St. Bernards are generally known for being gentle giants and are one of the world’s most beloved breeds. Yet, the dogs are also very powerful and extremely muscular, with a strong bite, and even dogs that are not generally aggressive can bite if they feel threatened or territorial.
If you are hurt and in pain because of a bite or attack by a St. Bernard, you have the right to hold the owner responsible for their dog’s actions. While we understand that the idea of taking legal action can be overwhelming if you are still healing from your injuries, you are not alone.
A St. Bernard dog bite lawyer can help you pursue compensation by building a case to prove the liability of the dog owner. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has worked on many cases like yours, and we are proud of our results. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.
Types of Injuries That Occur in Dog Attacks
There are a wide variety of injuries that can occur as a result of a dog attack, especially by a large dog like a St. Bernard. Some common types include:
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
A bite itself can puncture the skin, damaging the underlying tissue and muscle. According to Healthline, these injuries sometimes do not cause extensive bleeding, but, depending on the location of the bite, can still damage internal organs. Lacerations and tears of the skin are not only painful but can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening bleeding.
Infection and Disease
Sometimes it is not the physical damage from a bite that causes problems for the victim, but a potential infection later. Dogs carry bacteria in their mouths, and even a small bite can lead to a dangerous infection. Some dogs also bite because they carry diseases. It is important to always seek medical attention right away after a dog bite, as the doctor may want to give you a tetanus shot or give you medication to ward off infection.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not every injury that follows a dog attack is physical. Sometimes the ones that leave the greatest, longest-lasting scars are emotional. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported on a study of 22 children who were victims of dog bites, and that almost 50% of the victims showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms came up anywhere from two to nine months after the dog bite. After a severe dog attack, PTSD can make it hard for victims to be around dogs, even their own, or carry out their normal daily activities.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Falling accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These injuries are typically caused by a blow or bump to the head. If a victim is knocked down by a St. Bernard, a blow to the head when they hit the ground could cause a severe TBI. These injuries can impair a victim’s cognitive functions and even change their personality.
If you are suffering from one of these injuries or something else caused by a dog bite from a St. Bernard, you can seek legal assistance. A St. Bernard dog bite lawyer can help you build a case and pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. For a free case review, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
How the Statute of Limitations Can Impact Your Case
Every state places a limit on the amount of time that people have to file a claim for a personal injury. The length of time varies from state to state, although many states have a statute of limitations between three and five years. The limit in your state may be as short as one year.
If the statute of limitations runs out and you do not file your claim in time, you are typically barred from recovering any amount of compensation for your injuries. A dog bite lawyer can explain how the statute of limitations and other laws apply to your case so you can make an informed decision about how you would like to proceed.
Types of Recoverable Damages
There are many types of damages that a dog attack victim can recover as a result of their injuries. Every case is different, though, so your damages cannot be estimated without first examining the details related to your case. Some common types of recoverable damages include:
- Medication
- Doctor’s examinations
- Reconstructive surgery
- Hospitalization
- Walkers and other assistive devices
- Disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage
If your loved one did not survive because of the seriousness of their injuries, you may be entitled to:
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
How Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
We know how stressful and overwhelming it can be to think about pursuing legal action if you are in pain and suffering from a dog attack or dog bite. A St. Bernard dog bite lawyer understands dog bite-specific laws and can explain how the law applies to your case. They can also take the burden off of you, gathering the right kinds of evidence to prove liability in the case and calculating the full value of your injuries, including the cost of your pain and suffering. They can negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyer to pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works on a contingency-fee basis only, which means you will never pay out of pocket for our services. We are paid only if we succeed in your case. In other words, you have nothing to lose. For a free review of your case, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.