Dog Bite Lawsuits in Rhode Island: Everything You Need to Know

In our state, dog owners can be held solely accountable for the damage their pets cause, regardless of whether the animal has previously demonstrated aggressive behavior.

Rhode Island’s dog bite statute (Rhode Island Gen. Laws § 4-13-16) imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning they are responsible for any injuries their dog inflicts, even if they had no reason to believe the animal was vicious or dangerous.

However, this strict liability does not apply in all circumstances. If the victim was trespassing on private property or provoked the dog through teasing or abuse, the owner may not be liable for the resulting injuries. Understanding the nuances of Rhode Island’s dog bite laws is crucial in determining whether you have a valid claim against a negligent dog owner.

Pursuing a Dog Bite Injury Claim – The Legal Process

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, the first step is to act quickly, as Rhode Island imposes a statute of limitations of three years from the incident to file a dog bite lawsuit. Failure to take legal action within this limit may result in permanent barring from receiving compensation for your injuries.

To build a strong case, we will gather all available evidence, including witness statements, medical records, photographs, and incident reports. This documentation will be crucial in establishing the dog owner’s negligence and the extent of your damages.

Recoverable Damages in Dog Bite Cases

You might be eligible for a number of compensation options if we can establish the dog owner’s liability, such as:

• Economic damages: This includes actual damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and future medical expenses resulting from the dog bite injuries.
• Non-economic damages: These damages compensate for the attack’s intangible impacts, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: These can be awarded to punish the responsible party and discourage future instances of the same behavior in situations where the dog owner has acted particularly careless.

The actual damages you might be awarded will depend on several variables, including the seriousness of your injuries, the length of your medical care, and how much it affects your quality of life.

Defenses Used by Dog Owners and Their Insurers

Even in cases where liability seems clear, dog owners and their insurance companies may attempt to minimize their financial responsibility by employing various defense strategies.

Some common arguments include:

• The “one bite rule”: While Rhode Island does not strictly adhere to this rule, insurers may argue that the dog had no history of aggression and, therefore, the owner could not have reasonably foreseen the attack.
• Trespassing: If you were on the dog owner’s private property without permission, they may claim you were trespassing and, therefore, not owed a duty of care.
• Provocation: Dog owners may allege that you provoked the animal through teasing, abuse, or other actions, absolving them of liability.
• Comparative negligence: This defense suggests that your negligence contributed to the incident, and your damages should be reduced accordingly.

Our legal team understands these tactics and will work diligently to counter them, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Enlisting the Help of an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

While pursuing a dog bite claim without legal representation is possible, doing so can be extremely challenging. An experienced dog bite attorney can provide vital assistance throughout the procedure, including:

• Assessing liability and gathering evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to get a reasonable settlement.
• Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if the other party refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.
• Ensure that all court rules and deadlines are followed and that your rights are protected at all times.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. Our attorneys only receive a portion of any settlement or award we secure for you, ensuring our interests are aligned with maximizing your compensation.

Preventing Dog Bites – Responsibilities of Owners

While dog bite victims have legal recourse, preventing these incidents in the first place is paramount.

Dog owners in Rhode Island have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to protect others from harm, including:

• Properly restraining their dogs when in public or around visitors.
• Being aware of warning signs of aggressive behavior, such as growling, baring teeth, or raised hackles.
• Ensuring their dogs receive proper training and socialization to minimize the risk of unprovoked attacks.
• Complying with local leash laws and ordinances governing the control of pets.

By promoting responsible pet ownership and holding negligent dog owners accountable, we can create a safer environment for everyone in our communities.

Commonly Reported Dog Bite Injuries

Numerous injuries, some of which may be permanent, can arise from dog attacks. Common injuries reported in dog bite cases include:

• Lacerations, puncture wounds, and scarring
• Infections from bacteria in the dog’s mouth
• Nerve damage and loss of mobility
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (in severe cases)
• Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The location of the bite, the size and breed of the dog, the victim’s age, and their physical state are all important variables that can affect how severe these injuries are. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential to reducing the long-term consequences of a dog bite.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Statistics and Trends

According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, insurers across the United States paid out over $1 billion in dog bite claims in 2022. While specific statistics for Rhode Island are not readily available, dog bite incidents remain a significant public health and safety concern in our state.

Recent high-profile cases and notable settlements serve as reminders of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the potential legal consequences of failing to control one’s animal.

When to Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, seeking legal counsel is often the best course of action.

Signs that you may have a valid case include:

• Sustaining significant injuries that require medical treatment
• The dog’s owner failing to take responsibility or refusing to cooperate
• The attack occurring in a public place or on property where you had a legal right to be present
• The dog having a history of aggressive behavior that was known to the owner

Remember, in Rhode Island, you have a limited window of opportunity to file a dog bite lawsuit. Protecting your rights and improving your chances of getting just compensation can be accomplished by moving swiftly and seeking legal advice from an expert.

Victim of a Dog Bite? Louis W. Grande Fights for You

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog attack in Rhode Island, don’t hesitate to contact Louis W. Grande, a top-rated Providence personal injury lawyer with decades of experience. Our firm has secured millions in compensation for clients across the state, and we are dedicated to fighting for the justice and fair treatment you deserve.

With a track record of success and a commitment to personalized service, you can trust our team to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and compassion.

Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no up-front costs or fees unless we obtain compensation. Together, we can navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.