Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Unfortunately, dog bites and canine attacks are very common and can cause permanent disfigurement, nerve and tissue damage and psychological trauma.  In extreme cases, dog attacks may result in death.  If you have been attacked by a vicious dog you may need the help of an experienced dog bite lawyer in order to get compensation for your losses.

What to do if you are a victim of a dog bite or animal attack

• Identify the animal that bit you.  If the animal isn’t caught and tested, you may required to undergo a very painful series of rabies vaccinations
• Get the name, address, and telephone number of the person who owns the animal and everyone who witnessed the attack
• Get medical attention.  Keep track of your medical bills and treatments
• Photograph the wounds if possible
• Don’t sign anything until you have had the chance to discuss your matter with an attorney at the Law Office of Paul W. VanDerwerken

If you or a loved one are a victim of a dog bite or other animal attack, you should speak to an attorney at the Law Offices of Paul W. VanDerwerken immediately to learn more about preserving your rights and remedies.  A lawyer will be able to explain the value of your case and help you navigate through the complicated legal process.

According to the American Humane Association an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year.  Other dog bite statistics include:

• Nearly 800,000 dog bites require medical care
• Approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered
• Approximately 25% of fatal dog attacks involved chained dogs
• Approximately 71% of bites occur to the extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet)
• Approximately two-thirds of bites occurred on or near the victim’s property, and most victims knew the dog
• The insurance industry pays more than $1 billion in dog-bite claims each year
• At least 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog bite related fatalities in the United States
• Approximately 24% of human deaths involved unrestrained dogs off of their owners’ property
• Approximately 58% of human deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners’ property

Are dog bites covered by insurance?

Depending on the details of the case, homeowners’ insurance may cover damages resulting from dog bites which occur on the owner’s property.  Dog bites may also be covered by automobile insurance if the injury is sustained in the owner’s motor vehicle or by animal insurance if the owner elected to purchase such coverage.  Even if the dog’s owner does not have coverage, the injured party can still bring a legal claim against the owner to collect compensation for their losses.  To find out whether the dog’s owner is insured, our attorneys will ask to see the “declarations page” of their homeowners’, animal or renters’ insurance.  If the insurance limits seem inadequate, we will determine whether the owner has a supplemental policy which may cover the incident.  If the dog’s owner denies having coverage or is unwilling to provide the details of the plan, these documents can be obtained during the discovery phase of the lawsuit, when attorneys for both parties share information regarding the accident and injury.

The personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Paul W. VanDerwerken have represented many people injured by dog bites and animal attacks in the Las Vegas area.  If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite or animal attack, contact the Law Office of Paul W. VanDerwerken today at 702-385-5050 for a free initial consultation.