when to seek a dog bite law attorney

by Felicia Corkery 8 min read

You’re most likely to need a dog bite lawyer if your pet has bitten someone and the person has decided to sue you for damages resulting from the bite. There are some exceptions, but generally you should hire a personal injury attorney instead of a criminal defense attorney if your dog bites someone.

If you've been attacked and injured by a dangerous dog, it's in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. When you get a lawyer quickly, more evidence may be gathered to prove your case and the dangerous dog can be stopped before it has the chance to hurt anyone else.

Full Answer

When should you seek someone for dog bite?

In general, most experts recommend seeking medical care within 24 hours after you've been bitten—especially if the bite has broken the skin. Dog bites can cause medical problems that aren't immediately obvious, such as rabies.Jul 15, 2021

How do you defend a dog bite case?

You typically can defend yourself by proving that the injured person provoked the dog. Any witnesses who observed the person teasing the dog can provide strong testimony in your favor. Keep in mind that provocation can be accidental or unintentional, such as stepping on the dog's tail.Dec 14, 2021

Can a dog be put down for biting a person?

In California, a dog that bites someone is not required to be put down since the owners of the dog are held liable for your injury – not the dog itself. Many of our clients would never open a dog bite case if they knew the animal was at risk of being euthanized.Oct 9, 2019

What is considered provoking a dog?

Provocation may be defined as any action by a person which causes the dog to immediately engage in a response that is motivationally different from the response it was engaged in just prior to the action of the person . In other words, the person's actions must immediately cause a radical change in the dog's behavior.

What Should You Do if a Dog Bites You?

Handling the aftermath of a dog bite may be challenging. In some cases, you may be unsure exactly what to do after a dog attacks you. There are a n...

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?

As we mentioned, you can reach out to a dog bite lawyer after you are attacked by a dog. A lawyer may be able to take charge of your claim right aw...

Who Pays for a Dog Bite?

The regulations on liability for a dog bite vary by state. For example, some states have a “one bite” law. This law states that a dog’s owner may n...