Dog Bite FAQs
The “one bite” rule is a law that requires proof that a dog owner had prior knowledge of their dog’s vicious capacities before they can be held liable for an attack victim’s injuries. However, this rule does not apply in Massachusetts. For the “one bite” rule to apply in Rhode Island, you must be inside the dog’s enclosure at the time of the attack.
Yes. Although commonly referred to as “dog bite” laws, they actually cover all animal attack-related injuries. So, for example, if you fell while being attacked by a dog, you would still be able to seek compensation for your injuries from the fall, as well as any bite-related injuries.
This question is complicated. The most important thing to know is this: you should never make assumptions about your legal rights until you speak with an experienced attorney. Massachusetts’ dog bite law includes a specific exception for cases where the victim “was teasing, tormenting, or abusing” the dog, but Rhode Island’s law does not. To determine whether you have a claim under these circumstances, you’ll need a legal team to conduct a thorough investigation and careful analysis.
Animal bites and other attack-related injuries can lead to severe and lasting damage to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the body—so it’s important that you get maximum compensation. Unfortunately, many insurance companies try to get victims like you to settle for less than you deserve. A lawyer can help you gather your medical records, investigate potential wage loss and medical expenses, and calculate a fair and accurate settlement.
Yes. Insurance adjusters are unlikely to advise you of your full legal rights, which means they’ll probably offer you a lowball settlement. It’s important to have a lawyer on your side who can make sure you get maximum compensation for not only your injuries, but also for your related pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other financial losses.
In most cases, you can file a dog bite claim by contacting the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance—this is typically the fastest way to secure compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. But if you’re unfamiliar with the process of filing a claim, you may want to rely on an experienced attorney for assistance. Insurance adjusters will likely offer you a settlement much lower than you deserve, so we recommend that you let us file your claim for you.
We handle dog bite cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means:
- We don’t charge hourly rates.
- we won’t ask you to pay a retainer fee upfront.
- there are no hidden costs associated with your claim.
If we help you secure compensation, we’ll keep a percentage as our fee for representing you. But unless we help you get money for your claim, you won’t owe us anything—that’s our No Fee Guarantee®.
