Providence Dog Bite Attorney // Louis W. Grande

Have You Been Injured by Dog Bite in Rhode Island?

If You Have Been Injured As A Result Of Someone Else's Negligence, We Can Help You Get The Compensation You Deserve

Recent years have shown a dramatic increase in dog ownership in urban areas. With more young professionals than ever in Rhode Island’s cities and metropolitan areas, the number of households keeping large dogs as pets is on the rise. Bars and restaurants often advertise “dog-friendly” policies while offering free pet treats, and pet-related business-like dog bakeries and pet daycares are common. As a result, the number of interactions between people and dogs — particularly large dogs — is higher than ever.

Even though most dog owners are responsible, the small fraction of careless owners is a real risk for the public. If spooked or excited, a large dog can easily cause serious injuries to a wide range of victims. While the most common injury associated with dog attacks are bites and lacerations, there are often additional injuries that aren’t as readily anticipated.

Injuries from dog attacks

The jaws of a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, or Pitbull can slice through muscles and ligaments, crush bone, and do irreparable nerve damage. Large dog breeds that are trained to fight will bite and hold, shaking massive neck muscles back and forth. Even a single bite can result in severed nerves, infections, and scarring; even after the wound is healed, physical therapy to regain function can take months or years.

In addition to local trauma, deep lacerations can result in severe blood loss which requires hospitalization. This can result in further complications and a lengthier recovery period. In most jurisdictions, the owner of a vicious dog is responsible for all the injuries which proceed from the initial attack.

Not all dog attack injuries involve bites. When a large dog attacks, it pushes itself off the ground with tremendous force. Police dogs are able to knock a full-grown man to the ground with the impact of their jump. Even if a dog does not bite, simply attacking can throw a victim to the ground with enough force to cause whiplash, sprains, concussions, and long-lasting soft tissue injuries.

Common dog bite situations

Rhode Island has laws which require dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash in most situations. However, many people fail to follow this rule or lose their grip on the leash when a dog is spooked or excited. An unleashed or loose dog can cause serious injuries.

Many people looking for the top Rhode Island dog bite lawyer call because they were injured while trying to protect their own pet. A large dog that would ordinarily leave bystanders alone may become dangerous if it sees another dog. If a German Shepherd gets loose and attacks a smaller dog, it can quickly cause serious injuries to anyone who tries to intervene.

Another class of dog attacks happen when a guest is on the dog’s own “turf” and is suddenly perceived as a threat. Dog owners may assume that because the dog is never aggressive toward people in public, the same will be true at home, but that is not necessarily the case. Pitbulls are fiercely territorial and can attack a guest unexpectedly.

FAQ

Who is responsible for a dog bite injury?

By law, the person who owns/possesses the dog is to be held liable for any dog bite injuries to other people. Cases may vary depending on the nature of the dog bite and the location that it happened.

How do dog bite accidents work in Rhode Island?

If the dog bite occurs on the dog owners’ property, strict dog bite law may not apply. Rhode Island has a “one bite” law — When the owner had no way of knowing the dog was about to bite or attack because this behavior has never happened before.

What do I do if a dog bites me?

Dogs can carry germs and bacteria that are foreign to our bodies. Even if the initial injury does not appear to be severe, an infection can quickly occur. It is important to clean the wound, sterilize, and wrap it. Seek medical attention and document all of your medical records, doctors’ trips, and expenses.

How long do I have to sue for a dog bite?

3 years — Rhode Island General Laws Section 9-1-14 states you have 3 years from the time of the dog bite to file your lawsuit for personal injury.

Someone who has been injured in a dog attack may assume that the owners will be held responsible, but this is not always the case. A careless owner may argue that he never knew his dog would cause injuries, and thus couldn’t have expected what happened. In other cases, the dog might be known to be aggressive, but the insurance company will claim the policy doesn’t cover certain breeds.

After a dog attack, it is critical to document everything about the incident. If you are seriously injured, ask a trusted friend or acquaintance to take the names and phone numbers of all witnesses while you seek medical treatment. You should always call the police and ask for a full police report.

When you contact the law firm of Louis W. Grande, we will ask specific questions to help us determine the best path forward. We will determine the likelihood of obtaining liability as well as the available insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries. All calls are confidential, and you are never charged for a consultation.

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TOP-RATED RHODE ISLAND DOG BITE LAWYER

Louis W. Grande is committed to providing quality legal representation and above all, personal attention to our clients’ individual needs. Conveniently located within minutes of downtown Providence on historic Smith Street, there is never a charge for an initial consultation. With evening and weekend appointments available, when your personal problems call for an experienced Providence Personal Injury Lawyer, our firm is ready to assist you.

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Receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
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Before talking with these auto insurance companies, be sure to call our office. We are here to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We aggressively defend the rights of injured people in auto accidents and personal injuries in Rhode Island. We will keep you updated on the status of your claim at all times while explaining the process and what you can expect following an accident with an injury. We are fully committed to getting the most money we can for you.

The time following an accident with injuries resulting is stressful, and we are here to offer you our legal support by fighting aggressively to defend your rights. No matter your legal situation, if you suffer an injury due to the negligence of another driver, you could be compensated for your injuries.

Our goal is to get you the compensation you and your family deserve to relieve the financial impact following an accident or injury. Contact me now for help.

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