Dog Bites

It is hard to imagine the horror that a dog bite victim endures. Sadly, dog bites have become an epidemic in the United States, and, unfortunately, many bites involve an innocent child. Though the attack may last mere seconds, the hardships of physical scarring, disfigurement, mental anguish, and medical procedures may continue for a lifetime.

The law offices of Keller & Keller have more than 70 years of experience in representing clients beset by personal injury, including victims of dog bites. When you or a family member have been the victim of a dog bite, it is important that you obtain legal counsel that is knowledgeable and well-versed in cases that involve attacks by animals, as they pose unique legal dilemmas to the victim and the negligent owner of the animal. 

Physical Trauma

The wounds that are often sustained as the result of a dog attack are cuts or lacerations and crushing or puncture wounds. These wounds are often severe and can include broken bones and wounds that require serious reconstructive surgery.

Rabies is always a fear when an animal attacks. If the dog cannot be found, or the owners can not be reached, it is impossible to know if the animal has had its rabies vaccine. Rabies is a serious condition and approximately 18,000 people are treated for possible rabies exposure each year.

Another risk dog bites victims face is infection. Infection occurs in 15 to 20 percent of dog bite victims. Immediate medical attention is the first step to prevent infection. A competent doctor will decide the steps necessary to prevent or stop an infection.

While modern medicine and therapy can help a dog bite victim, these treatments are expensive and may be necessary far into the future. Insurance companies want to get cases settled quickly and inexpensively. This may leave your family without the money to get you or your child necessary medical treatments.

Emotional Scarring

When dealing with the immediate physical injuries a dog can inflict, it can be easy to overlook the emotional scars an attack leaves behind. A child attacked by a dog may face a debilitating and lifelong fear of “man’s best friend.” The highest rate of dog attacks occur in children ages 5-9. The younger victims often suffer the most.

The site of the attack can trigger flashbacks. A child, upon seeing a dog, may panic or become extremely frightened. This life altering experience can turn a quiet day in the park into a major ordeal. Visiting friends can become problematic if they happen to own a dog. The list of situations where dogs may be present is long and there is no doubt that a dog attack can permanently affect a person’s life.

A dog bite can have a dramatic effect on a person’s life. The question is: What actions should be taken to ensure the victim will be compensated for their losses?

Where to Turn

Only an experienced lawyer can help you estimate the actual cost of dog bite treatments. The attorneys at Keller & Keller have dedicated their careers to helping families just like yours. We only represent victims of personal injury and pledge to be available to you at all times. Our extensive experience in dog bite cases will put you in the position to get the compensation you or your loved one deserve.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog attack, please contact Keller & Keller today for a free evaluation of your case. You will never be charged a fee for your initial visit and no attorney fees will be collected unless recoveries are made on your behalf.

Library for Dog Bites:

• How Runners Can Protect Against Dog Attacks   
  Description: Running in your neighborhood is a great form of exercise and a wonderful way to enjoy the day. However, runners and joggers should be aware that dangerous dogs may be around every corner. Learn the best way for runners and joggers to prevent dog bites and dog attacks.
• Indianapolis is one of U.S. 30 biggest cities, yet lacks dog license requirements   
  Description: The lack of dog licensing requirements in Indianapolis have created 2 major problems: unwated pets running loose and the increased risk of dog attacks that leave the victim without recourse.
• What To Do Immediately After A Dog Bite   
  Description: Dog bites can be traumatic - and they can happen in seconds. You will have multiple concerns immediately after a dog attack, including your health, the safety of others, and the location of the aggressive dog. Do you know what to do first?
• Dog Bite Prevention For Children   
  Description: Over two million children a year are bitten by dogs - it is vital for you to teach your children how to properly interact with pets and how to prevent serious dog bites, dog attacks, and dog maulings.
• Do I Still Have A Case If I Was Bitten In A Dog Park?   
  Description: Dogs are allowed to roam leash-free in city and town dog parks -- but are they allowed to bite or attack a human without consequences? Find out what you need to know about dog park dog bite cases.
• How Much Is My Dog Bite Injury Claim Worth?   
  Description: This helpful document covers how much your dog bite injury case is worth, and how the value of something like a tragic accident that involves injury could possibly have a dollar value attached to it.
• Dog Bite Facts   
  Description: A list of dog bite facts that will surprise you and most dog owners.
• How to Avoid Dog Bites   
  Description: Although some dog bite accidents and animal attacks are impossible to prevent, there are ways to keep you and your family safe from aggressive dogs and dangerous animal situations.
• Compensation for Dog Bites   
  Description: Our FREE report "Dog Bite & Animal Attack Guide" explains your rights if you have been bitten or attacked by an animal.
• Indiana and Michigan Dog Bite Laws   
  Description: Do you know what Indiana or Michigan's dog bite law says? View our quick dog bite law summary to learn your rights.

View All

Frequent Questions for Dog Bites:

• I was severely bitten by a dog. What should I do?
• Should I report the dog bite?
• Should I Take Photographs?
• What is the Indiana dog bite statute?
• What is the Michigan dog bite statute?
• Which breeds are most likely to bite?
• Does it matter where the dog bite occurred?
• What is the average settlement of a dog bite case?
• I am the victim of a dog bite and the owner of the dog asked me to sign something from his insurance company, should I sign it?
• Why should I contact a lawyer? Can't I just deal with the insurance company on my own?
• How Long Will My Case Take?
• How are damages calculated in dog bite cases?
• Who actually pays the damages to dog bite victims?
• How do you find out whether the person liable for the dog bite is insured?
• The owner of the dog who attacked me doesn't have insurance. Can I still take legal action?
• What will happen to the dog?

Web Resources for Dog Bites:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

  Description: The CDC site provides articles and helpful tips everyone animal owner should read. This site also educates the reader about rabies and other bite related diseases.

• Approaching a Dog

  Description: An excellent article discussing the possibly dangerous relationship between children and dogs.

• Animal Control

  Description: Statistics, ordinances, important phone numbers, and general information regarding pet care and control.

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons

  Description: Dog bites to children often result in the need for corrective surgery. At this site you will find information related specifically to the treatment of dog bites.

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Blog for Dog Bites

• Pit Bull Kills One-Year-Old Boy In Northeast Detroit
• Statutes of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases
• Children and dog bite statistics
• Pit Bull Bites Officer Trying To Arrest Owner In Muncie, Indiana
• Mount Meridian woman attacked by pit bull on U.S. 40

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