Keeping Owners Of Dangerous Dogs Accountable

Most of the time, meeting a new dog can be the highlight of your day. Typically, dogs are ready to greet people with a happy expression and a wagging tail. However, when a dog is stressed or anxious, a greeting can quickly become disastrous.

Dog bites can cause devastating injuries, especially for children who are often bitten in the face leading to disfiguring scars. In addition to medical care, it is essential to talk to a skilled lawyer as soon as possible. Jordan Van Matre, the founder of The Law Office of Jordan K. Van Matre, P.C., has over 10 years of experience providing legal support.

Will Your Friend Have To Pay For Dog Bite Damages?

When a friend or family member’s dog attacks, it can be challenging to decide to pursue a claim for your injuries. It can feel like you are going after your loved one personally.

However, home owner’s insurance covers most dog bites. Bringing a lawsuit is merely using their insurance coverage for its intended purpose. When you or a loved one have a severe injury from a dog attack, you will need medical care and may require reconstructive surgery. These medical bills can add up quickly, so it is crucial to have the support of a skilled attorney.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Similar to how people do not always like meeting others, dogs are not always the social creatures their owners expect them to be. While certain breeds tend to be more aggressive, like pit bulls and rottweilers, any breed can display aggressive behavior.

Typically, dogs bite when they feel stressed or threatened. Since dogs count on body language to communicate, when someone does not notice that they are tense, a dog may escalate to biting. When you meet a new dog, you should watch for signs the dog is uncomfortable, such as:

• Stiff body
• Raised hackles
• Growling or baring teeth

A dog displaying these signals is communicating that it would like more space. If you are unsure, giving the dog more space is always better, regardless of whether the owner says it is ok to pet them.

Get Legal Support Right Away

Dog bites can be devastating injuries with long-lasting consequences. You should talk to an experienced lawyer soon after the accident to get the legal advice you need. To schedule a free consultation in our McDonough office, call 678-812-5147 or contact us online.