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In the aftermath of a traumatic event like a dog attack, it is common to have questions about what to do. If you have suffered significant injuries from the attack, you may wonder how you are going to pay for medical treatment. The dog’s owner may be liable to compensate you for your medical bills and more. Call Joseph, Hollander & Craft’s Topeka dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation.

Dog Bite Statistics

There are approximately 78.2 million dogs in American homes that offer friendship and happiness to their owners. Unfortunately, some dogs can become violent and attack, resulting in serious injuries. It is estimated that more than 800,000 Americans require medical treatment for injuries received as the result of a dog attack each year. Unfortunately, over 50% of dog attacks each year involve children.

Some dog attacks can result in catastrophic results because:

• They happen fast. Dogs can bite in 2/10ths of a second, but humans usually require 3/4ths of a second to react. Depending on the situation, a dog can land around 25 bites in only 4-5 seconds.
• Dogs are strong. A dog weighing 35 pounds can bite off a human adult’s thumb with little to no effort. Many larger dogs (over 35 pounds) are capable of shaking an average sized adult human like a rag doll.

Most dog attacks occur on the property of the dog owner, and the majority of the attacks are perpetrated against the family or friends of the dog’s owner. The majority of dog bites (approximately 71%) occur on the arms, hands, legs, and feet of the victim and each year nearly 44,000 bites result in facial injuries.

Dog Bites and Children

Children are more susceptible to dog-bite injuries than adults. As a result, reported dog attacks tend to involve children more often than adults. According to one study, nearly 70% percent of dog bite victims are children aged 11 and under. When it comes to dog attacks and bites, children are particularly vulnerable because bites will cover a comparatively larger percentage of a child’s body due to the child’s smaller size. While dog bites on adults are seen more on the extremities, dogs are more likely to bite children on the face, neck, or head. According to information released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most reconstructive surgeries performed to treat injuries received from a dog bite are performed on children.

If your child has been attacked by a dog, countless worries are already running through your mind. Don’t add extra stress by attempting to handle the legal part on your own. You can trust JHC’s Topeka dog bite lawyers to prepare a case for maximum compensation—so you can pay the medical bills without worry.

Contact JHC’s Topeka Dog Bite Attorneys Today

A consultation with JHC’s Topeka personal injury lawyers costs nothing. Contact us today to discuss whether you have a claim and how we can help you pursue it. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.

FAQs

How can a Topeka dog bite attorney help me after I have been attacked by a dog?

It is common for the victims of dog bites and attacks to be left with high medical bills, lost wages, and significant emotional distress. The dog owner’s insurance company may try to quickly settle the case for a nominal amount in order to protect its own bottom line. At Joseph, Hollander & Craft, our dog bite injury lawyers know how to help you recover more by investigating the specifics of your claim, gathering medical records pertaining to your injury, and evaluating the financial value of your injury. We will aggressively protect your legal rights and advocate on your behalf. Contact JHC’s Topeka dog bite lawyers today for your free case assessment.

What is the one-bite rule?

The one-bite rule, which applies in Kansas dog bite cases, provides that a dog’s owner is not liable for a bite unless he or she knew the dog had a tendency toward violence or aggression. It is called the one-bite rule because of the notion that each dog gets one free bite before its owner is put on notice of the dog’s potential dangerousness.