Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyer

Any dog can bite a person, depending on the dog’s behavior and any perceived threat, provocation, or fear. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, mental anguish, trauma, and medical expenses. They may even leave permanent scars. At Marasco & Nesselbush, our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers have the experience, resources, and determination to defend your rights and get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Being the victim of a dog attack can be a disturbing and tragic nightmare. A dog bite or attack can cause devastating, painful, and sometimes permanent damage. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, know that Rhode Island dog owners must be held accountable.

Since opening our doors in April 1999, Marasco & Nesselbush has specialized in personal injury lawsuits, such as dog bite injuries, premises liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. We have four offices in Providence, Warwick, Wakefield, and Woonsocket.

Our mission is to defend your rights, hold responsible parties accountable, and pursue justice. The Rhode Island dog bite lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush know you suffered pain and distress that no person should endure. We are committed to treating every client with respect and dignity.

We take a personal interest in our clients and empathize with their struggles. All your concerns will be heard and addressed, and we will keep you well-informed on the progress of your case every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite injury, don’t delay contacting our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers. We will stand by your side to fight for justice and the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Rhode Island

Dogs are our furry best friends and members of the family. So, it is hard to imagine them causing any harm. But any dog can bite a person, no matter the size of the dog, its gender, or its breed. However, some breeds, such as pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, rottweilers, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, and wolf-dog hybrids, are more dangerous than others.

And no matter how tame and trained a dog may seem, they still retain their basic animal instincts. If provoked, harmed, or seemingly threatened, dogs will attack and can cause devastating injuries to their owners, other people, and even other animals. They may also attack if they are afraid.

Common types of dog bite injuries include:

Lacerations
Punctures
Dog bite scars
Broken or fractured bones
Facial damage
Nerve damage
Internal bleeding
Bacterial and other infections

A dog attack can even lead to the victim’s death if severe enough.

Dog Bite Laws in Rhode Island

Dog bite laws in Rhode Island can get complicated depending on the circumstances of the case and where the attack occurs.

Strict Liability law

Rhode Island has a strict liability law for dog attacks that occur outside an enclosed area on the animal owner’s or keeper’s property. Rhode Island law § 4-13-16 provides that owner or keeper is strictly liable for the injuries sustained in such an incident. If a second attack occurs, the dog owner or keeper must pay double the damages, and the dog must be put down. To win this claim, you do not have to prove that the dog owner or keeper knew that the dog has a disposition to harmful behavior.

The strict liability law applies not just to the dog’s owner but also to any “keeper” of the dog. Thus, if the dog was under the care of someone other than the owner, that person could be held liable for the attack.

‘One-bite’ rule

If the dog bites you inside the owner’s or keeper’s enclosure, such as inside an apartment or within the boundary lines of a house, then Rhode Island law follows the so-called “one-bite rule.” Under this rule, the dog’s owner is only liable for an attack if they knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious nature and propensity to bite someone

Practically, this means that if this is the first bite, the owner is presumed unaware of the dog’s vicious tendencies. In other words, the owner is given a “free pass” for the first bite. The owner can be liable for subsequent bites because they know the dog is violent.

Because of such legal complexities, you should contact an experienced dog attack lawyer who can explain your legal rights and determine if you have a dog bite claim. Schedule an appointment with Marasco & Nesselbush now.

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Content Reviewed by:

Jane Duket

Jane R. Duket is an associate attorney with Marasco & Nesselbush, specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice.

Compensation Available for a Rhode Island Dog Bite

A dog bite attack can leave you or your loved ones with terrible injuries and mounting bills. Therefore, contacting a dog bite attorney as soon as possible is crucial. Dog owners must be held accountable for the egregious acts of their dogs. You may be entitled to seek compensation such as the following:

Lost wages: If you had to take time off work due to your injuries or to care for your child’s injuries following a dog bite attack, you can recover your lost wages.
Loss of future earning capacity: If injuries from the attack left you unable to do your job or you had to cut hours, you can get damages for loss of future wages.
Medical expenses: Doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, prescriptions, therapy, and rehabilitation are all types of medical costs that may be recouped.
Pain and suffering: A dog bite attack is an agonizing event. Thus, you can also recover damages for your pain and suffering.

