Winston Salem Dog Bite Lawyer

When the unexpected occurs and a dog bite leaves you or your loved ones with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills, having the right legal support becomes essential. At McIver Law Firm, we understand the profound impact that dog bite incidents can have on your life, and we are here to provide you with dedicated and experienced legal representation of our Winston Salem dog bite lawyer.

While dogs are great pets, as they provide companionship, they can sometimes become mean and attack people. Dog attacks are traumatizing, and bites from the incident may lead to personal injury.

Our skilled Winston Salem dog bite lawyer specializes in advocating for victims of dog attacks, working tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. With a deep understanding of both the legal complexities surrounding dog bite cases and the emotional toll they can take, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process.

Contact the Winston Salem personal injury lawyers at McIver Law Firm today at 336-727-9886 and schedule a free case review*.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Individuals should understand what to do after a dog bite for their well-being. Here’s a detailed guide about the proper measures to take in such a situation, including first-aid measures and subsequent actions to ensure one’s well-being.

For Health Concerns

Health and safety should be one’s immediate focus after a dog bite. These are the steps to take following a dog bite:

Check the Severity of the Bite

The first step is to assess the severity of the wound to determine the amount of damage to the skin and the underlying tissues. Some bites can be mild, causing only minor scratches, while others are severe, leading to bleeding and torn skin.

Seek First Aid

One should take immediate first aid measures regardless of how severe the bite is to minimize the risk of infection and allow the wound to heal. These are the steps for first aid:

• Clean the wound – Wash the affected spot gently using soap and running water.
• Control bleeding (if any) – If the bite is severe, resulting in bleeding, gently apply pressure using a clean cloth to halt bleeding and prevent too much blood loss.
• Use an antiseptic – It helps disinfect the injured area. Antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide should only be applied when the wound is clean.
• Cover the wound – It’s essential to cover the injury, for example, using a clean cloth to protect it from contamination.

Get Medical Attention

Severe bites causing deep wounds, injuries, and heavy bleeding require medical attention. Minor bites without signs of infection can be managed at home, but one should closely monitor the bite for any signs of infection like swelling, redness, or pain.

An individual bitten by an unknown dog, like a stray one, should report the incident to relevant animal health authorities so that they can investigate the dog’s vaccination status.

After receiving appropriate medical attention, one should follow all the recommended treatments, for example, taking antibiotics and getting a rabies vaccination. The healthcare provider will advise on the necessary preventive measures.

For Compensation

The next thing to do after receiving the necessary medical care and treatment is to begin the compensation process. Here’s how to go about it:

Gather Details and Identify the Dog Owner

One needs to collect information about the bite incident and the dog owner to help them pursue compensation for the injuries.

Gathering details – The victim of the dog attack must collect information such as the time, date, and location of the bite, as well as the breed and size of the dog involved. One may take photographs of the injuries and the location of the incident if possible.

Identifying the dog owner – One should also seek information about the dog owner if they already don’t know the person. Witnesses and other people familiar with the dog can help acquire this information.

Report the Incident

The incident should be reported to the relevant authorities, including law enforcement agencies and animal control. One can also file a police report, especially if the case is severe, as it will be an important document while seeking compensation.

Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer

It’s essential to seek advice from an experienced Winston Salem dog bite lawyer. The attorney will help with:

• Evaluating the case – A dog bite lawyer will assess the incident’s details and determine the claim’s viability.
• Gathering evidence – Ample evidence is necessary for compensation, and the Winston Salem dog bite lawyer will help prepare all evidence that might be useful.
• Negotiations – If the dog owner has the relevant insurance cover, an attorney can help negotiate with the insurance company to seek fair compensation.
• Filing a lawsuit – If filing a lawsuit is an option, the Winston Salem dog bite lawyer will guide the victim throughout the legal process.

Does it Matter What Type of Dog Bit Me?

