d’Oliveira & Associates Personal Injury Attorneys
390 Broadway
Providence,
RI
02909
(401) 831-8600
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to collect for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, among other losses. Many dog owners have insurance to cover these claims. Our experienced Rhode Island dog bite lawyers do not charge any fees unless you receive a settlement or award. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-922-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) consultation.
Have You Suffered a Dog Bite Injury?
Contact Us Now For Help!
Dogs are Biting People with Covid-19 Masks
Research shows that dogs are able to understand human emotions, which is possible by reading a human’s facial expression. If a human is wearing a mask, the dog can only see the human’s eyes, which can be misinterpreted as hostility. This will, in turn, make the dog fearful and aggressive against the human. Read more
What is a Dog Bite Injury?
A dog bite injury occurs when a dog’s mouth closes around any part of a person’s body. In most cases, a dog bite will tear the skin and cause cuts and deep gashes that can leave ugly scars. However, a dog does not have to break the skin or cause bleeding for a dog bite injury to occur. Dog bites can also cause internal injuries and crush injuries that affect nerves, muscles, and bones.
Can I Get a Dog Bite Settlement?
If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be able to recover for your injuries along with other losses and pain and suffering by obtaining a dog bite settlement. In Rhode Island, dog owners are held legally responsible for the actions of their dogs. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner can be held responsible to pay for the injuries suffered as a result. Many times, dog owners have insurance policies that cover these incidents.
Typically, a dog bite settlement will compensate the injured victim for their medical bills, lost income, scarring, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other losses. Our experienced Rhode Island dog bite lawyers have settled many large dog bite cases over the past 30 years, and we know how to get you the compensation you deserve. For a list of our best dog bite settlements, click here.
What is a Dog Bite Case Worth?
If our firm is successful in proving your dog bite case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, scarring, pain and suffering, and other losses. Read more.
What is The Legal Fee?
The standard legal fee in personal injury cases is 1/3 of the settlement or award. We charge the standard 1/3 fee only if you receive a settlement or award in your case. Up until that point, there are no fees charged.
Who is Responsible For a Dog Bite Injury?
In Rhode Island, dog owners or their insurance companies must pay injured victims if their dog bites someone. In some cases, another person or entity may also be responsible. For example, you may be able to recover money from a kennel or person in possession of a dog, who was taking care of the dog at the time of the incident. Also, property owners may be at fault if someone else’s dog bites someone while on their property under certain circumstances. Finally, landlords may be liable for dog bite injuries if they allowed a tenant to own a dangerous dog. If a minor (person under the age of 18) owns a dog that has bitten someone, then the minor’s parents may have to pay costs of the dog bite injuries. Read more.
What Should I do After a Dog Bite Injury?
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to try to get as much information as you can about who owns the dog and how the incident occurred. Get the name, address, and contact information of the dog owner. Talk to any witnesses that may have seen the dog bite occur, and get their names and contact information. Document everything you can about the scene of the incident and exactly what happened. Take photos of where the bite occurred. You should also document your injuries. Take photos of the area you were bitten. Seek the appropriate medical attention right away, and tell your treating doctor that you were bitten by a dog and how it happened. Make sure to follow up with any further treatment you may need.
What Are Some Common Dog Bite Injuries?
There are many possible injuries that can result from a dog bite. The most common injuries include cuts, bruising, and scarring. However, the emotional damage because of a dog bite can also take a toll on a victim of a dog bite and have long-term consequences. Scarring can also lead to a great deal of emotional pain as a daily reminder of what happened. Other common injuries include the following:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Pain and Suffering
- Infections
- Broken Bones
- Scarring
- Anxiety, Depression and Phobia of Dogs
- Rabies
- Amputations
- Wrongful Death
What Is The Typical Treatment For Dog Bites?
The treatment for your dog bite will depend on the severity of your injury. It is important to seek medical attention right after a dog bite and talk with your doctor about the best options for your treatment. Typical injuries caused by dog bites include cuts and puncture wounds, which can require stitches or even surgery to repair. These types of injuries can often leave scars. If the dog bite injury is on your face, plastic surgery may be needed to lessen the visibility of the scar. Other injuries can cause permanent muscle damage, tissue damage, or broken bones, which can require extensive treatment and ongoing therapy.
Mental injuries like anxiety, depression, fear, and PTSD may also require ongoing professional treatment. These conditions can disrupt and limit a person’s daily life. For example, some dog bite victims are unable to socialize with friends who own dogs, go for walks, or visit public places such as parks because of the trauma caused by a dog attack. Mental injuries can affect children in particular. Childhood is a time to develop mentally and socialize, but traumatic dog bites can greatly alter a child’s mental and emotional state.
