The occurrence of dog bite injuries are increasing in number, and insurance claims and legal claims regarding dog bites are following suit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 4.5 million Americans sustain dog bite injuries each year, and more than half of the victims are children. One out of every five dog bites requires medical attention. If you sustained an injury that was a result of a dog bite, a Gulfport dog bite lawyer can assist you in seeking recovery for the damages that you sustained.

Dog bites have received more attention from Congress during the last two decades than ever before. In recent years an innocent woman was mauled and killed by her neighbors’ dogs. The dog owners were imprisoned for manslaughter. In addition to potential criminal liability, dog owners and dog handlers can be held responsible for the financial damages that their dog causes.

A victim of a dog bite can hold a dog owner or dog handler liable if she can prove that this person acted in an unreasonable manner in regard to her handling of the dog. This negligence theory is based on the dog’s exhibition of a dangerous propensity or disposition before the attack occurred. The victim must also show that the dog owner had knowledge about the dog’s disposition or propensity or that he reasonably should have known about these characteristics that would have made it foreseeable that an attack was likely to result. Once these elements are met, a Gulfport dog bite lawyer can prove the amount of damages that the victim should receive based on his medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering.

If you sustained a dog bite injury, there are a few actions that you can take to ensure your likelihood of successfully pursuing your claim. Get the names and phone numbers for any individuals that witnessed the attack and the dog’s owner. Take pictures of your injuries and their progression. Seek immediate medical treatment so that you can more quickly recover from your injuries and to provide documentation of your injuries. File a report with the appropriate authorities that regulate ordinances regarding animals in the area. Contact an attorney who is skilled with dog bite injury claims.

A Gulfport dog bite lawyer is aware of local ordinances that may pertain to your case and can explain the necessary elements of a dog bite claim. Call a skilled attorney in this area of law to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Elite Lawyer Project Gulfport personal injury lawyer assists victims of personal injury throughout the Gulf Coast region.