Dog Bite Attorneys and Other Animal Bite Cases In Rhode Island

Rhode Island has one of the stronger dog bite laws in the country for injury victims. Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum has represented dog bite victims across Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Newport for more than 90 years.

What Is Rhode Island's Dog Bite Law?

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-16, a dog's owner or "keeper" (which can include a dog walker, pet sitter, or boarding facility) is strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog if the incident happens outside the owner's enclosure, such as on a public street, sidewalk, or someone else's property. Strict liability means you do not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog had a history of aggression; the fact that the dog caused the injury outside its enclosure is generally enough to establish liability.

If the same dog causes a second injury, Rhode Island law doubles the damages the victim can recover. The statute isn't limited to bites either; if a dog knocks someone down, causes a fall, or otherwise injures a person, the same strict liability standard can apply.

What If the Dog Bit Me on the Owner's Property?

Rhode Island draws a clear line between bites that happen off the owner's property and bites that happen on it. If you were bitten while lawfully on the owner's property, for example as a guest in their home, the state's "one-bite rule" applies instead of strict liability. Under this rule, you generally need to show that the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable precautions.

What If I Was Partly at Fault, Such As by Provoking the Dog?

Strict liability under Rhode Island's dog bite statute generally does not apply if the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the incident. Outside of those circumstances, Rhode Island's pure comparative negligence rule under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4 allows you to recover compensation even if you share some fault, with your award reduced proportionally.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Rhode Island?

1. Seek medical treatment immediately. Dog bites carry a real risk of infection and often require documented wound care.
2. Get the owner's contact and insurance information, since homeowner's or renter's insurance typically covers these claims.
3. Report the bite to local animal control, which creates an official record of the incident.
4. Photograph your injuries as they heal, since scarring and disfigurement can factor into your claim.
5. Contact a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer before discussing the incident with the owner's insurance company.

See our full guides on what to do after being attacked by a dog in Rhode Island and what to do immediately after a dog bite incident for more detail.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

Compensation typically includes medical expenses (including any reconstructive or plastic surgery), lost wages, pain and suffering, and compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement. Dog bite injuries to the face and hands in particular can result in lasting cosmetic and functional impairment that significantly affects a claim's value.

What Is Rhode Island's Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims?

Under Rhode Island General Laws § 9-1-14, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit, regardless of whether you rely on strict liability or the one-bite rule.

Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Dog Bite Case

Our attorneys have secured results for Rhode Island dog bite victims, including a case in which our attorneys secured a $101,000 settlement and additional recoveries detailed in our dog attack injury and dog bite victim case results. We understand how emotionally difficult a dog attack can be, particularly for families with children, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to prove the dog had bitten someone before?

No, not if the bite happened outside the owner's enclosure. Rhode Island's strict liability statute does not require you to show the dog had a history of aggression in that situation.

What if the dog's owner doesn't have insurance?

Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. If no such policy exists, an attorney can help evaluate what other options may be available.

Does Rhode Island law apply to dog bites involving children?

Yes, the same strict liability rules apply regardless of the victim's age, though claims involving children may also need to address scarring, psychological trauma, and long-term developmental impact.

What happens if the same dog bites someone a second time?

Rhode Island law doubles the damages a victim can recover in this situation, and the statute also provides for the dog to be euthanized.

Can I still have a case if I don't have a visible scar?

Yes. Compensation isn't limited to visible scarring; it can also include medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering, even without permanent disfigurement.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog anywhere in Rhode Island, contact Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum today for a free consultation. There is no attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.