When Dog Owners Are Responsible
Pet owners have a duty to control their animals. When they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, the law may hold them financially responsible.
Liability may exist when:
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A dog has shown aggressive behavior before
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The owner violated a leash or restraint law
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The animal was allowed to roam freely
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The attack occurred in a public place
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The victim was lawfully on private property
Dog bite cases often involve homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, but insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts. That’s where experienced legal representation matters.
Serious Injuries From Animal Attacks
Dog bites are not minor injuries. Many victims require emergency care, surgery, or long-term treatment.
Common injuries include:
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Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
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Facial injuries and permanent scarring
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Nerve damage
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Broken bones from knockdowns
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Infection risk, including rabies
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Emotional trauma and anxiety
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Injuries to hands, arms, and legs
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Severe injuries to children
Children are especially vulnerable because of their height and inability to defend themselves. We have seen firsthand how these incidents can affect a child’s confidence, appearance, and sense of safety.
What Compensation May Cover
If an owner’s negligence caused the attack, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical bills (past and future)
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Surgery and reconstructive procedures
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Lost wages or reduced earning ability
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement
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Therapy or rehabilitation costs
Our firm works to pursue the full value of your claim — not just the immediate medical expenses.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
If you are bitten or attacked:
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Seek medical care immediately
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Identify the animal and owner if possible
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Report the incident to local authorities or animal control
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Photograph injuries and the scene
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Keep medical records and receipts
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Avoid discussing the incident with insurance adjusters alone
Quick action helps protect both your health and your legal rights.
Dog/Animal Attacks
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 Pet Owners Survey, 69 million households in the United States own one dog or more. The American Veterinary Medical Association states there are nearly 85 million dogs living in U.S. households. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, most of them children.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Homeowners insurers paid out $882 million in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2021.
The number of dog bite claims nationwide increased in 2021 to 17,989 from 17,597 in 2020, a 2.2 percent increase, according to an analysis of homeowners insurance claims data by the Triple-I.
Each year around 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, resulting in the hospitalization of around 10,000 people. In most cases, the owner of the animal is legally responsible for the actions of the animal and claims can be made against the owner and possibly a third party if their negligence caused the injury.
