Dog bite and mauling cases
 
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Injuries from dog bites and maulings are very serious and cause both physical and emotional injuries that can last a lifetime. This is especially true in the case of children, who are frequently the victims of dog bites or attacks.
Lawyers who understand the full extent of the injuries from dog bites
The personal injury lawyers at Blackman Legal Group have over 32 years of experience in representing victims of dog attacks. What we have learned over the decades is that there are both physical scars and emotional scars and injuries as well. It is very common for a victim to suffer with post traumatic stress disorder, a condition which causes the person to have "startle" reaction to loud noises, nightmares, and recurrent invasive memories of the attack. This is a well-recognized emotional injury which should be treated by qualified mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists with the special training and skill required.
Another common emotional injury from a dog attack is the development of phobias, or fears that are ovewhelming. A victim who develops phobias after such a dog bit or attack, may experience very severe emotional reactions ever time they see a dog. This condition is also something for which there is professional help and is something which should be addressed.
Scars from dog bites have serious effects
When a child is left with significant scars from a dog attach, particularly when these scars are highly visible as when they are on the face, the long term emotional consequences to the person, and particularly to females, can be very serious. It is not just a question of needing plastic surgery to reduce or lessen the appearance of the scar, but can lead to problems with the person's self-esteem. In some cases of severe scarring a young woman can feel that she is no longer attractive and in fact grotesque. Feelings that she is "damaged goods" can lead to other emotional problems, including promiscuity.
A child or other person, particularly females, who suffer serious scars after a dog bite or dog attack, should have the best pschological treatment they can get to deal with these potentially life-altering emotional injuries which might develop into significant personality disorders.
We understand these potential serious consequences, in addition to the needs for plastic surgery that can result from serious scarring after an injury such as a dog attack.
Strict Liability for dog bites - not negligence
In California and other states, there is a special law that applies in the case of dog bites and dog attacks. The law developed a doctrine called strict liability to deal with this particular risk. The reason is that it is well-known that dogs can bite someone without warning and without the negligence of the owner or anybody else. That is why most towns and cities have leash laws which require dog owners to keep their dogs restrained.
Strict liability means that the dog owner is automatically liable for the injuries and damages caused to another if their dog bites them. It is not necessary to prove negligence on the part of the owner, and the fact that the dog was on a leash is not a complete defense. Homeowner's insurance policies usually provide coverage for the dog owner in these cases. However, as insurance companies continue to cut back the amount of coverage they offer, some insurers specifically exclude coverage for dog bites.
Dog owners should check out their homeowner's insurance
If you are a dog owner and a homeowner, check with your insurance carrier to be sure that there is coverage for the possibility that your dog might bite someone. If your insurance company does not cover this type of loss, you should consider looking for another insurance carrier that does. The damages that can result from a dog bite or attack could result in a judgment in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is also possible that the homeowner's insurer may sell a special rider to cover this for an additional premium. Some renter's insurance policies also provide this coverage, but there is the same concern. Beware of exclusions in the policy that mean there is no coverage for damages due to a dog bite by your own dog.
Dog bite victims need a personal injury lawyer immediately
In all dog bite cases, as in all other serious personal injury cases, it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the incident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of a dog bite, call Blackman Legal Group now at 1-800-444-5602 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION. The initial consultation is free and confidential. If we accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid only if there is a settlement of your case. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.