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An attack by a dog can be traumatizing! There are many cases in which a friendly dog can also bite. Dog bites and other animal attacks can cause serious injuries, sometimes resulting in permanent damage, disability or scarring. It is important to hold the owner of the pet accountable. Ultimately, the owners are responsible for their pets. Our attorneys have the necessary experience handling cases of dog bites. they are here to help you if you have been bitten by a dog or other pet. Our attorneys will work diligently to obtain maximum compensation for all losses. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this could include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and costs for psychological counseling and scar revision surgery.

When Can You File A Lawsuit for a Dog Bite?

You can sue a dog owner or anyone who has custody over the animal for a dog bite lawsuit under these conditions:

  • If the defendant is the owner of the dog
  • If you were bitten while on public property or while you were lawfully on private property(ex: mail person, meter reader, police officer, census taker etc who are either invited or who visit to perform a duty)
  • If you suffered an injury
  • If the defendant’s dog was responsible for your injury

What Is Considered An Injury Legally?

An injury can be any kind of harm caused by the dog such as a broken limb caused by the dog knocking you over.

If the injury is a dog bite, it is not required to show that the skin was broken in order to collect compensation.

Situations Where You Cannot Sue For a Dog Bite?

Below are few situations where you cannot sue for a dog bite:

  • If the dog was protecting its owner or anybody else in self-defense
  • If the dog was a military or police dog that was on duty
  • If the dog was provoked by abusing or teasing it
  • If you were injured by your employer’s dog while on the job and the employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance
  • The dog chased you and caused you to fall down and suffer an injury

Few other exceptions include:

Employees like Kennel workers, veterinarians and veterinarian assistants cannot sue either their employer or whoever they have a contractual arrangement with, in caring for the dog as the risk of injury is assumed to be a part of their occupation.

How to file a lawsuit for Injuries without a Bite?

In situations where a dog has injured you but not bitten you, such as knocking you down and breaking your arm, you would have to prove that the owner was negligent in allowing this to happen and that this incident was foreseeable. Prior knowledge of the dog’s propensities needs to be demonstrated and proving that the owner failed to implement reasonable care in preventing the attack, can help you win the claim.

The Statute Of Limitations On A Dog Bite Lawsuit Include:

  • You have two years from the date of the incident to settle the matter or file a lawsuit, else lose your right to claim the damages
  • If you are a minor, then the statute of limitations for filing the action is stayed until you attain the age of 18

Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Claims

If a dog bites or attacks someone on the owner’s property, the defendant homeowner’s insurance will cover any injury claim. Approximately 885,000 dog bites are reported each year in the U. S., which accounts for nearly one-third of all claims presented under homeowner’s insurance coverage. It is the most common claim brought under such insurance policies.

Dog Breeds That Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover?

There are many aggressive dog breeds that most of the homeowner’s insurance carriers will not cover because of their history of inherent aggressive behavior, these include:

  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweiler
  • Dobermans
  • Chows
  • Akitas
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • German Shepherds
  • Siberian Huskies
  • Wolf breeds
  • Presa Canarios
  • Mastiffs
  • Cane Corsos
  • Curs
  • Wolf breeds

There are many other such exceptions which limit the coverage. There are umbrella or liability rider policies that can be purchased which offer a broader range in terms of coverage.

Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Cases in California:

Dog Bite cases are considered as Personal Injury Claims, hence the Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Claims is same as that of Personal Injury Claims. California’s Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury cases is 2 years.

The person injured in a dog bite case has two years to file the case in order to preserve their rights. They need to contact an attorney within days and make sure they have proper medical treatments and keep all the records.

If the case is filed after the two-year deadline, the court will certainly not hear it.

Our attorneys are very well equipped with all the knowledge required to help you to get the Compensation you Deserve.

In addition to the Californian law, here are a few other states’ limitations:

  1. New York: In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim is three years from the date of the bite.

  2. Texas: In Texas, a dog bite victim has two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

  3. Florida: Florida allows four years for a dog bite injury lawsuit to be initiated from the date of the incident.

  4. Illinois: In Illinois, dog bite victims have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit.

  5. Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania law gives dog bite victims two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit.

It’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to understand the deadlines in your specific state. As regulations can change, it’s critical to get accurate and timely advice.

With ClaimYourCase.com, our network of attorneys across the nation are well-equipped with the knowledge and resources to assist you, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve, no matter where you are located in the U.S.

Our network of legal professionals are not only experienced in dealing with dog bite cases but are also well-versed in state-specific laws and regulations. They will guide you through the process, making sure you are well informed and your case is handled diligently. You can trust ClaimYourCase.com to put you first, helping you navigate the complexities of these cases, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Get in touch with us for a free evaluation of your case, and remember, you don’t have to settle for less; you deserve justice and compensation for your sufferings.

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