While animal bites and dog attacks may not immediately spring to people's minds when it comes to personal injury cases, these types of injuries can be quite serious and often require extensive care and time for recovery. In Rhode Island, to make matters even more complicated, there are unique state laws that figure into the equation.
For help through any type of dog bite injury in the Cranston area, contact our lawyers today. We serve individuals throughout Rhode Island and have been since 1933.
Experienced Help Navigating Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws
Rhode Island has a "one bite free" policy in which dog owners cannot be held accountable if they had no prior knowledge of the animal's affinity for biting and the injury occurs on their property. If, however, the dog happens to bite a second time, damages in a civil suit brought against the owner can be double.
This one-bite policy does not apply if the injury happens off of the owner's property. Therefore, many cases result in a first bite still giving rise to a claim for relief from the victim.
Further still, pet owners can be held accountable if an individual is damaged not as a result of a bite or an attack, but is injured simply by virtue of being in the vicinity of an out-of-control animal that interacts with his or her pet causing an injury.
When entering into the complex arena of Rhode Island animal bite and confrontation law, it's critical to partner with an experienced Rhode Island dog bite injury attorney who can scrutinize the details of the case and move toward a best-possible resolution.
Dog Bite Injuries and Children
Unfortunately, many dog attacks occur to children. Kids are usually more excited to see a puppy or dog and will run up to them unknowingly. If the dog is aggressive or scared it could lash out and cause serious injuries and scars. While a dog owner or insurance company may attempt to put the fault on your child, do not listen to them. Consult with an experienced injury lawyer before moving forward.
Our Cranston-area law firm knows how to protect the rights of you and your children.
A Cranston Personal Injury Law Firm With a History of Success
For more than 80 years, we at the firm of Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum have worked as lawyers with personal injury victims and to date have secured over $1 million annually for our clients. We're intimately familiar with Rhode Island animal bite and confrontation law and are ready to work with you one-on-one to move toward a best possible resolution in your case.
One example of our successful results:
Our client was in her own yard, holding her dog. A dog from the neighborhood became loose and entered our client's property. The two dogs lunged at each other, but no contact was made. Neither dog touched, nor did they touch our client. However, the turmoil knocked our client to the ground, causing serious injury. The insurance carrier representing the neighboring dog's owner fought our client's claim. It insisted that there was no contact, and that the neighboring dog did not cause the injury. We filed suit and obtained a policy limits settlement of $300,000 for our client. Our client was not even required to make an appearance in court.
Call for a Free Consultation With a Providence Area Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Rhode Island dog bite injury lawyers online or call 888-591-9976 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
See the success Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum has had with other dog bite cases