Dog Bite FAQs

What should I do if a dog attacks my child?

The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for you child. Once you are certain that your child is allright, you should contact an experienced dog bite attorney to evaluate your claim. It is probably best to talk to an attorney before speaking with the dog owner in order to be sure that you do not say anything that may weaken your claim.

Am I off the hook if I hang "Beware of Dog" sign outside my house?

Not necessarily. Even though you have this sign, you are still responsible to contain the dog, either by a leash or a fence. If the dog bite occurred while someone was trespassing on your property, this is a completely different issue than if your dog ran across the street to attack.

How long does a dog bite lawsuit take?

A dog bite lawsuit, like any lawsuit, can be settled rather quickly, sometimes within a few months, or can drag on for over a year. Usually it depends on how difficult the case will be to prosecute of defend, as well as the parties involved.

What is the one bite rule?

The one bite rule refers to the traditional dog bite laws that essentially did not hold a dog owner liable the first time the dog bit someone. The one bite rule is still good law in some states, although several states do not apply this doctrine to dog breeds that demonstrate a propensity to bite?

What dogs are said to have a propensity to bite?

Any dog can bite, but the ones most often charged in dog bite lawsuits include:

  • Rottwiellers
  • Pit bulls
  • Dobermans
  • German Shepherds
  • Huskies
  • Alaskan malamutes

How much is my dog bite lawsuit worth?

There is really no way to answer this. The value of your case depends on the extent of the injuries, whether you need cosmetic surgery, as well as other factors. Contact a dog bite attorney if you would like a free evaluation of your claim, after which you will have a much better idea as to the value of your dog bite claim.