Dogs are man’s best friend and protectors of property, but they can also be very dangerous. There are many cases of people sustaining dog bites that leave them with catastrophic injuries. If you believe that another person’s negligence contributed to you suffering a dog bite, you should consult with an experienced dog bite attorney to see if you should file for a claim.
Many factors are involved if you want to take legal action following a dog attack. Generally, dog and property owners use the “beware of dog” sign posted around their property as a defense in personal injury lawsuits. Learn more about how the “beware of dog” sign can influence a personal injury lawsuit, plus get a few tips on what to do if you are ever attacked by a dog.
The Influence of the “Beware of Dog” Sign
The existence of a sign warning you of danger does not necessarily mean you cannot get compensated for dog bites. While the sign will have an influence on dog bite legality, it is crucial to have a dog bite attorney to guide you through the process.
A “beware of dog” sign can help the property owner in a number of ways. For instance, the dog owner can argue that the dog bite victim knew of the danger and still remained in or entered the area. They can also argue that the dog was provoked, hence its hostility towards the victims.
In some cases, the person bitten in a dog bite case might not necessarily be an outsider or intruder. For instance, if a mailman is delivering mail to a home with a “beware of dog” sign and they get bitten, the mailman can still file for damages. The same applies to an invited visitor who gets injured in similar circumstances. Generally, people that are rightfully on the property can file for damages when they sustain dog bites, regardless of the sign.
Seeking compensation after unprovoked dog bites is vital, given the effects of these injuries. There are several possible complications of dog bites. Some of them include the following:
- Infections due to bacteria
- Stitches
- Broken bones
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Deformation scars
What to Do If You Are Attacked by a Dog
Despite the generally friendly nature of dogs, experiencing a dog attack can be dangerous and scary. If a dog attacks you, you have the right to do anything necessary to protect yourself. After the attack, get in touch with the dog owner and get their names and any other information you can about them, such as how long they’ve had the dog, their address, and if there is any kind of history of this type of event. Then, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should still see a doctor even if you feel fine after the attack. This is because some injuries might start showing later. You might also have sustained infections that become problematic later on.
You should also contact a dog bite attorney right away. An attorney will help prove liability even when there is a “beware of dog” sign. In a dog bite case, you will be seeking compensation for different types of damages, namely:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
Let Our Professional Dog Bite Lawyers Help
Our dog bite attorneys at Allen Law have experience representing dog bite victims in South Carolina. We know what it takes to win such cases and are more than capable of retrieving satisfactory compensation. Call (843) 882-5005 today to schedule your consultation.