Diligent, Compassionate And Comprehensive Trial Lawyer

Dog Bites

We Strive To Hold The Liable Parties Accountable In Rhode Island

Dog bites are a public health hazard that, unfortunately, occur with too much frequency. Dog attacks are frightening, disturbing and often result in very serious scarring and permanent injuries. It is imperative that you hire an experienced Cranston dog bite attorney to handle your case. At The Law Offices of Joseph Lamy, we have experience handling a wide variety of personal injury cases. We know how difficult these types of injuries can be for the victim and their family members, which is why we offer dedicated, one-on-one legal guidance and strong representation from start to finish. Our firm is there for you every step of the way.

Give us a call at 401-740-3122 to schedule your free, initial case evaluation with our attorney today.

How Dog Bites And Attacks Occur

Animal attacks occur more often than you may think and when they do, the consequences can be devastating.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that:

  • 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year
  • Approximately 900,000 people per year require medical attention following a dog bite
  • In one recent year, over 30,000 people required reconstructive surgery following a dog bite
  • Children, particularly aged five to nine, are more likely to be attacked by dogs than are adults

More than half of all dog attacks occur in the home and are caused by the pet of a family member or friend. In addition, those visiting the house, such as postal workers or repairmen have an increased likelihood of being attacked by a dog.

Who Is Liable For A Dog Bite Injury?

Owners of animals, especially if dangerous or aggressive, are required to ensure that the animal is safely contained and away from the public where it might cause harm. In addition, the laws of Rhode Island declare it a public nuisance for a person to harbor a vicious dog. As a result, owners of vicious animals in Rhode Island may be held responsible for damages – even if it was not their fault that the dog became loose.

The Rhode Island Supreme Court stated “the dog-bite statute imposes strict liability in any circumstance wherein the dog is outside of its owner’s enclosure,” (Johnston v. Poulin, 844 A.2d 707). Strict liability means that the dog owner is responsible regardless of the circumstances.

What Damages Can You Recover In A Dog Bite Case?

Injuries from dog bites can range from the minor (i.e. bruises, minor cuts) to the extremely serious (i.e. fractures, loss of limb, or even wrongful death). Also, the threat of rabies is always present following a dog bite and you must receive immediate medical attention for a rabies vaccine, if necessary.

If the owner of the animal owns a home, liability for dog bites will often be covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy.

Recoverable damages include but are not limited to:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of wages
  • Medical bills
  • Plastic surgery (if necessary)
  • Scarring
  • Emotional suffering

At The Law Offices of Joseph Lamy, we are prepared to fight for you. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, contact our skilled Cranston dog bite attorney for a free case evaluation. We take the time to sit down with you and discuss the details or your situation. From there, we can work with you to create a plan of legal action tailored to your individual goals.

If you have been the victim of a dog bite, contact our office for a free consultation. Reach us at 401-740-3122 to get started.