The total amount of compensation varies with every case. It depends on different circumstances, such as the severity of the injuries from the bite.

Also, note that insurance companies may be involved. Sometimes dog bites are covered by homeowner’s insurance. However, insurance companies are ruthless about protecting their bottom line. They will try to settle your case as quickly as possible for as little as possible.

Never deal with an insurance company alone. Our lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush know how to handle insurance companies and their unscrupulous practices. We will help you recover the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

Lost wages: If you had to take time off work due to your injuries or to care for your child’s injuries following a dog bite attack, you can recover your lost wages.
Loss of future earning capacity: If injuries from the attack left you unable to do your job or you had to cut hours, you can get damages for loss of future wages.
Medical expenses: Doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, prescriptions, therapy, and rehabilitation are all types of medical costs that may be recouped.
Pain and suffering: A dog bite attack is an agonizing event. Thus, you can also recover damages for your pain and suffering.

The total amount of compensation varies with every case. It depends on different circumstances, such as the severity of the injuries from the bite.

What to Do After a Dog Attack

A dog attack often occurs quickly before you can comprehend what is happening. It is a traumatizing event. There are important steps you should take following a dog attack.

First, seek out medical assistance. Nothing is more important than your health. Call an ambulance or contact your primary care provider immediately. This will also provide critical documentation of your injuries.

Next, try to obtain the dog owner’s contact details and the dog’s information. Also, inquire about the dog’s vaccination status and whether it has any diseases that can be transferable to you via the attack.

For more documentation, you should also file a police report. And don’t forget to take photos of the injuries, the location of the attack, and, if you can, the dog.

Lastly, contact a dog bite attorney to determine if your case has enough merit to bring a claim.

Time Limit for Filing Dog Bite Claims

Personal injury claims such as dog bite injuries must be brought within a certain timeframe. Otherwise, you will be barred from bringing the claim. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. Rhode Island law § 9-1-14 sets a deadline of three years from the date of the dog attack to file suit against the responsible party.

You should contact a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your claim and give them sufficient time to build a strong case. Trying to file a lawsuit past the three-year deadline will result in a dismissal of your case.

Contact Marasco & Nesselbush Now

Our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush will help you navigate the complicated dog bite laws. Our dog bite attorneys will dedicate their experience, knowledge, and passion for justice to defending your rights.

Our thorough understanding of Rhode Island dog bite law, and experience in representing victims of such attacks lead to the best results. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to bring your case to a successful resolution.

Visit our website to view our case results.

FAQ

Do Doctors Have to Report Dog Bites in Rhode Island?

No. There is no requirement to report dog bites in Rhode Island. However, as a dog bite victim, after receiving medical attention, you should file a police report about the dog attack. This provides documentation for a future lawsuit.

What Happens if My Dog Bites Someone in Rhode Island?

If your dog bites someone in Rhode Island, you may be held liable under personal injury law for the dog attack. Therefore, ensuring your dog is properly trained and well-behaved is crucial. Further, having insurance in case your dog attacks someone else might be beneficial.

How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

In 2019, the average dog bite claim in Rhode Island was $43,567. However, evaluating what a dog bite claim is worth can be difficult. Every case has different facts and different situations. Therefore, the value of a claim will be very fact-dependent. A Rhode Island dog bite lawyer will be able to review your case and all the evidence to determine how much your dog bite case is worth.

What Does ‘Enclosure’ Mean Under Rhode Island’s Dog Bite Statute?

The Rhode Island Supreme Court interprets “enclosure” to mean “a fence or physical obstruction” or “any condition that will give reasonable notice that the land is private property.” Thus, enclosures include homes, apartments, and fences, among other things.

If a dog bite occurs outside the enclosure, the dog owner is subject to strict liability. If the dog bite occurs inside the enclosure, then the one-bite rule applies.

What is the ‘one-bite’ rule?

Under Rhode Island law, if a dog bite occurs within the enclosure or boundaries of private property, the “one-bite” rule applies. This rule gives the dog’s owner a “free pass” for the first bite. A dog owner cannot be held liable for the first bite unless the owner knew or had reason to know of the dog’s violent behavior. After that first bite, the dog owner can be held liable as they are deemed to have been on notice of the dog’s behavior.