It seems that dogs and pets are more popular than ever. But dog bites and animal attacks are often the dark side to these beloved pets. Many people are not aware that a dog bite could lead to severe injury, infection, even death. The good news for dog bite victims is that whether the attack was provoked or not, they could be eligible for significant compensation for their injuries.

Unfortunately, human domestication of dogs has not removed their pack-animal tendencies. Anyone who has ever seen a dog barking at the mailman knows that dogs are territorial animals who can be disturbed by anyone they consider to be intruders. Unfortunately, many dogs are not well trained and/or have been scarred by abuse that makes them distrust humans and interpret even friendly actions, such as stooping down to pet a dog, as acts of aggression. For this reason it is vital that everyone exercise extreme caution with unknown dogs.

However, even caution can’t prevent dog bites, animal attacks, and their ramifications. Think about it – a dog bite can have consequences that extend far beyond broken skin. Expensive doctor visits, fear of infection, costs associated with plastic surgery, lifelong disfigurement, psychological counseling, even lost time at work due to medical visits and recovery time. Luckily, the law holds dog owners responsible for their dogs’ actions. If a dog owner is found negligent in court (lacking proper care or diligence in regard to their dog), the victim could be eligible to collect damages related to lost wages, medical expenses, and psychological suffering.

Because of the complicated nature of dog bite cases, it is important that victims have an experienced, aggressive attorney on their side. If you choose to pursue a dog bite lawsuit, you will need to prove that you did not cause the attack through your own actions while showing that the accused party did. This burden of proof can be quite complex, requiring medical records, witnesses, and a complete investigation. Best to embark on your legal journey with the help of an attorney who can call on his or her experience, track record, and expertise to get you the compensation you deserve.

The Law Office of Sam Eagle specializes in personal injury, including dog bite and animal attack cases. Call today for a free case consultation.