How To Receive Compensation For A Dog Bite Injury
Have you ever wondered how people develop phobias? Most of us are not born with an innate fear, it’s a learned response from a significant event. Most people can avoid their phobias and live normal, healthy lives.
But cynophobia (the fear of dogs) can strike at any time outside of the home. A quick run to the hardware store can turn into a panic-inducing nightmare at the sight of a leashed dog. Open fields and parks are avoided; dog owners and their pets love to frequent these spots.
These real, physical reactions to dogs are valid; every year thousands of children and adults are victims of canine attacks. Worse yet, over a fifteen year period, 522 Americans were killed by dog attacks. If you or someone you love has been affected by a dog bite, you need legal representation.
The Facts On Canine Attacks
Dog bite injuries can be very serious, depending upon the type of dog and location of the bite. Shockingly, more than half of victims were bitten in the face. This is what makes dog bites so deadly, if not permanently disfiguring.
After Covid-19, canine attacks increased significantly due to a lack of socialization. When young puppies fail to interact with other humans and animals, it can lead to severe separation anxiety or aggressive behaviors. Unfortunately, that means many dogs are currently missing essential behavioral training.
To make matters worse, there is a common perpetrator: the bully dog breed. Some cities in Arkansas have enacted laws to protect citizens from unlawful dog attacks by prohibiting pitbulls or other bully dog breeds.
Someone’s Dog Bit Me!
Immediately seek medical attention if the injury is life-threatening or serious. If possible, collect the contact information of the dog owner. Otherwise, try to collect as many details as possible, such as their car, dog breed, and other distinguishing information.
Additionally, you need to file a police report. This will be very important, especially if your bite becomes infected or you suffer financial hardship due to your injuries. Next, contact a personal injury lawyer and find out your legal avenues for compensation.
Housekeeper Sues Chris Brown After Grisly Dog Bite
The lifestyles of the rich and famous include canines bred for specific traits. And while you might expect the upper class to have posh, well-trained fluffy pals, not everyone is looking for a friendly pup. In the case of Chris Brown, his dog was a 200lb watchdog meant to scare away intruders or stalkers from his property.
But Maria Avila, his housekeeper, was taking out Brown’s garbage when the dog mauled her, causing serious injury to her face and arms, as well as nerve damage. Additionally, Brown did not immediately contact emergency services, but reportedly removed all dogs from his property before law enforcement arrived.
The court awarded Avila with nearly 13 million dollars for her injuries, including settlements for her sister (who witnessed the attack) and her husband (whose life was also impacted from the accident). Brown’s watchdog was euthanized shortly after the attack occurred.
Experiencing Pain And Suffering Due To Someone Else’s Pet? Call (479) 434-2414 For Legal Aid
Life doesn’t get to move on for people with lifelong scars, nerve damage, and chronic pain from a vicious dog attack. Maria Avila will have permanent injuries for the rest of her life for simply doing her job as a housekeeper and taking out the trash. However, with a great defense, the jury rejected Brown’s claim that Avila was at fault and awarded her accordingly.
If you are seeking compensation and need legal representation for a dog bite injury, Hickey & Hull is here to help. Give us a call or chat with our online agent to schedule your initial consultation with a legal professional.