Dog attacks have long been a point of contention among the public. While fatal dog attacks are fairly rare in the United States, dog attacks result in serious injuries every day. The disfigurement resulting from a severe dog bite can have a devastating impact both physically and financially. According to Forbes, 28,000 Americans had reconstructive surgery after a severe dog bite in one recent year alone. On average, the cost of this treatment was more than $18,200.
If you are the victim of a dog bite, you could be facing significant medical expenses. Thankfully, New Hampshire law provides a remedy through filing a civil suit against the dog’s owner.A Nashua Dog Bite Lawyer can help you navigate this process and advocate for your rights.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us at (603) 262-5766.
Nashua Dog Bite Lawyer
- What Does a Dog Bite Case Entail?
- Why Choose Coates Law Office?
- Dog Bite Statistics in Nashua, NH
- How We Can Help
- Possible Legal Strategies
- Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
- Get the Compensation You Deserve
What Does a Dog Bite Case Entail?
A dog bite case arises when a dog causes injury to a person, leading to physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Under New Hampshire’s Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 466:19, dog owners are liable if their dog bites or injures someone in a public place, or while the victim is lawfully on private property.
Typical Dog Bite Scenarios
Dog bite cases can occur in a variety of situations, including:
- A jogger bitten by an off-leash dog at a public park
- A postal worker attacked while delivering mail
- A child injured by a dog that escaped a yard
- A visitor harmed by a dog while on private property
Potentially Liable Parties
In dog bite cases, there may be several parties who can be held accountable, including:
- The dog owner
- Property owners or landlords
- Dog walkers or temporary caretakers
Proving Liability
Every state deals with liability for a dog bite differently. Some states require proof that a dog owner knew their pet was dangerous before making them pay for injuries the dog caused. Other states take a “strict liability” approach, which holds a dog owner accountable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous or not. New Hampshire takes the strict liability approach.
This approach often simplifies the process for establishing responsibility. However, a victim must still demonstrate certain legal elements, including:
- The attack occurred in a public space or while the victim was lawfully on private property
- The defendant owned or controlled the dog
- The dog’s actions directly caused the victim’s injuries
Even in cases of strict liability, it may be necessary to prove additional factors such as negligence if there were other contributing circumstances, such as inadequate fencing or failure to secure the dog properly.
While strict liability is straightforward, there are potential defenses in these cases. For example, if a defendant can establish that the plaintiff was trespassing or committing a crime at the time of the dog attack, they are not liable for any damages.
Why Choose Coates Law Office?
Attorney Bradford Coates brings years of experience advocating for injury victims, striving for maximum compensation in every case. His commitment to clients is reflected in his proven track record of securing substantial settlements and positive outcomes.
Located conveniently in central Nashua, Coates Law Office is just a short distance from Nashua Public Library. This accessible location ensures that you can easily meet with your attorney and stay involved in your case.
Dog Bite Statistics in Nashua, NH
There is limited specific information about dog bite accident statistics in New Hampshire. When we look at the entire country, a report from the CDC found that on average, about 80,000 people each year need to seek medical care for dog bite injuries.
While many owners passionately defend their favorite breed, the numbers show some dogs are more likely to result in an attack than others. A number of studies, including one by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, show pit bulls account for more dog bite injuries than every other type of dog combined.
How We Can Help
We start by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering evidence, interview witnesses, and examine medical records to build a compelling argument for your claim.
Our team handles the negotiation process with insurance companies, pushing for maximum compensation.
If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court, advocating aggressively on your behalf to ensure that justice is served.
Possible Legal Strategies
While dog bite cases in New Hampshire are typically clear cut, there are multiple ways to strengthen your claim to push for maximum compensation, including:
- Demonstrating owner negligence: If the dog was known to be dangerous or was not properly contained, we can highlight this negligence as a basis for your claim.
- Establishing failure to warn: If the dog owner did not post visible warnings or failed to inform visitors of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, we can use this to bolster your case.
- Arguing non-compliance with leash laws: If the attack occurred in a location where leash laws were not followed, it strengthens the claim of negligence.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
- Report the Incident: File a report with local animal control or law enforcement. This creates an official record and may aid your claim.
- Collect Witness Statements: If others witnessed the attack, ask for their contact information and a brief account of what they saw.
- Photograph the Scene and Injuries: Take pictures of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog if possible. Visual evidence can be valuable in supporting your claim.
- Preserve Medical and Expense Records: Keep all documentation related to your treatment, including bills, prescriptions, and receipts for expenses related to the injury. These records will help establish the financial impact of the incident.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, taking immediate action makes a big difference in securing the compensation you need for recovery. A Nashua personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process.
Call (603) 262-5766 today for a free consultation, and let us fight to protect your rights and achieve the justice you deserve.
Coates Law Office
92 Main Street,
Suite 107,
Nashua, NH 03060