Providence Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog bite can be unexpected and traumatic, causing physical injuries and emotional distress. In Providence, RI, these unfortunate events are more common than one might think. Whether it’s a minor nip or a severe attack, understanding the implications of a dog bite and knowing your rights are crucial steps in ensuring your safety and well-being.

After a dog bite, it’s vital to take immediate action. Seeking medical attention is the first priority, but it’s equally important to report the incident and document the circumstances. Knowing the correct steps to take can make a significant difference in the aftermath of such an encounter. This is where legal expertise becomes invaluable.

Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pets do not pose a threat to others. In Rhode Island, dog owners are liable for injuries inflicted by their dogs, and the Providence dog bite lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush have the skill and knowledge to hold negligent dog owners accountable.

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The aftermath of a vicious dog attack can be painful and costly. Under Rhode Island law, a dog owner is liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities. The injured party can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the attack. An attorney can assist with the process and ensure that the victim’s rights are protected. 

Dog bites are a terrible experience that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Securing experienced legal representation is essential when dealing with dog bite injuries. If you suffer an attack in Providence, the top-rated dog bite injury lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush may be able to help.

Why Choose Marasco & Nesselbush Providence Dog Bite Accident Lawyers ​

The legal team at Marasco & Nesselbush can work with you to ensure that you recover all your potential expenses and losses. If your injuries are severe, they can work with your medical providers to determine long-term costs, allowing you to cover your needs now and in the future. 

They can also negotiate with the insurance company and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf. 

A personal injury attorney can help you recover damages such as: 

  • Pain and suffering 
  • Medical bills 
  • Lost wages 
  • Wrongful death 
  • Loss of companionship 

Legal matters can be confusing and complicated, but your Providence dog bite lawyer knows how to handle every aspect, including negotiating with insurance companies, which have a team of lawyers working to help them avoid paying out large sums of money.

$7,270,000

Jury verdict for a client whose lifelong disabilities were caused by medical negligence.

$5,100,000

Recovered for the estate of a woman who passed as a result of surgical negligence.

$3,000,000

Recovered for a family of an infant who died as a result of medical negligence.

$2,000,000

to the family of a woman who died as a result of negligent monitoring in a local hospital.

Marasco & Nesselbush will defend your rights and represent your best interests. If you have been injured by a dog, don’t hesitate to contact the Marasco & Nesselbush Law Firm for a free consultation today.

How Common Are Dog Bites In Providence, RI?​

Providence officials do not provide statistics on the number of dog attacks in the city, but national statistics paint a sobering picture of the frequency of these incidents.  

Here are the key statistics on dog bite injuries in the United States:

  • The average annual incidence of dog bite injuries treated in emergency departments is 1.1 per 1,000 people. This equates to an estimated 337,103 dog bite visits per year to US emergency departments.
  • Dog bites account for 1.1% of all emergency department injury visits in the US. This makes dog bites the 13th most common injury, exceeding those occurring on motorcycles, to pedestrians, and from firearm gunshot injuries.
  • The average age of those with dog bite injuries is 28.9 years, with a median age of 24 years. Over 50% of dog bite victims are male.
  • The most common locations for dog bites are the upper extremity (47.3%), head/neck (26.8%), and lower extremity (21.5%). Younger patients tend to have more bites to the head/neck, while older patients have more bites to the upper extremity.
  • Around 80% of dog bites occur at home, and 98.8% are unintentional. 
  • The estimated annual cost of dog bite injuries is at least $400 million.

Children are the most common victims. Their small size and fearless nature make them more likely to be attacked by a dog. They are also more likely to do things, such as scaring the dog, that provoke the dog to bite. 

What Are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries?

Injuries in dog bite cases typically involve torn skin, bruising, and punctures. A dog’s teeth can be quite sharp and go through the skin fairly easily. Sometimes, they may snag on the skin, and if the dog shakes its head, the skin might tear or rip.  

The most significant concern with most dog bite injuries is infection. Bacterial infections can easily set in open wounds if the area is not kept clean and covered. There is also a risk of rabies, especially if the dog isn’t vaccinated. 

The resulting injuries from an attack can range from minor to deadly. It often depends on the breed and size of the animal, as some dangerous dog breeds are much stronger than others and can inflict more severe damage.

Common and Severe Dog Bite Injuries

  • Deep Puncture Wounds

Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds caused by the animal’s sharp teeth. These wounds can penetrate skin and muscle tissue, leading to significant pain and bleeding. Even if a puncture wound appears minor on the surface, it can reach into deeper tissues, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This increases the risk of infection and may require thorough cleaning, antibiotics, or even surgery to treat it properly.

  • Tissue Damage

Bites can cause extensive damage to soft tissues such as skin, muscles, and tendons. The force of a dog’s jaws can crush and tear these tissues, leading to severe and sometimes irreversible damage. Tissue damage may require surgical intervention to repair, and in some cases, reconstructive surgery might be necessary to restore function and appearance. Recovery can be prolonged and may involve physical therapy.

  • Nerve Damage

The crushing force of a dog’s bite can sever or severely damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation or motor function in the affected area. Nerve damage often results in chronic pain or numbness and may impair the ability to move or use the injured limb effectively. In severe cases, this can be permanent, significantly affecting the victim’s quality of life.

  • Broken Bones

Particularly strong bites can fracture or break bones, especially in the hands, arms, or face. Fractures from a bite can be complex and might require surgical intervention to set and heal properly. Recovery time can be extensive, often involving immobilization, physical therapy, and a lengthy rehabilitation process.

