Dogs have been proven to make our lives better by providing companionship, relieving stress, and keeping us in better shape, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, certain breeds have gained a reputation for causing harm as well as good. The American pit bull terrier is a breed that some people consider dangerous, and cities and counties throughout the country have breed-specific legislation that bans ownership of certain dogs considered pit bulls.
If you are hurt and suffering because of an attack or bite from a pit bull, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for their dog’s behavior. An American pit bull terrier dog bite lawyer can help.
Our team understands how overwhelming it can be to think about taking legal action if you are still healing from your injuries. However, we are here to take the burden off your shoulders and help you recover damages for your losses. We also work on a contingency-fee basis only, which means we ask for nothing upfront or out of pocket. For a free review of your dog bite case, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.
Types of Injuries You Can Incur in a Dog Attack
There are numerous injuries that someone can incur as a result of a dog bite or dog attack. A few of the possible injuries include:
Puncture Wounds
The bite itself can leave puncture wounds or cause tearing to the skin that is painful and creates a risk of heavy bleeding and potentially infection. Punctures, according to Healthline, also can be deep enough to pierce the internal organs, causing even further complications.
Broken Bones
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a dog bite can crush underlying bones, especially since injuries often occur to the hands and arms, which are usually raised to protect yourself against the animal. The bite can not only crush bones, but also cause damage to nerves, tendons, and muscles, potentially resulting in complications like infection or a loss of sensation at the site of the damage.
Head Injuries
Even if a pit bull did not actually bite you, it can still cause serious and even life-threatening harm if it knocks you down, causing you to suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can cause changes in emotional and cognitive functioning and are a leading cause of death and disability across the U.S., according to the CDC.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
If a dog bites you, there are a number of steps that you should take right away, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
- Wash the wound: If you have an open wound, wash it using warm tap water and soap for five to ten minutes.
- Apply ointment: If you have an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, apply it when you have slowed the bleeding from the wound.
- Wrap the wound: Next, wrap the wound with a sterile bandage to reduce bleeding while you seek medical attention.
- Receive medical treatment: Even if you think the damage from the bite is mild, it is still important to receive medical treatment. There may be damage that you are not aware of, or the doctor may want to give you a tetanus shot. It also is important to document the bite and injuries.
After doing these things, you may want to contact a dog bite lawyer. Even if you are uncertain whether you want to take legal action now, a dog bite lawyer can help you understand your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries. This is especially important if you are facing significant medical bills or are suffering as a result of the attack.
An American pit bull terrier dog bite lawyer is here to help. We work on many cases like these and are proud of our results. For a free case review, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
Laws That Could Impact Your Claim
There are a couple of laws, specifically, that could impact your claim, although they vary from state to state. The first is the statute of limitations. Every state places a limit on the amount of time that you have to pursue legal action after a personal injury accident.
The amount of time is often between three and five years, but could also be much shorter, depending on your state. If you think you may possibly want to pursue damages for your injuries, you do not want to let the clock run out. If it does, you may be barred from recovering any amount of compensation.
It is also important to be aware of the negligence laws for your state. Some states follow pure comparative negligence, where you can recover damages for your injuries, even if you were mostly at fault for them occurring. Your amount of compensation would just be reduced by the degree to which you were at fault.
Other states follow a modified comparative fault system. With this system, you can still recover damages, and your compensation would just be reduced by the degree you were at fault, but only up to the state’s threshold. For example, if the state has a threshold of 51% and the court decides you are 52% responsible for the injuries, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
Finally, there is contributory negligence. There are still a few states that follow a contributory negligence system. With this, you are barred from recovering compensation if you are at all responsible for the accident.
A dog bite lawyer can explain what the statute of limitations and negligence laws are for your state.
How an American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
An American pit bull terrier dog bite lawyer can help by gathering evidence to determine liability for your case and, using your medical records, employment records, and statements from your doctor, determine the full value of your case, including the cost of your pain and suffering. They can also negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement to compensate you for your injuries. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.