Should I Sue for a Dog Bite?
When most people see a dog, they do not think about getting injured due to a bite. There are however approximately 4.5 million dog bite incidents each year in the US. And, while not all of these bites are serious, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that about one out of every five dog bite victims requires medical attention at the hospital or an emergency center.
Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Serious and Deadly
Dog bite injuries can be serious, often resulting in:
- Severe soft tissue damages
- Severed arteries, tendons, ligaments, and veins,
- Finger amputations
- Severe disfigurement
- Wrongful Death
If you or somebody you care about has been injured or killed due to a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation.
Dog Bite Claims and Homeowner’s Insurance Policies
One of the most common claims made against homeowner’s insurance policies in this country are dog bite claims. If a pet owner owns their home, their insurance policy may cover some medical expenses in the event that their dog causes an injury, but most insurance policies do not cover dangerous dog breeds such as pit bulls or rottweilers. And many pet owners do not own their own homes.
After a dog bite attack, it is important not to accept any type of settlement from an insurance company without first speaking to an experienced dog bite attorney. In many circumstances the insurance company may only pay out limited amounts that do not cover the entire medical bill, future medical bills that may occur, lost wages or pain and suffering.
Contact the legal team at SMT Legal today to discuss your legal options.