Although information about the dog breed is important in a dog bite case, it’s not the only factor determining the case’s outcome. Notwithstanding the other determinants, here are vital things related to the type of dog:

• Presumption of Dangerousness – Statistics suggest that some dog breeds are more dangerous than others, which can influence the authorities’ view of the case.
• Breed-Specific Legislation – Some jurisdictions have legislation regulating certain types of dogs. Various breeds may also be banned in some areas, which can have legal implications.

The type of dog involved in a dog bite case matters; however, the most crucial factor in determining if liability is the owner’s responsibility. Victims should consult a Winston Salem dog bite attorney for accurate guidance because every case is unique.

What Types of Injuries Can Be Caused by a Dog Bite?

Dog bites can result in various types of injuries, including catastrophic injuries, and here are some of the common types:

• Puncture wounds – Dogs’ teeth are pointed, leading to puncture wounds that are typically small but may extend into the underlying tissue layers.
• Wound infections – although usually rare, serious infections like tetanus and rabies can occur with dog bites
• Tissue damage – Dog bites can significantly damage the skin, nerves, and muscles.
• Lacerations – Lacerations are deeper and more severe wounds that may result from a dog bite.
• Bone injuries and fractures – Powerful bites can also injure the bones and lead to fractures. It will depend on the bite’s force and the affected area’s vulnerability.
• Disfigurement – Disfigurement may also occur after a bite depending on its severity and the location.

Dog bites can also lead to emotional and psychological trauma, especially for kids and people with a phobia about dogs. Victims should always seek medical care to prevent complications after a dog bite.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Owner?

The following are some of the obligations a dog owner has:

Training

Dog owners should provide the right training and socialization to their dogs. It includes basic obedience training, for example, commands like “come,” which help control the dog’s behavior. The dogs should also be exposed to different environments and people to help them gain the necessary social skills and reduce the probability of aggression.

Preventing Harm

Owners have a responsibility to ensure their dogs don’t harm others. They should take suitable measures for the public safety of people and other animals.

Vaccination

Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, and that’s the responsibility of the owner. Some areas may also require the dogs to be licensed.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Dog owners should comply with all laws and regulations related to dog ownership. They include leash laws, licensing requirements, and more. Dog owners are also liable for any damages caused by the dog. Factors like the severity of the injury and the owner’s negligence are used to determine the extent of liability.

What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered for Dog Bite Injuries?

Victims of dog bites are eligible for various types of compensation depending on the circumstances and the requirements of the law. They include:

• Medical Expenses – Compensation can cover medical costs related to dog bite injuries. It covers medication, hospital stays, and more.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity – If the injury hinders the victim from working, they can seek compensation for lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering – Victims may also be compensated for physical and emotional distress from dog bites.

Punitive damages may also be awarded if the owner was very reckless. The damages are intended to punish the owner rather than compensate the injured person.

How Long Can It Take to Recover Damages for a Dog Bite Claim?

The time it takes to recover damages for a dog bite claim may vary depending on the specifics of the case, but here’s what the process typically looks like:

• Treatment and Documentation – The victim receives treatment immediately after the bite and adequately documents all medical records.
• Gathering Evidence – The individual begins gathering all vital information related to the incident, like medical reports and witness statements.
• Consulting an Attorney – Speaking to a Winston Salem dog bite lawyer before beginning the legal process is essential. The attorney will review the details and provide guidance on the best way forward.
• Negotiations – The parties involved, including the victim and dog owner, may try to discuss an appropriate settlement. If they agree on acceptable compensation, there’s no need for a trial.
• Filing a Lawsuit and Going to Trial – Filing a lawsuit is necessary for compensation if a settlement can’t be reached. With the help of an attorney, the victim will prepare all the required documents and then attend the court proceedings. The jury will determine the outcome based on the evidence available.

It’s essential to note that every case is unique, and some may be resolved in a few weeks while others can take years.

Call an Experienced Winston Salem Dog Bite Lawyer to Discuss Your Case