Dog Bite Attorneys and Other Animal Bite Cases In Rhode Island

What Is Rhode Island's Dog Bite Law?

Rhode Island follows a "strict liability" dog bite law, meaning dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their animals cause, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had bitten someone before. Under Rhode Island General Laws Section 4-13-16, dog owners are liable for damages when their dogs bite or attack people in public places or when victims are lawfully on private property. This law protects victims by eliminating the need to prove the owner was negligent or knew about the dog's aggressive tendencies.

How Common Are Dog Bites and Animal Attacks?

Dog bites and animal attacks represent a significant public health concern affecting millions of Americans annually. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with about 800,000 requiring medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children are the most common victims, accounting for more than half of all dog bite injuries.

In Rhode Island, animal control agencies and emergency departments treat hundreds of dog bite cases annually. The Rhode Island Department of Health tracks animal bite incidents as part of rabies prevention efforts, requiring healthcare providers to report all animal bites to local health authorities.

Types of Animal-Related Injuries We Handle

Our Rhode Island animal bite attorneys have extensive experience with various types of animal-related incidents that cause serious injuries to victims.

Dog Bite and Attack Cases

Rhode Island dog bites represent the vast majority of animal-related injury claims, ranging from minor puncture wounds to severe mauling incidents requiring extensive medical treatment.

Common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds: Deep bites that can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves
• Lacerations: Tearing injuries requiring stitches or surgical repair
• Crush injuries: Damage from powerful jaw pressure, particularly from large dogs
• Facial injuries: Bites to the face, head, and neck area, especially in children
• Infection complications: Bacterial infections requiring antibiotic treatment or hospitalization
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent marks affecting appearance and self-esteem

Dog Confrontation and Knockdown Cases

Not all dog-related injuries involve actual bites. Our firm successfully handled a case where our client was in her yard holding her dog when a neighbor's loose dog entered her property. The two dogs lunged at each other without making contact, but the turmoil knocked our client to the ground, causing serious injury. Despite the insurance company's argument that no contact occurred, we obtained a policy limits settlement of $300,000 without requiring our client to appear in court.

Confrontation-related injuries include:

• Fall injuries: Broken bones, head trauma, or back injuries from being knocked down
• Panic reactions: Heart attacks or other medical emergencies triggered by dog encounters
• Defensive injuries: Harm sustained while trying to protect oneself or others from attacking dogs
• Secondary trauma: Injuries occurring while fleeing from aggressive animals

Other Animal Attack Cases

While dog bites are most common, other animals can also cause serious injuries requiring legal representation:

• Cat attacks: Scratches and bites that can cause serious infections
• Horse-related injuries: Kicks, bites, or being thrown from horses
• Farm animal incidents: Attacks by cattle, pigs, goats, or other livestock
• Exotic pet attacks: Injuries from unconventional pets like reptiles or large birds
• Wild animal encounters: Attacks by raccoons, bats, or other wildlife

Who Can Be Held Liable for Animal Attacks in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's animal bite laws recognize that multiple parties may share responsibility for animal-related injuries, allowing victims to pursue claims against various defendants.

Dog Owners

Under Rhode Island's strict liability law, dog owners are primarily responsible for injuries their animals cause. This liability applies regardless of:

• Whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous
• Previous bite history or aggressive behavior
• The owner's level of care or precautions taken
• Whether the attack was provoked or unprovoked

Property Owners and Landlords

Property owners may be liable for animal attacks occurring on their premises when they:

• Know about dangerous animals: Awareness of aggressive pets on the property
• Allow prohibited animals: Permitting pets in violation of lease agreements or local ordinances
• Fail to maintain safe conditions: Not addressing known animal hazards on the property
• Violate housing codes: Failure to comply with regulations regarding pet ownership

Animal Keepers and Caretakers

Individuals who temporarily care for animals may be liable when attacks occur under their supervision:

• Pet sitters and dog walkers: Professional or casual caregivers responsible during attacks
• Veterinarians and groomers: Animal care professionals during service provision
• Kennel and boarding facilities: Commercial operations responsible for animal control
• Animal training facilities: Businesses providing training or behavioral services

Parents and Guardians

Parents may be liable when their minor children's pets cause injuries, particularly if they knew about aggressive tendencies or failed to provide proper supervision.

Business Owners

Commercial establishments that allow animals on their premises may share liability for attacks, including:

• Retail stores with pet policies: Businesses allowing animals in stores
• Restaurants with outdoor seating: Establishments permitting pets in dining areas
• Hotels and accommodations: Lodging facilities with pet-friendly policies

What Compensation Can Animal Attack Victims Recover?

