Denver Personal Injury Attorneys
Dog Bites Are Expensive
Source: Insurance Information Institute |
The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies well when it comes to potential liability for lawsuits over dog-bite injuries. With the Insurance Information Institute reporting that insurance companies paid out $412 million in homeowners claims related to dog bites in 2009, it is a wise dog owner who takes a proactive approach to preventing trouble before it happens. Indeed, dog bite claims have been on the rise for most of the past decade, suggesting that action to protect yourself and your dog can’t come a moment too soon.
At the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, our Colorado personal attorneys have experience handling dog-bite cases. We know that dogs are often wounded because they’re bitten by other dogs. Unfortunately, people routinely suffer dog-bite wounds, as well. If you or your animal has been injured because another dog owner failed to exercise vigilance or keep their dog properly restrained, our firm can advise you about your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation that can help with medical care, vet care, and other expenses caused by an animal attack.
As a responsible pet owner, you owe it to yourself, your dog, and others who come in contact with your pet to obey leash laws. If your pet has access to your yard, make sure that fencing and gates are secure. Post warning signs, such as beware-of-dog signs, whether or not your pet is aggressive.
MSN Money advises dog owners to educate themselves about their potential liability before an issue arises, warning that “a single bite could cost you tens of thousands of dollars,” and that litigation could cost ten times that. It adds that some insurance companies balk at paying claims for dog bites and that some animal attacks have landed their owners in jail.
What else can you do to protect yourself and your dog? If you don’t already own a dog, research breeds carefully before acquiring one. Choose a non-aggressive breed. Check with your homeowner insurance provider to confirm that your policy will cover you if your dog bites someone. Spaying or neutering your dog lessens the likelihood it will bite. Provide training for the animal, and use common sense in situations that might overexcite your pet or make it feel threatened or aggressive.
To avoid situations in which you or your dog might suffer a dog-bite wound, exercise caution. If you have your dog out for a walk, be observant of your surroundings. Watch for unrestrained dogs. Avoid trespassing on another dog’s territory, and don’t make eye contact with a dog you suspect could be aggressive. Avoid moving abruptly. Carry an umbrella or other form of protection with you when you walk.
The Denver personal injury attorneys at the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal know that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your dog from dog bites. We also know that a responsible approach to dog ownership is the best way to avoid finding yourself at the center of a lawsuit because your animal bit someone else. If you or your pet is injured by another dog, contact our firm and ask for a free consultation to find out about your rights. Serious wounds can be disabling and disfiguring. They may require expensive medical treatment for you or veterinary care for your dog. Thousands of Colorado residents who suffer dog bites each year know they can rely on the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal for accurate legal advice and aggressive representation when it’s needed. We can help you, too. Call us today at (303) 825-2223.
Contact our Denver Colorado Personal Injury Law Firm at 303-825-2223
DenverCOInjuryAttorney.com
