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Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and psychological damage on survivors. Maybe your child was playing outside in Cumberland and attacked by a neighbor’s dog, leaving them with puncture wounds and emotional scars.
Or perhaps you are a jogger who suffered a severe back injury after being knocked over by an aggressive dog and are facing months of recovery and financial stress.
Thankfully, your Cumberland dog bite lawyer with Gemma Law has represented thousands of clients over the past five decades. A Cumberland personal injury lawyer from our team can help you hold the dog’s owner accountable for their recklessness.
Connect with our team today to schedule your 100% free consultation and explore your legal options further.
Common Types of Injuries to Sue for After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause serious injuries that disrupt your daily life and require extensive medical treatment. These injuries often involve long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Your Cumberland premises liability lawyer can provide you with more information about common injuries and how they can impact your life.
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds from a dog bite occur when the animal’s teeth penetrate deep into the skin and tissues. These injuries often cause significant pain and increase the risk of infection or nerve damage. Medical treatment may involve cleaning the wound, administering antibiotics, and monitoring for complications.
Puncture wounds can lead to severe complications if the dog carries bacteria or diseases like rabies. You may experience lasting pain or limited mobility in the affected area. Getting medical care right away is crucial if you hope to prevent worsening injuries.
Broken and Fractured Bones
Broken bones and fractures often occur during animal attacks when a dog’s strength or aggressive behavior knocks the victim to the ground. These injuries can take months to heal and may require surgery or physical therapy. Some of the most common types of fractures seen in dog bite cases include:
- Wrist fractures
- Rib fractures
- Ankle fractures
- Facial fractures
- Pelvic fractures
Infected Lacerations Leading to Septic Shock
Lacerations caused by dog bites can easily become infected if not properly treated. Infections may progress to severe conditions like septic shock, a life-threatening response to bacteria entering the bloodstream. Survivors often require hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and surgical interventions to control the infection.
Infected lacerations can result in prolonged pain, delayed healing, and scarring. Survivors may also face emotional trauma due to the severity of their injuries and extended recovery times. Medical documentation is crucial if we hope to prove the extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries often occur during dog attacks when victims are knocked to the ground or dragged by the animal. These injuries can disrupt your mobility, cause chronic pain, and require extensive rehabilitation. Some of the most common neck and back injuries associated with dog attacks include:
- Herniated discs
- Whiplash
- Lower back strain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving CumberlandCall 401.467.2300
Understanding Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws
Rhode Island law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets under R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-1. Owners have a duty of care to control their animals and prevent harm to others. If you suffered an injury due to a dog bite or attack, the owner may be liable for your damages.
This is why the burden of proof matters in an injury claim. However, the dog’s owner may not be held liable if you provoked the animal or trespassed on their property at the time of the attack. Proving liability often involves demonstrating that the owner failed to act responsibly or violated local regulations.
Rhode Island’s comparative fault laws under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4 may also impact your ability to recover compensation. If you are found partially responsible for the incident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Understanding these laws is critical if you hope to be prepared for all possible outcomes.
Cumberland Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 401.467.2300
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dog Bite Claim
If you suffered a dog bite injury, there are several ways to recover compensation for your damages. These options depend on the circumstances of the attack and the evidence available to support your claim.
Some of the most common ways to seek compensation after a dog bite include:
- Filing a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy – Many homeowners insurance policies cover injuries caused by the policyholder’s pets. This option may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Evidence such as medical records and incident reports can help support your claim.
- Filing a claim against the at–fault party’s general liability insurance policy – If the attack occurred on commercial property, the owner’s liability insurance may cover your damages. This often applies to cases involving businesses that allow pets on their premises. Documentation such as security footage and witness statements are often essential to proving liability.
- Pursuing a dog bite lawsuit in civil court – Filing a lawsuit allows you to seek additional damages if insurance claims do not cover the full extent of your injuries. This option is often necessary for severe injuries requiring long-term medical care. Your skilled Cumberland dog bite attorney with Gemma Law can help you build a compelling case and represent your interests at trial.
While going to trial may feel intimidating, it is often the most effective way to secure the compensation you deserve. Trials allow you to present evidence, challenge opposing arguments, and seek justice for the harm you suffered. Our team will ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Meet With a Trial-Tested Dog Bite Lawyer in Cumberland for Help Today
Your dog bite attorney in Cumberland with Gemma Law is dedicated to helping survivors hold negligent pet owners accountable. We have decades of trial experience and a proven track record of securing fair compensation for injury victims.
Connect with our firm today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation.
Call or text 401.467.2300 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