Rhode Island animal bite law allows injured victims to seek comprehensive compensation for their losses, with amounts depending on injury severity, long-term effects, and impact on quality of life.

Economic Damages

These cover quantifiable financial losses resulting from animal attacks:

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, wound care, plastic surgery, and ongoing medical needs
• Prescription medications: Antibiotics, pain medications, and tetanus or rabies treatments
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery and treatment periods
• Future medical costs: Long-term treatment needs, additional surgeries, and therapy
• Property damage: Torn clothing, damaged personal belongings, or medical equipment
• Transportation costs: Medical appointments, therapy sessions, and follow-up care

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for intangible losses that significantly impact quality of life:

• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental anguish from attacks
• Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress from animal encounters
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent changes to physical appearance affecting self-esteem
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
• Fear and phobias: Ongoing anxiety around animals or specific locations
• Sleep disturbances: Nightmares, insomnia, or other sleep-related issues

Special Damages for Children

Children who suffer animal attacks may be entitled to additional compensation for:

• Educational impact: Missed school, tutoring needs, or learning difficulties
• Developmental effects: Impact on social development and peer relationships
• Long-term psychological care: Counseling and therapy extending into adulthood
• Future plastic surgery: Multiple procedures as children grow and develop

Proving Liability in Rhode Island Animal Bite Cases

While Rhode Island's strict liability law makes it easier to recover compensation, certain legal elements must still be established to build successful cases.

Location Requirements

Victims must prove they were:

• In a public place: Streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public areas
• Lawfully on private property: Invited guests, delivery personnel, or others with permission to be present
• Not trespassing: Legal right to be on the property where the attack occurred

Exceptions to Strict Liability

Rhode Island's dog bite law includes certain exceptions where strict liability may not apply:

• Provocation: Victims who tease, torment, or abuse animals may bear some responsibility
• Trespassing: Individuals unlawfully on property may have limited legal recourse
• Veterinary care: Injuries occurring during medical treatment may involve different liability standards
• Law enforcement animals: Police or military dogs performing official duties

Comparative Negligence

Rhode Island follows comparative negligence principles, allowing for reduced compensation when victims contribute to their own injuries through careless behavior.

Common Defenses Used by Dog Owners and Insurance Companies

Understanding typical defense strategies in a Rhode Island dog bite case helps prepare stronger animal bite cases and counter insurance company tactics.

Provocation Claims

Dog owners often argue that victims provoked attacks through their behavior. However, provocation requires significant actions like:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, kicking, or deliberately harming the animal
• Teasing or tormenting: Deliberately agitating or frightening the animal
• Threatening behavior: Actions that would naturally cause defensive responses

Minor actions like petting, feeding, or normal interaction typically do not constitute provocation.

Trespassing Arguments

Owners may claim victims were unlawfully on their property, but this defense fails when:

• Implied permission exists: Open gates, walkways, or business premises suggest welcome
• Public access: Mail carriers, delivery personnel, or utility workers have legal right of access
• Emergency situations: Individuals seeking help or responding to emergencies

Lack of Knowledge

Some owners argue they didn't know their dogs were dangerous, but this defense is irrelevant under Rhode Island's strict liability statute.

Victim Misconduct

Insurance companies may argue that victims' own actions contributed to attacks, requiring careful analysis of the specific circumstances and available evidence.

Immediate Steps After an Animal Attack

Taking prompt action after a dog attack protects both health and legal rights while preserving evidence for potential claims.

Emergency Medical Care

1. Control bleeding with direct pressure using clean cloths or bandages
2. Clean wounds thoroughly with soap and water if possible
3. Seek immediate medical attention even for seemingly minor bites
4. Follow medical advice regarding antibiotics, tetanus shots, or rabies treatment
5. Document injuries with photographs before and after medical treatment

Evidence Preservation

• Identify the animal and owner: Obtain contact information and pet registration details
• Photograph the scene: Document the location, conditions, and any relevant factors
• Preserve clothing: Keep torn or bloodied garments as evidence
• Locate witnesses: Identify people who saw the attack or its aftermath
• Report the incident: Contact animal control, police, or health authorities as required

Documentation Requirements

• Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses
• Document how injuries affect daily activities, work, and relationships
• Research the animal's bite history and owner's knowledge of aggressive behavior
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation

Medical Complications from Animal Bites

Animal bites can cause serious medical complications requiring immediate and ongoing treatment, making prompt medical care essential for both health and legal reasons.

