Although a Rottweiler that is well trained is typically not aggressive, the dog breed does require early training and socialization, according to the American Kennel Club. If an owner neglects this responsibility, the dog’s territorial instincts can create problems.
If you are suffering and in pain because of a bite or attack by a Rottweiler, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for their dog’s behavior, and you do not have to go it alone.
A Rottweiler dog bite lawyer can help you pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. They understand the laws specifically related to dog bites and can take the burden of pursuing damages off your shoulders so you can heal from your injuries and, if possible, return to your normal life.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we offer a free, no-risk consultation for dog bite victims. We also work on a contingency-fee basis only, which means we are paid only if we succeed with your case. We ask for no up-front or out-of-pocket fee at any time. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
Types of Injuries That Occur in Dog Attacks
There are a number of injuries that can occur in an attack by a Rottweiler. Some of them include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: A dog attack can be traumatic for victims, causing them to be afraid to be around dogs or relive the event in vivid detail in their minds. This trauma can make it difficult to go about their everyday lives. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a study of 22 children revealed that nearly half of them displayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after being bitten by a dog.
- Puncture wounds and lacerations: A dog bite can cause serious damage, tearing the skin and causing severe bleeding. Puncture wounds, which can occur as a result of a bite, do not always bleed extensively, but can cause severe damage to the underlying muscle and even internal organs.
- Broken bones and nerve damage: According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, bites do not always have to break the skin to break and crush bones and damage the underlying muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
- Infection and disease: Rottweilers do not have to seriously injure victims to cause life-altering complications. Even a small bite can cause infection or even disease if the dog is sick.
What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog
According to Cleveland Clinic, there are a number of steps you should take right away if you are bitten or attacked by a dog.
- Wash the wound: Use soap and warm water to wash the wound, running water over it for five to ten minutes to flush out any dirt and bacteria.
- Slow or stop the bleeding: Apply compression to the wound with a clean cloth to try to slow or stop the bleeding altogether.
- Apply ointment and wrap the wound: If you have an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, apply it to the wound and wrap it with a sterile bandage to keep it clean and keep it from bleeding.
- Seek medical attention: It’s important to see a medical professional right away. They can evaluate whether there is any nerve or ligament damage or other complications that you may be unaware of. They may want to give you a tetanus shot or prescribe medication to prevent infection. It is also important to see a medical professional to document your injuries if you decide at a later time to pursue legal action.
Even if you do not currently plan to file a personal injury claim against the dog owner, it is generally a good idea to understand what your options are, should you decide to take that route in the future. A Rottweiler dog bite lawyer can help you understand the statute of limitations for your state and let you know how much time you have to pursue damages. This can help you make an informed decision about how you want to proceed.
Recoverable Damages After a Dog Attack
The types of damages you may recover after an attack by a Rottweiler depends on the details of your case. Some common types of damages victims recover in cases like these include:
- Hospital stays
- Surgical expenses
- Medication
- Doctor’s examinations
- Emotional trauma, pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Past and future lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
If your family member did not survive the dog attack or died because of complications related to the attack, you may be entitled to damages in a wrongful death claim, including:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering that the deceased may have experienced before their death
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Loss of companionship
How the Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
A dog bite lawyer understands the laws that specifically relate to animal attacks. They can explain how the law works in your state and help you understand your options for recovering compensation for your injuries. If you decide to move forward with a personal injury claim, they can gather evidence and calculate the full value of your case, including the cost of your pain and suffering. They can also negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyer to pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries.
For a free, no-risk review of your case or to get started right away, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.