When a Dog Bites, Who Pays?

bandage-for-dog-bite

When a Dog Bites, Who Pays?

Highly Experienced Baton Rouge Dog Bite Lawyer

Every year approximately 800,000 people require medical attention for a dog bite injury. Children are the most vulnerable dog bite victims, often sustaining serious head, neck or facial injuries. Many times these injuries result in severe scarring and disfigurement, not to mention emotional trauma from the dog attack. If you or your child has suffered a dog bite injury, you are likely shocked and angry, and rightly so under the circumstances. You also have many questions, the main one being: Who is going to pay for the dog bite injury? Generally, unless there was provocation, particularly if there was trespass, the owner of the dog is responsible. This is because Louisiana dog bite law runs under a strict liability theory.

More Than 20 Years of Legal Experience

To discuss the specific facts of your dog bite injury case, contact us at the Law Offices of Scott T. Gegenheimer. AttorneyScott Gegenheimer has more than 20 years of experience representing individuals and families throughout the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area. He can assist you with your dog bite case and seek compensation for any damages you or your child has suffered. We offer free initial consultations.

Facts and Statistics: Dog Bite Injuries and Deaths

Dog bite injuries are far more common than you may think. A recent study found that more than 1,000 people in the United States are treated in emergency rooms every day for a dog bite injury. Here are some more staggering statistics regarding dog bite injuries:

  • Every year more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs.
  • Of those people who are bitten, 1 in 5 require medical attention.
  • Among injured people, children are the most likely to be attacked. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the odds of a child suffering a dog bite injury is 3.2 to 1.
  • Most serious injuries occur in children less than 10 years old.
  • The most common injury are those to the face at approximately 77%.
  • There are 44,000 dog bite injuries to the face each year in the U.S.
  • In 2006, over 31,000 dog bite injury victims required reconstructive surgery.
  • Last year in 2010 there were 34 dog-bite related deaths
  • Pit bulls and Rottweilers are the two breeds most likely to cause an injury.
  • Close to $300,000 million dollars are paid each year in homeowner’s insurance policies

Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Injury Victims

You or your child has suffered a dog bite injury. Who pays? The first responsible party is the dog owner. Generally, he or she is responsible for the dog and must pay for any injuries it inflicts. Damages include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future costs (including cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation)
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional damage (such as counseling/therapy expenses)

Frequently, the dog owner has a homeowner’s insurance policy, which is the source of compensation. A dog owner insurance claim can be made to cover any costs. If the dog owner lives in an apartment or condo and rents, renter’s insurance can also be a possible source. In some cases, landlords can be held responsible, if they knew there was a dangerous dog on the premises.

Free initial consultation: Call toll free at 877-786-7621 or 225-341-7523

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, call or e-mail the Law Offices of Scott T. Gegenheimer today to discuss your case with a Louisiana personal injury attorney. If you can’t come to our office, we can come to you. We offer free initial consultations and there are no attorneys’ fees unless you collect damages.

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