Dog bite injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating, especially for children. Depending on the state, dog owners may be strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals, or liability may depend on whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Dog bite liability varies significantly by state. Some states follow strict liability rules, meaning the dog owner is liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous. Other states follow the 'one bite' rule, which requires showing the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies. Attorney Mike Zara is licensed in six states and understands the specific dog bite statutes in each jurisdiction.
Dog bites can cause serious physical and psychological harm, including deep lacerations and puncture wounds, nerve damage and loss of sensation, bone fractures particularly in children, scarring and disfigurement, infection including rabies and MRSA, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and in severe cases, amputation or death. Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bite injuries and may suffer lasting emotional trauma.
Liability for dog bites can extend beyond just the dog's owner. Potentially liable parties include the dog owner, property owners who allowed a dangerous dog on their premises, landlords who knew a tenant had a dangerous dog, dog walkers and pet sitters, and animal shelters that adopted out a known aggressive dog. We investigate all potential sources of recovery to ensure victims receive full compensation.
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for emergency medical treatment and surgery, plastic surgery and scar revision, physical therapy and rehabilitation, psychological counseling for trauma, lost wages during recovery, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Insurance claims for dog bites often involve homeowner's or renter's insurance policies.
Attorney Mike Zara handles dog bite cases in all six states where he is licensed: