Dog bites happen to many unsuspecting adults and children each year. A serious dog bite can result in devastating physical injuries as well as emotional and psychological harm, like post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have been bitten by a dog and suffered an injury, you may be entitled to damages. The following questions are ones that a dog bite lawyer in Houston, TX like one at John K. Zaid & Associates can answer during your consultation.
What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog?
If you are bitten by a dog, you should seek medical help right away. Even if you have not been seriously injured or don’t see much bleeding, you should go to a doctor immediately anway. If you are bit by a stray dog or another person’s pet, you don’t know if the dog has diseases or is up to date on its vaccinations.
What are common dog bite injuries?
Dog bites can be painful and cause serious bodily damage. Dogs have a strong bite force, regardless of their size or breed. They can cause injuries like cuts, puncture wounds, torn flesh, fractures, broken bones, disfigurement and scars. In addition to the physical wound, bites can result in infections if the dog is not vaccinated against deadly diseases such as rabies. This is why it’s important that you are able to get medical treatment right away if you are bitten by a dog. A dog bite can result in emotional trauma and cause conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, especially in children.
Can the owner be held criminally responsible?
A dangerous dog is a dog that cannot be rehabilitated or is aggressive around people or animals, and owners are responsible for ensuring that they are restrained and leashed properly.
Owners can be held liable if their dog bites a person or animal. Dogs and other pets are considered property, so the owner can face criminal charges or a civil lawsuit can be brought against them.
What damages can I claim?
If you are filing a dog bite claim, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, pain and suffering and more. A dog bite can force you to miss weeks or months of work. If you have been disfigured by a dog, you may also be able to receive compensation for lost future wages as well. This is often awarded for dog bite victims who have been seriously permanently injured and are unable to work again.
Do not wait to seek legal assistance and find out what your full legal options are. You may be entitled to more compensation than you think if you have suffered a dog bite injury. You can receive legal assistance with help from a lawyer like one at John K. Zaid & Associates. They will provide you with the legal assistance that you need so that you can get the best possible case results. Reach out to a qualified lawyer today so that you begin working on your claim.
