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Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and repercussions. If the injuries are serious, the dog owner can be taken to court to recover financial damages. There are, however, many legalities involved when it comes to dog bite lawsuits. However, you will need a local dog bite injury lawyer if you plan on taking the dog owner to court. A lawyer can get compensation for your injuries without any hassle. Here are some myths about dog bites and lawsuits.
Some Dog Breeds Do Not Bite
Every dog is capable of biting. Yes, certain breeds might look friendlier, but if they feel threatened, they will bite in self-defence. You should not approach an unfamiliar dog and even if you want to pet a dog, make sure the owner is nearby, and you ask for their permission before approaching the dog. At the end of the day, even a well-domesticated pet is wild at heart and is unpredictable when threatened or in a bad mood.
Dogs Rumble before Biting
There is no guarantee that a dog will always growl before it attacks you. Many dogs will show certain signs like sniffing, gritting their teeth, or just having a different kind of body stance, but you can never be sure with an animal. However, if you annoy the creature, it will snap and bite without any warning or telltale signs. Therefore, be a little cautious before approaching other dogs, and never be over-friendly.
Accustomed Dogs Will Not Bite
Any dog that feels threatened will bark or bite, no matter familiar or unfamiliar. If it is your dog or a friend's dog, you are more likely to judge the behaviour more easily as compared to an unknown or stray dog. If a dog is in any pain or is under stress, it may depict aggressive behaviour. That is why it is imperative to observe the dog's behaviour before approaching it. A mother dog will always be more aggressive with its pups nearby.
Compensation is Meagre
You can take the person to court in case of a dog bite. In this case, the owner's insurance company will cover all the damages. These damages can include medical compensation, emotional distress, and anything the lawyer deems necessary as fair compensation. However, the outcome depends on the evidence gathered by your lawyer, so be sure to hire an attorney expert in this domain.
Being Aggressive
Many people think being aggressive with an aggressive dog will make them back down, but that is the worst thing you can do. This will only make the dog more volatile as it feels even more threatened. The best approach, in this case, is either to move away or use your body language to make it feel less threatened. Do not make eye contact with the dog if it is stray, and do not yell at it to back down.
Approaching an already distressed dog is not a smart move, and you can end up in the hospital getting rabies shots. If you have been in a dog bite injury, make sure to involve an attorney so they can go through the damages and see if a case is viable.