Contact an Experienced Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyer
Our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers and legal staff have the experience and knowledge to help you if you have suffered a dog bite. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering, among other losses. There is no fee unless you get a settlement or award. Call us toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no-obligation) case evaluation.
| Award Amount | Type of Case |
|---|---|
| $400,000.00 | Our client was a young boy who was attacked by a dog while at a friend’s home. The dog latched on to the boy’s nose requiring him to undergo plastic surgery. |
| $350,000.00 | Our client was attacked by a dog and suffered severe bites that required surgery and skin grafts. |
| $300,000.00 | Our client was bit on the ankle by a dog and sustained deep puncture wounds and required physical therapy. |
| $300,000.00 | Our client was a woman, who was bit on the face and the chest by a dog and sustained deep lacerations and puncture wounds. She received an out of court settlement from Safety Insurance Company. |
| $217,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premise Liability |
| $300,000.00 | Our client sustained a serious dog bite to the face and underwent constructive surgery. Our firm maintained joint responsibility with another attorney, who settled the case out of court. |
| $155,000.00 | Our client’s arm was seriously injured, requiring surgery, after an unprovoked dog bit her. The dog had a history of biting others. |
Dog Bite Attorney
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, you may be entitled to collect for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, among other losses. Many dog owners have insurance to cover these claims. Our experienced Rhode Island dog bite lawyers do not charge any fees unless you receive a settlement or award. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-922-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) consultation.
Have You Suffered a Dog Bite Injury?
Contact Us Now For Help!
What Is a Dog Attack?
A dog attack occurs whenever a person is injured by a dog. According to Rhode Island General Laws § 4-13-16, the dog does not have to bite a person for it to be a dog attack; a dog attack is any injury caused to a person by a dog. This can include a dog running into a person and knocking them over, or a dog knocking over an object that injures a person.
Why Do Dogs Attack?
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs attack for many reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons:
– Protecting: If a dog is protecting or guarding something important like a toy, food, or their owner, they may attack someone who tries to get too close. This is likely because the dog is fearful that the victim may try to take away their food or toy or attack their owner.
– Fear: Fear is the number one cause of most dog attacks. If a dog is fearful, they may have no other way to protect themselves than by biting whatever theythey perceive to be a danger.
– Anger: If a dog is angry or frustrated, they may become overwhelmed and attack. Dogs often get angry when they feel held back or restrained, which is why people are often bit even by dogs who are on leashes.
– Play: Playful biting that results in no injury to the victim is common and normal in dogs. However, sometimes dogs take play too far and their bites can result in serious injuries.
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries from Dog Attacks?
Some common injuries from dog bite attacks include puncture wounds, broken bones, crushed organs, and loss of body tissue. When severe, these injuries can leave a victim permanently scarred, disabled, or deformed. In addition to physical injuries, victims of dog bites may suffer emotionally as well. Psychological distress, anxiety, and phobias can affect people after an incident.
What Should You Do After a Dog Attack?
- Seek Medical Attention
If you have been attacked by a dog and suffered injuries, you should immediately seek out medical attention for your injuries. It is important to treat every injury, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Occasionally, untreated injuries can create larger problems down the line. In addition, dog bite wounds can become infected if not treated appropriately. Infected wounds can be extremely dangerous and, sometimes, even deadly.
- Gather Witnesses
If you are able to do so, it is important to gather the names and contact information of anyone who may have witnessed the attack. Witnesses are important in dog bite cases.
- Document the attack
In addition to gathering witness information, take photos of your injuries and even the scene of where the incident occurred. Photos help legal cases significantly and can make a big difference in your case.
- Report the Incident
It is also important to report the incident to the proper authorities. While under Rhode Island law, there is no official protocol for reporting dog bites, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management provides some guidelines on actions to take when it comes to reporting dog bites. Click here for more information.
- Hire a Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is important to hire an experienced Rhode Island dog bite lawyer who will advocate on your behalf to ensure that you are compensated for your losses and injuries. Dog bite laws can be complicated as they vary based on city, county, and state codes and laws. Our dog bite attorneys have over three decades of experience in settling dog bite cases. They also know how to deal with insurance companies so they will be able to get you a maximum settlement, like a client who received $400,000 after being attacked by a dog at a friend’s home.
How Do I File a Police Report?
Every animal bite should be reported to local authorities through a police report or a report with municipal animal control. Dog bite police reporting protocol may vary based on the town you live in or where the bite occurred. Be sure to check with your local police department for guidance on how to file a report.
What is the Rhode Island Dog Bite Statute?
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 4-13-16, the owner of a dog who attacks a person anywhere besides the dog owner’s own property is liable to that person for any loss or damages they have suffered. The Rhode Island dog bite laws apply to all injuries caused by the dog, not just bites. If a dog knocks a person over and they are injured, or the dog runs into a person and they are injured, the same liability applies. After a dog’s first incident injuring another person, the owner is liable for double the damages if the dog attacks again.
Dog Leash Law
Under Rhode Island General Laws § 4-13-15, city or town councils may make their own ordinances subject to state guidance regarding dogs in that area. Because of this law, leash laws may vary depending on where you live in Rhode Island. Contact a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer to find out more about these town specific laws.
