Millions of Americans love dogs—so much so that over 38% of households have one or more dogs as pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
With so many dogs in our homes and neighborhoods, it makes sense that dog bite injuries are common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 350,000 people seek emergency medical treatment for a dog bite each year.
If you have been attacked by a dog, you know the experience can be traumatic. Dog bite wounds can be painful, often leading to infections and other illnesses. The treatment costs for dog bite injuries can add up as well.
Thankfully, the dog’s owner may be liable for all or part of your medical expenses and other damages. A Wyoming dog bite lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries. To learn more, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation.
Wyoming Dog Bite Laws
The state of Wyoming adheres to what is commonly referred to as a “one bite” rule. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), this means that dog owners are liable for your bite injury only if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. A dog owner may also be liable if they were acting negligently—for example, if the owner failed to properly restrain or handle their dog, which led to the bite injury.
Wyoming law also states that:
- Any dog that attacks or bites a person may be impounded by law enforcement or Animal Control for 10-20 days.
- Dog owners can be fined if their animal is “running at large.”
- Any dog found attacking or killing livestock may be euthanized by law enforcement.
- A dog owner is not liable for injuries caused by a dog that is protecting livestock.
- Any dog that viciously attacks a person may be euthanized and/or its owner may be fined up to $200.
A Wyoming Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Fight for Compensation
If you have been attacked and injured by a dog, you may be owed compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Dog bites often require emergency medical care, and you may need stitches, shots, or medications to prevent infections. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about half of dog bites are infected with bacteria. Bite infections can be so severe that victims sometimes require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics, resulting in expensive medical bills.
A Wyoming dog bite lawyer can help you seek compensation for your dog bite injuries, including medical care and back pay for any time you missed at work while you were receiving treatment and recovering. If you suffered damages to any personal property during your dog attack, you may also receive compensation to fix or replace your items. This includes money you may be owed if a dog killed or injured any of your cattle or livestock.
You could also be eligible for damages for your pain and suffering. These damages are awarded to victims for physical injuries and emotional turmoil that may affect their quality of life. For example, you could be compensated for anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress, permanent scarring, or disfigurement caused by your dog bite incident.
Insurance Claims and Lawsuits
If your dog bite happened on the dog owner’s property, you may be compensated through their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Filing an insurance claim may seem like a straightforward and simple process, but insurance companies often look for reasons to minimize payouts or deny payments altogether. A Wyoming dog bite lawyer can represent you in any insurance negotiations to ensure that you get a fair settlement that covers your injuries.
If an insurance settlement cannot be agreed upon, or an insurance claim is not an option, a lawyer can help you sue the dog owner in civil court. In the event of a lawsuit, your lawyer can help you prove liability and estimate your damages. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to learn more.
Wyoming’s Comparative Fault Law
Wyoming’s comparative fault law, Wyoming Statutes (WY Stat) §1-1-109, allows you to seek damages as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault for your injuries. This means that even if your own actions contributed to the dog bite, you can still be partially compensated. Any money you receive will be reduced in proportion to your amount of fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury in Wyoming is four years—so if you are considering filing a suit, be sure to take action within four years from the date of your injury.
Whether seeking compensation through insurance or a lawsuit, be sure to keep any records related to your injuries. Report your dog bite to local authorities, keep any statements related to your medical treatment, and photograph your injuries. A Wyoming dog bite lawyer can help you gather information, including eyewitness statements and/or videos, from anyone who witnessed your attack.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 816-0755
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has helped thousands of victims with a variety of personal injury cases, including dog bites. Our Wyoming dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means we do not collect a fee unless we win your case. Your focus should be on healing from your injuries, not worrying about legal issues or unexpected bills.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 to speak with a member of our team and schedule a free case evaluation.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form