How To Legally Handle A Dog Bite In Washington D.C.?
Did you experience a dog bite in Washington D.C.? Contact Malloy Law Offices, LLC today!
Dog Bites Statistics
There are over 78.5 million canines living in American homes. Additionally, dogs are known for man’s best friend that offer joy and companionship to their owners. However, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Out of those 4.5 million bites, 800,000 resulted in need of medical attention. Some would say that a dog bite will occur by a large dog such as Pitbulls. However, smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas are the most vicious.
Laws For A Dog Bite In Washington D.C.
Each state, including Washington D.C, have their own laws regarding dog bites. Washington D.C, for example, the owner will be strictly liable for a dog bite if the dog is ‘at large’. Contributory negligence will also apply to the victim’s actions. In Maryland, the owner is also strictly liable for any injury or death if the dog is running at large. Lastly, Virginia’s dog bite law in unique compared to the other two areas. They follow the “One Bite” rule meaning that if the owner knew that their dog was aggressive, they will be fully liable.
Defending Your Case After A Dog Bite In Washington D.C.
When defending your case, be sure to keep track of all the facts such as the name and address of the owner, witnesses, pictures of the injuries, and the location of where the attack occurred. Additionally, you would have to prove that the owner was negligent. For instance, proof that they let their dog off the leash or that they instructed the dog to attack. You can also recover some losses and damages after a dog bite. This includes:
- Medical expenses from the injury
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Rehabilitation
Call Our Dog Bite Attorney Today!
Not all dog bites end up in court. Most of the time, the dog owners would prefer to settle outside of court and pay for the damages. In this case, you would need to hire our attorneys, from Malloy Law Offices, LLC, to calculate the value and advise accordingly. If you would like to learn more about dog bite lawsuits, click here to see how we handle these situations. Focus on your recovery and we will protect your rights. Start your case today and call (240) 221-7424!