Animal Attacks: What Actions Should You Take?

Pet owners sometimes don't realize the amount of responsibility involved in taking care of a pet. Not only do they have a responsibility to ensure the pet is properly fed, sheltered and exercised, but they also have to ensure it does not harm other people in the environment. Dogs are the largest offenders when it comes to domestic animal attacks and their owners must take precautions to avoid people getting injured.

Dogs need to be properly confined and kept on leashes when out and about. Dogs love their owners and are naturally protective of them but can act viciously if they think someone is invading their territory or in some way intending to harm their owner. Certain types of herding dogs can also pose problems as their herding instincts kick in when they see people riding bicycles, motorcycles or even running and they begin to chase whatever is moving. The animals are following their inbred instincts, but they can wind up seriously injuring someone and the owner will be held responsible.

Dog Bites

Almost 50% of dog bite cases in the U.S. each year involve children under the age of twelve. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are two breeds that are known to be more inclined to bite people according to statistics and for this reason people should take extra precautions when around these dogs. Often times, a homeowner's insurance policy will cover a dog bite or attack, but some insurance companies will not insure certain breeds. A personal injury attorney can give you the specifics on which breeds this applies to if you or someone you know has been attacked by a dog. Injuries can be severe enough necessitating that a claim be filed to cover any medical and recovery costs.

What To Do If Attacked

If you are attacked by a dog, following are some actions you should take:

• Get contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the attack for they could be valuable in defense of an insurance claim

• Get as much information as you can about the dog (check to see if has had his shots) who attacked you and try to find out who the owner is and get all of their contact information .Find out if the dog has ever bitten anyone else in the past.

• Take photographs of any injuries as evidence for your claim and any other damage the dog may have caused.

• Get any insurance information from the owner of the dog whether it is homeowners, renters, or some other type.

• Contact a personal injury lawyer to help you get compensation for any injuries

It would be in your best interests if you have been attacked and injured by a dog or some other animal in the New Hampshire, to seek help from a New Hampshire animal attack attorney. At Mulvey, Cornell & Mulvey, we have been handling personal injury cases for individuals in the area for over 30 years, including animal attacks.

These types of injuries can be quite costly, especially if surgery is required. Permanent disfigurement can result from animal attacks and are not to be taken lightly. We provide very skilled legal counsel that can protect you and enable you to acquire fair and equitable compensation for the injuries you or a loved one may have received. Pet owners need to be held accountable if they become negligent and their animals harm others.

Contact a New Hampshire Animal Attack Lawyer in our office for a free case evaluation and find out what steps to take next.