According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the chow chow is a breed known for being affectionate and devoted to their owners and reserved but accepting of strangers. Yet, the AKC does note the importance of early and continued socialization of the breed, as well as an owner who can manage the dog’s strong will and independence.
If an owner is not intentional about socializing the animal, disaster can occur. And even when proper training and socialization have occurred, that should not be taken to mean that accidents or unexplained behavior can’t happen.
If you are hurt and suffering because of a bite from a chow chow, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for the dog’s behavior, and a chow chow dog bite lawyer can help.
A dog bite lawyer is familiar with the process of pursuing dog bite cases, knows the evidence to look for, and knows the laws to be aware of. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we are so confident in our abilities that we work on a contingency fee basis only. That means we ask for no money upfront or out of pocket. In other words, you have nothing to lose. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.
Types of Injuries That Can Occur in a Dog Attack
There are a wide variety of injuries that can occur in a dog attack, some visible and others that leave psychological scarring for years to come.
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: According to Healthline, punctures and lacerations are two types of open wounds that can cause bleeding and create a possibility of infection. Puncture wounds can be deep, potentially causing damage to the internal organs.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Falls, like those someone could experience in a dog attack, are a leading cause of TBIs. This type of injury can range in severity, but a serious TBI can impact a victim’s cognitive function and even change their personality, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Broken Bones: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a bite from a dog can crush bones and damage muscles, ligaments, and tendons, even if the bite does not break the skin. These injuries are most likely to happen to the arms or hands, as a victim often is using them to protect themselves during an attack. Signs of damage to the hands can include things like the inability to bend or straighten a finger or a loss of sensation.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that during a study of 22 children, nearly half of them had signs of PTSD within two to nine months after the attack. Some of the symptoms included avoidance behavior, numbing, or vividly reliving the events in their mind.
If you have any of these injuries or something else as a result of an attack or bite from a chow chow, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for the behavior of their dog. A chow chow dog bite lawyer can help.
Laws That Could Impact Your Claim
There are two laws that you should be aware of, which could impact your claim: the statute of limitations and negligence laws.
Statute of Limitations
Every state places a limit on the amount of time that a plaintiff has to file a claim after a personal injury accident or the wrongful death of a family member. Many states allow several years for the victim to file a claim, while some states are much more restricting, with a statute of limitations of only one year.
It is important if you think that you might want to pursue damages to not allow too much time to pass. Not only could you risk the statute of limitations running out, but it also can make it more difficult to gather evidence related to your case.
Negligence Laws
Every state has its own negligence laws. Many states follow a pure comparative fault system, where you can recover damages regardless of how much you were at fault for your injuries. However, your compensation, in this situation, is reduced by the degree to which you are at fault.
Some states will allow plaintiffs to collect damages if they are liable, reducing their compensation for the degree to which they are liable, but only up to a specified threshold. If the plaintiff’s degree of liability surpasses that threshold, they cannot recover any compensation. For example, if the threshold is 50%, and the plaintiff is more than 50% responsible, they cannot recover compensation. Some states even follow a contributory negligence system, where if the victim is at all responsible for the accident, they are barred from recovery. Even if you are unsure if you have a case, you can contact the office of a chow chow dog bite lawyer for a case evaluation.
Recoverable Damages After a Dog Bite
Some possible damages that you may recover after a dog bite or dog attack include:
- Medical costs like ambulance rides, surgical procedures, medication, doctor’s examinations, and the cost of assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future wages if you cannot return to work
- Property damage
Contact a Chow Chow Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A dog bite lawyer understands these cases and the evidence that is necessary to build a strong case. Our team can gather evidence like eyewitness statements, police reports, and medical records. We can also examine your medical bills, medical records and speak to your doctors to determine the full value of your case, including the cost of your future pain and suffering.
We can negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyer to pursue compensation for your injuries. For a free, no-risk case review, contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.