Dog bites could result in serious, or sometimes even catastrophic or fatal injuries. There are a number of reasons why dogs bite people. However, as Rhode Island dog bite lawyers, we know that regardless of why dogs bite, the consequences could be devastating. Dogs bite people of all ages, but they cause the most damage when they attack young children or infants.
If Your Dog Has Bitten
Often, we think of dog bites happening at the park, on the beach or in a public place involving a strange dog. However, it is quite common for our own dogs, pets that have been in the family for years, to bite us. When this happens, there are often several mixed feelings including shock, anger, disbelief, disappointment and sometimes, even guilt. If your dog has been you, it is important that you assess carefully and thoroughly the circumstances involved in the incident in order to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Being Safe and Making an Assessment
If your dog has bitten you, it is important that you first ensure your own safety. Try to remain calm. Physical or verbal reprimands can potentially worsen the situation. Try to place the dog in another area of the house such as a bathroom where it is safe for the dog as well. Giving each other space can help both of you calm down. Assess the nature and extent of your injury to determine if you need to make a trip to the emergency room.
Once you’ve addressed these immediate concerns, it’s important that you ask more questions in order to determine if your dog has become dangerous or if this was a random bite or attack. How bad was the bite? Was it one bite or multiple bites? Did it happen in your home or outside? Was another dog or person involved? Did something provoke your dog or was it an unprovoked attack? Did other people have to intervene? These are some of the questions that must be asked in order to determine if this was a one-off incident or if your dog has become dangerous.
If Your Dog is Dangerous
Under Rhode Island law, dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses their pets cause. Injured victims of dog attacks in Rhode Island can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, cost of cosmetic surgeries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. If your dog is deemed dangerous or vicious, it would be in your best interest to keep it restrained or restricted at home and muzzled when you go out.
The experienced Rhode Island dog bite lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates represent injured victims seek and obtain fair and full compensation for their losses. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they do not charge any fees until we have recovered compensation for you. Call us at 1-800-992-6878 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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