Most people love their pets, but sometimes, these furry friends can bite another person. While some incidents may be accidental, others are due to the negligence of their owners. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Baton Rouge, you might have suffered physical pain and financial burdens for treatment. The potential liability can be placed on the dog’s owner in these cases.
Victims of dog bites may pursue personal injury lawsuits or insurance claims. A Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer can help you determine the right option for your case. At Bianca | Matkins, we know that these claims can be difficult to handle. Let our team take care of your legal case while you focus on recovery. Learn more about how we can assist with your claim during a complimentary consultation with our legal team.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
When a dog attacks a person, it can result in physical pain and emotional harm for the victims. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the breed doesn’t matter as all dogs can bite. Unfortunately, this can happen for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Fear-induced aggression
- Anxiety and stress
- Protection of territory
- Guarding resources
- Pain and illness
- Poor early socialization
- Predatory behavior
Many times, these pets can bite when they are placed in certain situations. Sometimes, dogs may bite when approached by strangers or unfamiliar individuals, especially if they feel threatened or are not accustomed to new people. Other times, when the person is not familiar with the dog and they handle them, they could inadvertently provoke a bite.
Children are common victims of these attacks. According to an advocacy group, DogsBite, children make up more than 50% of all dog bite victims. While they may want to play or pet the dog, they do not understand the subtle signs of a dog’s discomfort or aggression, which can result in a bite. Often, children may engage in rough play or handling that can be perceived as threatening or annoying by the dog, leading to defensive biting.
Dog Bite Injuries and Complications
Bites can vary from minor to severe. Whether you have been nipped or the bite broke your skin, you need immediate help. A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria, which can be introduced through a wound.
If you have been attacked by a dog, here are some injuries you might have experienced.
- Scratches and abrasions: While these injuries are less severe, the wounds can still become infected if not treated properly.
- Minor puncture wounds: Puncture wounds are prone to infection due to their depth and the nature of the injury.
- Deep cuts: Lacerations can lead to bleeding, scarring, and increased risk of infection.
- Torn skin: Severe bites may require surgical intervention to repair and can lead to prolonged healing times and potential for cosmetic issues.
- Crushed tissue: These injuries can be complex to treat and may require reconstructive surgery. There is also a higher risk of tissue necrosis and infection.
- Fractures and dislocations: In some cases, a dog bite can cause bone fractures, especially if the attack had a strong, forceful impact.
- Joint dislocations: Bites near joints can lead to dislocations or damage to the joint structure.
What are some complications that can occur with these injuries after an attack? Many times, these bites can introduce bacteria into the wound. In turn, that can turn into an infection. Redness, swelling, increased pain, and discharge can steep from the wound. In severe cases, a victim may experience a fever and chills.
Infections from dog bites can sometimes spread beyond the local area. In turn, that can lead to more severe systemic infections. Dog bite attack victims may suffer from sepsis or osteomyelitis, especially if the infections are untreated.
Sometimes, there is a risk of rabies, especially if the dog does not have updated vaccines or is a stray dog. This viral infection can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Any exposure to rabies needs urgent medical attention. Some early symptoms can lead to fever, headache, and malaise. However, when the disease spreads, it can cause agitation, hallucinations, and paralysis.
Dog bite injuries and complications can vary widely in severity and impact. If the dog’s owners were negligent in their actions, which led to an incident, you could recover damages. Consulting with a Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer can help you examine your options. Reach out to us at Bianca | Matkins to schedule your free consultation now.
Pet Owners and Negligence
Many personal injury cases are centered around negligence. If the dog’s owner or custodian failed to meet a standard of care that would have prevented the bite, and a person was injured, they could be held liable for their actions or inactions.
Here are common grounds for negligence in dog bite cases:
Failure To Properly Restrain
Dog owners must make sure that their dogs are securely contained within their property. When they fail to have adequate fencing or containment, that can lead to the dog escaping. This can happen when the dog owner has a broken fence or allows the dog to roam freely, leading to the dog biting a passerby.
Negligent Control of the Dog
Owners must keep their dogs on a leash or under control in public spaces. Negligence can occur if the dog is allowed to run off-leash in public areas. One example of this is when an owner allows their dog to run loose in a park where it bites another person or dog.
Failure To Address Aggressive Behavior
When a dog is ready to attack, they will often exhibit warning signs of aggression. If the owner does not address these signs, it can result in bites and injuries. For example, if a dog growls, snaps, or shows other signs of aggression toward people or animals, their owners need to take preventive measures or seek professional help.
Negligent Handling or Supervision
All owners must supervise their dogs, especially around strangers or other animals. A lack of supervision can lead to accidents and bites. If an owner allows their dog to interact unsupervised with guests or other pets, and it attacks someone, they can be liable for any injuries.
In most cases, a dog owner is liable for damages if their pet bites someone, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s aggressive tendencies. Even if a dog with no history of aggression bites a person, the owner may still be liable for injuries under strict liability rules.
In Baton Rouge, there are strict liability laws. According to Louisiana state law, the owner of an animal is responsible for damage and personal injury when there was a failure to exercise reasonable care in foreseeing and preventing the attack.
Under the law, if you are attacked by an unprovoked dog while legally on a property, the dog owner may be liable for the attack. However, there are some caveats to this statute. If there was no way the owner could have anticipated or prevented the attack, even with reasonable care, you might not have the grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. These usually happen in cases where the victim was trespassing or the animal was provoked.
Negligence in dog bite cases is determined by evaluating whether the dog owner met the standard of care expected in preventing harm. Working with the experienced team at Bianca | Matkins can help you take the next steps for your case.
Legal Options After a Dog Attacks You
Victims of dog bites may seek legal recourse depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Many times, this involves determining liability and seeking compensation for injuries and damages.
If you have been attacked, you could pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner or other responsible parties for damages. The compensation can often include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage.
Most of the time, the owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies will cover dog bite claims. However, you may have to file a personal lawsuit against them if they do not have a policy. The options can be varied, and you will want a dog bite lawyer in Baton Rouge to determine the best course for your case.
Get Justice with Help from a Baton Rouge Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs can bite for many reasons. Whether it is fear-based or poor training, when someone is attacked, it can leave them with physical and emotional harm.
Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their dog does not harm others. When they fail to do so, then they must deal with the financial responsibility for the damages caused.
Our Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer is ready to help. At Bianca | Matkins, we can help guide you through the legal process of recovering compensation. You can learn more by contacting our office for a free case evaluation.
