The statistics on dog bites are alarming. An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur every year in the United States. Nearly 800,000 injuries are caused due to dog bites every year, and 82 percent of victims are children, who are under 15 years of age.1 These statistics reveal that personal injury due to dog bite is more common than people think. That is why if you or your loved one has been bitten by a dog, you need to consult an experienced lawyer to see how you can be compensated for the injury and emotional trauma.
Injuries Caused Due to Dog Bites
It is frightening to even think about your child getting mauled by a neighbor’s dog. Unfortunately this can happen and does happen to so many children around Tennessee. The head, face, arms and hands are most vulnerable and likely to sustain maximum damage. The scars can be something that the person may have to deal with throughout his life. While dog bites require treatment, if the bite has caused a lot of damage, it can result in infection, damage to the muscles and tendons and in the worst case scenario, it can result in death. Some people may also have to go for multiple surgeries, such as reconstructive surgeries, just to be able to face the world again after a dog bite. Not only do dog bites cause physical damage, they can result in emotional trauma and a lifelong fear of dogs.
Compensation for Dog Bites
Personal injury due to dog bite means spending time and money on the treatment and then there is an emotional aspect. You may be forced to stay away from work, resulting in loss of pay. This will just compound your problem, considering that you are already spending so much money on the treatment. Hence, if you or your loved ones have suffered any of the following due to a dog bite, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.
- Bite wound and scratches
- Fracture due to falling when the dog attacked
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Nerve damage
- Infection due to the dog bite
- Reconstructive surgery
- Psychological trauma
- Mental anguish
- Lost earnings
High medical costs and staying away from work mean that you have no other alternative but to get compensated for the same and it goes without saying that you are definitely entitled to this compensation. And, you need not worry. More than often, dog owners do not pay for this compensation out of their own pockets. The payment will come from their insurance provider.
Seeking Legal Help for Dog Bites
Getting compensation from the dog owner’s insurance provider will not be an easy task. That is why if you have suffered a personal injury due to dog bite in Tennessee, you need an experienced attorney, who knows exactly how to present your case. The attorney will apprise you of your rights according to the State of Tennessee and will ensure that you get high quality legal help all the way. Furthermore, the attorney will also try and get the maximum possible compensation not just for your injuries, but also for the suffering that you had to endure due to the dog bite.
