You can find dogs in a large number of American households, and there are enormous benefits that can come with owning a pet, from lower blood pressure to more opportunities for exercise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, because dogs are so prevalent in homes today, it should come as no surprise that many people are bitten by animals each year and that one in five people requires medical attention.
If you or someone you love is hurt or suffering because of a bite from a Doberman pinscher, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for your injuries. A Doberman pinscher dog bite lawyer can help.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works on a contingency-fee basis only, which means you never have to pay out of pocket for our services. We are only paid if we succeed with your case, which means you have nothing to lose. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 for a free case review.
Injuries That Can Occur in a Dog Attack
There are a wide number of injuries that can occur from a dog attack, some of which you see and some that are not visible:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an invisible injury that can affect a victim for years or even decades if left untreated.
- Puncture wounds and lacerations: Puncture wounds and tearing of the skin can occur during a dog attack. The bleeding from lacerations can be severe and quickly become life-threatening. Puncture wounds do not always result in severe bleeding, but if the wound is deep enough, it can damage the internal organs, according to Healthline.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) typically occur because of a blow to the head. This can occur in a dog attack if the dog knocks the victim down, and they strike their head on the ground hard. As the CDC reports, these injuries are a common cause of death and disability in the U.S. and can cause long-term or permanent impairment of a victim’s cognitive functioning, even changing their personality.
- Disease and infection: A dog bite does not always have to be severe to create major complications for a victim. The dog’s mouth often has bacteria that are harmful to humans, and a bite could lead to a serious infection. Some of the diseases that can occur as a result of a dog bite, according to the CDC, are Capnocytophaga and rabies.
- Broken bones: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that a dog bite can crush or tear the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves under the skin, even if the skin itself is not broken. Because a dog attack victim often has their hands and arms up in defense, these injuries typically occur to the fingers, hands, and arms. Signs that someone may have underlying damage include an inability to straighten or bend fingers or a loss of sensation.
If you are suffering from one of these injuries or something else after an attack or bite from a Doberman, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for their dog’s behavior. A Doberman pinscher dog bite lawyer can help you pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. For a free review of your case, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
Laws That Could Impact Your Claim
There are some state-specific laws that could impact your dog bite claim. They are the statute of limitations and laws specifically related to negligence cases. Each state has its own statute of limitations, but it could range significantly, and it is important if you plan to take legal action to file your claim before the statute of limitations runs out. If you fail to do so, you could be barred from recovering any amount of compensation.
Additionally, each state has its own negligence laws. Many states follow a comparative negligence system. With this system, a victim can recover compensation for their injuries even if they are partially responsible. If this is the case, their damages would just be reduced by the degree to which they were responsible. In a pure comparative fault system, the victim can recover damages regardless of the degree to which they are at fault. Conversely, if your state follows a modified comparative fault system, you can only recover damages if you do not pass a specified threshold of responsibility. For example, if your state sets the threshold at 50%, you cannot recover compensation if you are more than 50% responsible.
Other states follow a contributory negligence system, where you cannot recover damages if you are at all responsible. A dog bite lawyer can explain how the law in your state applies to your case.
Recoverable Damages After a Dog Bite Accident
While each case is different, there are a number of types of damages that victims are able to recover in cases like these. They include:
- Ambulance rides, hospitalization, surgical treatments, doctor’s examinations, and other medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Damage to property
Getting the Help of a Doberman Pinscher Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A dog bite lawyer is familiar with state-specific laws that could impact dog bite cases. In some states, for example, dog owners may be automatically liable for dog bites if the attack happened on public property. However, these cases are not always cut and dry, and defense lawyers will often look for loopholes to reduce the defendant’s liability.
A dog bite lawyer can defend you against underhanded defense tactics and fight for compensation to cover the economic and noneconomic damages associated with your injuries. For a free review of your case, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.