What if I was on someone else’s property?
If a dog attacked you on the property belonging to the dog owner, the “one-bite rule” applies. This means that the dog owner is only responsible for compensating your injuries if the dog has a history of violently attacking people in the past. However, if you were attacked by a dog on the owner’s property, you can still contact a dog bite lawyer to assist you. Under certain circumstances, even on the dog owner’s property, the court may find the owner liable if he or she failed to properly care for or control the animal.
What is the time limit for bringing my Rhode Island dog bite claim?
Under Rhode Island law, each personal injury claim has a “statute of limitations,” which is the time a victim has to bring a claim for compensation against the other party. For dog bites, the deadline to file a claim is three years from the date of injury. It is important, however, to contact a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer as soon as possible so that your claim can get filed right away. Dog bite cases can be complicated so having enough time to gather witnesses and evidence is crucial.
Dog Bite Compensation and Settlement
If you have been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to recover for your injuries and other losses such as pain and suffering through a settlement. While all personal injury cases are different and each settlement amount will vary based on the severity of the victim’s injury, you can contact our skilled Rhode Island dog bite lawyers for a free, no obligation consultation on your case.
Who will pay for my Rhode Island dog bite or dog attack injuries?
Under Rhode Island laws, the owner of the dog or their insurance companies must pay for the injured victim’s losses. In some dog bite cases, the owner is not the party responsible for compensating the victim for their losses. If the dog was in the care of a kennel or another individual when the attack occurred, the kennel company or other individual may be responsible. Another person who has potential to be liable is a landlord if they allowed a tenant to own a dangerous dog. Read more here.
Why Do You Need a Dog Bite Attorney?
Hiring an attorney to file and fight your dog bite claim is a good idea because navigating legal issues on your own can be extremely difficult and stressful, often leading to unfavorable results. Hiring a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer with d’Oliveira & Associates takes the guess work out of the process. Our attorneys will take of everything for you, handling all the major paperwork and communications with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to take advantage of injured victims, but with decades of experience, our lawyers get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. If a settlement is not possible, our attorneys are not afraid to fight it out in court on your behalf.
How Do You Find a Good Dog Bite Lawyer?
When looking for a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer, search engines can be useful tools to connect you to a lawyer’s website. The first important thing to find out is where a lawyer is licensed because you will need an attorney who is licensed to practice law either where you live or where the dog bite occurred.
It is also important to look out for a lawyer who has extensive experience handling these types of cases. At d’Oliveira & Associates, our lawyers have decades of experience handling dog bite cases and can help you win yours.
You also want to pick a lawyer who has a good record of obtaining maximum settlements for their clients. Click here to read about the settlements our clients have received.
Last, you may want to read reviews from former clients and find out if they had a positive experience with the attorney you are researching. Click here to watch real former clients of d’Oliveira & Associates tell their story.
What Are Some Potential Defenses You Can Expect?
– Provocation: If the victim of the dog attack provoked the dog or in any way abused the dog, the owner may not be liable to compensate the victim. If you have any questions about dog bite defenses, a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer can help.
– Assumption of Risk: In certain circumstances, a dog owner is not responsible for compensating a person who was bit by their dog. Specifically, if a person works in the pet industry, such as in a vet office or as a pet caretaker, they have assumed the risk of being injured by an animal.
– Trespassing: Sometimes trespass can be an exception to Rhode Island’s dog bite statute. Usually if someone trespasses onto someone else’s property or is on another person’s property committing an illegal crime when they are attacked by a dog, the owner of the dog will not be liable even if they had knowledge that their dog is dangerous.
Child Dog Bite Safety
According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, children under six years old are especially at risk of being injured in dog attacks because of their size. In fact, victims of severe dog attack injuries are almost always young children under 10 years old. It is important to teach children to never disturb animals, especially when they are doing activities like eating or sleeping, never taunt a dog, and always ask the permission of the dog owner before petting a dog.
Rhode Island Dog Bite Case Results
Our skilled Rhode Island dog bite lawyers have successfully settled numerous cases in the past, awarding our clients with the compensation they deserve. Our lawyers are not afraid to fight it out in court to get our clients the compensation they deserve. Click here to read more about our largest dog bite injury settlements.
What are the most dangerous dogs?
Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers have received the reputation of being “dangerous dog breeds” because of their size and temperament. Some jurisdictions in states outside of RI have even passed breed specific legislation in an attempt to control the number of dangerous breeds in an area. Click here to read more about dangerous dog breeds.
Contact an Experienced Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyer
Our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers and legal staff have the experience and knowledge to help you if you have suffered a dog bite. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering, among other losses. There is no fee unless you get a settlement or award. Call us toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no-obligation) case evaluation.
d’Oliveira & Associates Personal Injury Attorneys
•
390 Broadway
Providence,
RI
02909 Free Case Evaluation
• local:
(401) 831-8600