  • Infection

Dog bites introduce bacteria from the dog’s mouth into the wound, increasing the risk of infection. Common infections from dog bites include cellulitis, abscesses, and in severe cases, sepsis. Infections can complicate the healing process, leading to additional medical treatments, including the possibility of intravenous antibiotics or hospitalization. Prompt medical attention is essential to mitigate the risk of serious complications.

  • Psychological Effects

Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause significant psychological trauma. Victims may experience fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the attack was severe or involved a familiar pet. The emotional aftermath of a dog bite can affect daily life, relationships, and overall mental health. Therapy or counseling might be needed to address these psychological effects and help the victim regain confidence and a sense of security.

Long-Term Implications

The long-term effects of dog bite injuries can be profound, impacting both the physical and emotional well-being of the victim. Recovery often involves ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and psychological support. In some cases, victims might face permanent disfigurement or disability, which can affect their ability to work or enjoy life as they did before the incident.

Understanding the severity and potential consequences of dog bite injuries underscores the importance of seeking immediate and specialized medical and legal help. Marasco & Nesselbush dog bite injury lawyers in Providence provide expert legal representation to help victims navigate the complexities of dog bite claims, ensuring they receive the compensation needed to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of their injuries.

What Does Rhode Island Law Say About Dog Bites?​

In Rhode Island, state law declares that the owner or person housing a dog is liable for any injuries or damages the canine causes. However, there are some exceptions. For example, in Woonsocket, the city does provide an exception for an owner’s liability if the person who was bitten trespassed, committed a crime, or provoked the animal.  

The state also has rules concerning vicious dogs. Dogs are considered vicious when they have attacked a person or responded aggressively without provocation. Animal control officers working for municipal police departments in Rhode Island have the authority to declare a dog vicious, a move that triggers additional responsibilities for the dog owner, including providing special housing and confinement for the dog to prevent further incidents.  

Why Do Dogs Bite? ​

Dog bites are often a reaction to stimulus. Some of the most common stimuli include:  

  • Pain: Biting can be a reaction to pain when an animal is ill or injured. 
  • Fear: Attacks can be a natural response if the canine is scared or frightened.  
  • Protectiveness: If a dog senses that someone or something they love is being threatened, it may bite in an attempt to protect them. If it feels threatened, it may also be inclined to fight back. 

Sometimes, dogs will bite because they have not been adequately trained. Aggressive breeds may bite or attack in the absence of an apparent stimulus. However, aggression can occur in any breed of dog, so those who come into contact with any dog should assess its potential to attack based on behavior, not breed alone.

a dog sitting

What Should I Do If A Dog Bites Me In Providence?

If a dog injures you, you want to take specific steps to ensure your health and safety and to protect your legal rights. The priority after an incident is to seek medical care, as time is of the essence to avoid infection and repair any major damage. 

  • Seek medical care. Call 911 or get to a hospital as soon as possible. You should administer first aid immediately by washing the bite and covering it with a clean cloth or bandage. 
  • Report the incident. The hospital should report the bite to authorities, but if they do not, make sure you do. The Providence Municipal Code of Ordinances requires that physicians, hospitals, or other medical practitioners report all dog attacks that occur in Providence.
  • Gather evidence. Speak with witnesses or take pictures of the scene. The idea is to gather any information that can assist your attorney with building your case against the dog’s owner.
  • Hire a Providence dog bite accident lawyer. Find an attorney who has experience handling dog bite cases. 
  • Follow up with your medical provider. Attend all medical appointments and adhere to doctor’s orders. Also, keep an eye out for signs of infection. 

 

How Much Can I Recover From A Dog Bite Injury Claim?

When you’re a victim of a dog bite, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Understanding the types of compensation available can help you navigate this challenging time.

Types of Compensation

  • Medical Expenses: Covers immediate treatment costs and ongoing medical care, including surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
  • Lost Wages: Reimburses you for income lost due to time off work while recovering from your injuries.
  • Pain and Suffering: Provides compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the bite.
  • Other Damages: Includes compensation for property damage, such as torn clothing or broken personal items, and costs for psychological counseling.

Pursuing Fair Compensation

The Marasco & Nesselbush dog bite attorneys are experienced  in maximizing compensation for dog bite victims. We meticulously calculate your damages by considering medical reports, wage records, and expert testimonies. Our experienced team ensures that all aspects of your suffering, both physical and emotional, are accounted for. We are committed to negotiating vigorously or litigating when necessary to secure the full compensation you deserve.

Is There A Deadline To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit In Providence, RI?

The time limit for dog attacks falls under the statute of limitations for personal injury. You must file your case for claims regarding a physical injury within three years of the incident. The same time limit applies if an attack leads to the death of a loved one. You have the right to sue for the wrongful death of a close relative. 

Be cautious about the statute of limitations. Time can go by rather quickly, and you could miss the deadline. If you do not file your case before the end of the time limit, the court will not hear it, and you will lose your right to make a claim. 

You also want to ensure you work with an attorney who understands how to handle Rhode Island premises liability cases. 

Your case evaluation is free and confidential, and our law office works on a contingency-fee-basis, so it will cost you nothing to talk to a lawyer today. 

GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Call The Providence Dog Bite Attorneys At Marasco & Nesselbush For A Free Consultation!

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, don’t face it alone. Contact Marasco & Nesselbush Personal Injury Lawyers for expert legal help. Our team specializes in handling dog bite cases and is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait to seek the justice and support you deserve. Call us at (401) 289-1583 or contact us online today to schedule your free initial consultation. 

Trust Marasco & Nesselbush to provide the expertise and support you need. Your first consultation is free—reach out to us today!

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