Dogs can be wonderful companions and pets, but it is also important to remember that they are animals and they are not always predictable. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, ranging from infections or tendon damage to rabies and facial disfigurement. There are 4.5 million dog bites each year, and over 800,000 of them result in injuries. Even if you love animals, chances are you are not equipped to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a dog bite injury. For many dog bite victims, contacting a Brookville dog bite lawyer is a positive step forward. This allows them to get a clear understanding of what their legal options are legally and how best to proceed, as well as whether there are any additional steps that need to be taken.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries in Brookville, OH can range from a light bruise that does not break the skin or require medical attention to serious wounds that require emergency medical attention and can even result in disfigurement. Many dog bite injuries are expensive to treat, and may require ongoing treatment, such as surgeries or physical therapy. Some of the most common kinds of injuries and medical complications caused by dog bites are listed below. It is important to note that this list is not comprehensive, but is merely intended to give you an idea of some of the injuries caused by dogs for which people regularly receive compensation:
- Puncture wounds
- Flesh wounds
- Infection
- Rabies
- Damage to tendons
- Hand, wrist, and forearm injuries
- Reattachment or reconstruction of fingers
- Fractured bones due to falling during dog attack
- Traumatic brain injuries due to falling during dog attack
- Facial disfigurement
- Wounds to eyes
- Cosmetic damage and scars
- Nerve damage
- PTSD and emotional damage
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What Should I Do if I Get Bitten by a Dog?
If you are bitten by a dog and it breaks the skin or causes serious trauma, you should try to get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner and then seek medical attention. You can have the owner call your phone to ensure that they do not provide you with an inaccurate number. You can also take pictures of them, the dog, and your injuries, for evidence. After you have received medical care, you can consider calling an attorney to get an idea of your legal options. Note that it is particularly important to contact an attorney if you learn that you will need surgery, require physical therapy, or otherwise have to incur significant costs as a result of your injury. It is important to have an advocate, especially if your settlement will also have to compensate for long-term care.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Brookville?
If you suffered injuries due to a dog bite you may have grounds to bring a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio, particularly if the bite was unprovoked and is considered vicious or dangerous under Ohio law. A dog owner has a legal responsibility to control their dog, especially if they have reason to believe that it may be dangerous to others. If the owners fail to fulfill that duty and you are injured by their dog as a result, they are financially liable for any damages you suffer and can be held accountable in court. It is also important to note that in order to have grounds to sue for a dog bite, you must have suffered financial damages in addition to physical damages. For instance, if you were bitten by a dog but it did not break the skin or require medical attention or time off of work to recover, you would not be able to sue just for the pain you felt when you were bitten. Your injury must be accompanied by financial harm, such as medical bills or lost wages.
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How Much Will I Get for a Brookville Dog Bite Injury if I Sue?
Everyone’s claim is different, and the amount of your damages is highly specific to your unique case. However, it is possible to get an estimate of the value of your claim. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult with an Ohio personal injury lawyer, but we can go over the basics here. First, you are entitled to recover economic damages. These damages include medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs incurred as a result of the harm that you suffered. You are also entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. The amount of pain and suffering damages varies, but is generally determined based on the amount of your economic damages and the severity and permanence of your injuries.
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Do I Need a Lawyer to Sue for a Dog Bite in Brookville?
It can be hard to know how to proceed in the aftermath of a dog bite. You may worry that you are overreacting, or, on the flip side, you may find out that you have rabies or require surgery. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident allows you to move forward with a clear understanding of your options so you do not have to wonder what to do or feel like you are without support. An attorney can be your advocate, and will fight to get you the compensation that you need to cover your medical bills, compensate you for your pain, and help you get on with your life. The sooner you take this step, the sooner you can obtain the financial support you need to heal and move forward. It is also better to take action sooner rather than later due to the time limit on bringing personal injury claims, including dog bite claims, in Ohio.
Talk to the Law Firm of Kruger & Hodges
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a dog bite in Ohio, the experienced dog bite and personal injury attorneys at the Law Firm of Kruger & Hodges want to hear from you. We will fight to get you the justice and compensation to which you are entitled. Contact the Law Firm of Kruger & Hodges at our Eaton, OH law offices today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help.
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