According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 500,000 serious dog bites occur each year and about 12 people die each year from their injuries after being bitten. Those at highest risk of attack include the elderly, children, mail carriers and delivery people. People most commonly associate dogs with attacks, but cats and other domestic animals can also attack and cause injuries.

The facts surrounding an attack are extremely important. To bring a claim against the owner of a dog, the plaintiff must show the owner was negligent in handling the dog. It is not necessary to show the dog has bitten before, but it is necessary to show the dog had dangerous propensities and the owner knew of them. If the attack was provoked by the victim or if the victim trespassed onto the owner’s property, the claim may not be successful. Generally, for a successful claim the owner should have known the animal was prone to attack and taken steps to ensure the animal didn’t come into contact with people.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, talk to a lawyer to determine which laws may apply in your case.

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