Over 900,000 of those bites become infected. Overall, a dog bites around 1 out of 72 people in this country.

We understand that those statistics can be alarming. If you've been the victim of a dog bite, you may need a dog attack attorney in Phoenix. At Lorona Mead, we can help you through your options when it comes to dog bit attacks.

The Unexpected Nature of Dog Attacks

Despite the statistics we discussed above, dog attacks happen unexpectedly. What starts out as a good day can quickly turn into a nightmare.

A 68-year-old woman was attacked by two dogs in Chicago recently. She was visiting the city from her home in Nashville when the dogs attacked. There was a good chance she was going to lose her leg, but luckily she made it through surgery without that happening. Unfortunately, she is still facing months of physical therapy.

In Topsham, Maine, a 17-month-old sustained serious eye injuries from a dog attack. The dog belonged to a couple who was looking after the child. The dog and child had spent time together in the past, so nobody was worried beforehand. Luckily, the injuries were not life-threatening, but the trauma is something that is not easily forgotten.

Both attacks we unexpected and sudden, as is the case with most dog attacks.

Dealing with the Aftermath of a Dog Attack

Being attacked by a dog is a scary situation that nobody wants to be in. What can be even more difficult is determining if the dog's owner is liable for the injuries and subsequent medical costs.

Should you contact a personal injury attorney after a dog bite?
If the attack resulted in long-term medical issues, there is a good chance you will need an attorney. If the attack was unprovoked or the owner violated municipal “leash laws” at the time of the attack, they may be liable. There is also a chance that the same dog has been involved in previous attacks.

Always seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible after an attack. Document any expenses you incur.
You need to get as much information as possible when it is safe to do so after an attack. Get the owner's information and take pictures of the injuries as well as the dog if possible. If there were witnesses, get their information as well.

As much as you may not want to, reporting the dog to animal control is appropriate.

What To Do

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you may need a dog attack attorney in Phoenix. If a loved one has been killed in a dog attack, you should find a wrongful death attorney. At Lorona Mead, we understand that dog bites and attacks can be emotional. We also know that navigating the legal waters can be tricky. We are here to help. We will sit down with you and discuss your options. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 602-385-6825.