Most of us don’t expect to be the victim of a dog attack. After all, dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend. We go on runs with them. We play with them. They beg for treats and wag their tails when they’re excited to see us. They even lie in our laps while we watch television on a lazy Sunday. Sadly, dog bite injuries happen more often than we think.

An estimated 4.5 to 4.7 million people (half of whom are kids) are bitten in the United States each year. About 800,000 of those require medical attention, and as a result, U.S. insurers paid out $1.57 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2024.

People just like you are treated in ERs every day for dog bite injuries, and they are often more than scratches and cuts.

Nerve damage (temporary or permanent)
Lacerations and puncture wounds that require plastic surgery
Broken bones and muscle tears
Severe tissue loss
Crushing injuries
Infections
Scarring and disfigurement
Emotional trauma
Death

Dog Bite Injuries: You Do Have Rights

The reality is that no one can completely prevent a dog attack. These attacks can also come from even the most trained and docile pets in your neighborhood, especially if they feel scared, threatened, provoked, or feel like they need to protect their loved one. If you did not instigate the offending animal, you could pursue a personal injury claim to account for your injuries and other damages. The claim would be against the dog’s owner.

That said, it would be incumbent upon you to prove fault for what happened. Dog bite laws vary by state. Some jurisdictions impose strict liability on dog owners, while others require proof of negligence or prior knowledge of a dog’s tendencies.

Negligence and causation may be established by showing that:

The dog’s owner knew, or should have known, that the animal had aggressive or dangerous tendencies.
The owner failed to restrain or control the dog, such as allowing it to be off-leash or roam freely.
The owner violated a local leash law or animal control ordinance.
The dog was inadequately confined, such as behind a broken fence or an open gate.
The owner failed to warn others that their dog showed tendencies and even a history of unpredictability and aggression.
The attack occurred without provocation, and you were lawfully present at the location where the bite occurred.

In addition, you as the victim would also need to connect the owner’s negligence to your injuries by showing that the attack was a direct result of the owner’s failure to act responsibly. There is a ton of evidence you can rely on to prove your claim, including but not limited to medical records, animal control reports, witness statements, prior animal control reports, photographs and/or video of the scene, lost wage records, financial records, and documentation of pain and suffering.

9 Ways To Prevent or Limit Dog Bite Injuries

The website dogsbite.org has a detailed list of tips to prevent or limit the chances of dog bite injuries.

Do not pet a dog without first letting it see you, even when you know the dog!
Do not lean your face close to a dog.
Do not approach an unfamiliar dog, even if it seems friendly or healthy.
Do not tease a dog, especially a chained or tethered dog.
Do not startle a sleeping dog.
Do not play aggressive games with your dog.
Do not bother a dog that is eating.
Do not disturb a dog that is caring for puppies.
Do not turn your back on a dog and run away.

Call Keys Law Offices Today!

As mentioned above, dog bite injuries are more common than you might think. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims and their families for dog bite injuries and many other personal injury matters. Our experienced team understands the intricate legal issues involved in dog attack cases and knows how to investigate and litigate them to secure the compensation our clients deserve.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our staff is always available. Call us today!