A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Victims Of An Animal Attack

Being harmed by an animal can be extremely traumatizing for children and adults, and in addition to emotional distress, there can be huge financial consequences. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog or another pet, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney immediately. You have rights but without legal representation, you may find yourself with a pile of bills, stress, and a vicious animal still loose in the neighborhood. This type of legal professional cannot only help you get justice, but you can help protect others from suffering a similar fate.

In 2010, there were 34 fatalities due directly to dog bites in the United States. There are several thousand cases of damage from animal attacks every year, ranging from mild to severe trauma that requires extensive hospitalization. And then there are likely thousands of incidents that are never reported for various reasons. Children are more likely to be victims and need medical treatment. Single bites are the most common complaints, making up to 65% of claims, with multiple bites or other types of attacks making up the other 35%. While dog attacks make up the majority of cases filed, other animal attacks such as livestock including horses and bulls, pet snakes, exotic animals, and even smaller pets such as cats fall under similar laws. As long as the pet has a traceable owner and liability can be proven, there is a case.

When you hire a personal injury attorney to handle an animal attack case, it is important to provide all necessary evidence and documents that are required to support your case. Pictures of the immediate aftermath, the property where the incident occurred, and the dog if possible are all helpful. Records from the hospital for all associated treatments, medication, and assessments from doctors will also be needed. If you did not require medical attention or seek it out, you may still be entitled to compensation for the damage. Your personal injury attorney may also need to speak with any witnesses or talk to experts in order to best serve your case, so the sooner you supply information the better.

Judgments for cases vary widely and depend on the jury, judge, and the extent of the damage. Most mild attacks are only eligible for coverage of basic medical bills directly related to the incident. It can be difficult for a personal injury attorney to prove that lost wages or pain and suffering should be awarded as well unless there was significant and far-reaching impairment. In Small claims courts, the average settlement is in the $1,500 to $2,000 range, while those who have suffered greatly or under circumstances of extreme owner neglect can be awarded several thousands of dollars. A personal injury attorney will ask the jury and judge to take into account the long-term effects of the damage, such as permanent scarring, extreme emotional distress in young children (nightmares, visible anguish and fear), and how every day activities and work will be changed following the incident.