Infection Risks

Animal mouths contain numerous bacteria that can cause serious infections:

• Pasteurella: Common bacteria causing rapid-onset cellulitis and joint infections
• Staphylococcus and Streptococcus: Bacteria causing skin and soft tissue infections
• Capnocytophaga: Particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals
• Rabies: Viral infection requiring immediate post-exposure prophylaxis

Serious Complications

• Sepsis: Life-threatening systemic infection requiring emergency treatment
• Osteomyelitis: Bone infections from deep bite wounds
• Nerve damage: Permanent loss of sensation or function
• Tendon injuries: Damage affecting hand, arm, or leg function
• Joint infections: Septic arthritis requiring surgical intervention

Long-Term Effects

• Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort from nerve damage or scar tissue
• Limited mobility: Reduced range of motion from tendon or muscle damage
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, or phobias affecting daily life
• Cosmetic concerns: Scarring requiring plastic surgery or ongoing treatment

How Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum Investigates Animal Bite Cases

Comprehensive Case Investigation

For more than 80 years, Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum has worked with personal injury victims, securing over $1 million annually for clients. We're intimately familiar with Rhode Island animal bite and confrontation law and work one-on-one with clients to achieve the best possible resolution.

Evidence Gathering Process

Our investigation includes thorough examination of:

• Medical records: Emergency room reports, treatment plans, and ongoing care documentation
• Animal control reports: Official records of the incident and animal history
• Witness statements: Testimony from people who observed the attack or its aftermath
• Property conditions: Fencing, signage, and security measures at the attack location
• Owner knowledge: Previous incidents, complaints, or warnings about the animal

Animal History Research

We investigate the attacking animal's background including:

• Previous bite incidents: History of aggressive behavior or attacks
• Training records: Professional training or behavioral modification attempts
• Veterinary records: Medical history indicating aggressive tendencies
• Insurance claims: Previous claims involving the same animal or owner

Expert Consultation

Complex animal bite cases may require specialized knowledge from:

• Medical experts: Physicians who can explain injury severity and long-term prognosis
• Animal behaviorists: Specialists who can analyze attack circumstances and animal behavior
• Plastic surgeons: Experts regarding scarring and future reconstructive needs
• Mental health professionals: Specialists addressing psychological trauma and treatment needs

Why Animal Bite Cases Require Specialized Legal Expertise

Insurance Company Tactics

Animal bite claims often involve homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, and insurance companies employ various strategies to minimize payouts:

• Questioning liability: Arguing about provocation, trespassing, or comparative negligence
• Minimizing injuries: Disputing the severity of physical and emotional trauma
• Rushing settlements: Offering inadequate compensation before full injury extent is known
• Denying coverage: Claiming policy exclusions or coverage limitations apply

Complex Liability Issues

Animal bite cases can involve multiple potentially liable parties, overlapping insurance coverage, and comparative negligence defenses requiring thorough legal analysis.

Medical Evidence Requirements

Proving the full extent of injuries, infection risks, and long-term complications requires understanding of medical terminology, treatment protocols, and prognosis assessment.

Emotional Sensitivity

Animal attacks often cause significant psychological trauma, particularly in children, requiring compassionate legal representation that addresses both physical and emotional injuries.

Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Animal Bite Case?

Proven Results in Complex Cases

Our successful representation in dog bite cases, including our $300,000 policy limits settlement for a client knocked down by fighting dogs without direct contact, demonstrates our ability to handle unique and challenging animal-related injury claims.

Intimate Knowledge of Rhode Island Law

We're intimately familiar with Rhode Island animal bite and confrontation law, understanding the nuances of strict liability, comparative negligence, and insurance coverage issues specific to our state.

No Upfront Costs

Our contingency fee structure means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. This ensures access to quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.

Personalized Attention

We work one-on-one with clients to understand the full impact of their injuries and move toward the best possible resolution for each unique situation.

Comprehensive Case Development

We thoroughly investigate all aspects of animal bite cases, from medical evidence to animal history, ensuring no stone is left unturned in building the strongest possible claim.

Over 80 Years of Experience

For more than 80 years, our firm has been helping personal injury victims, providing the experience and knowledge necessary to handle complex animal bite and confrontation cases effectively.

Preventing Animal Attacks: Safety Tips

While legal remedies exist after attacks occur, prevention remains the best protection against animal-related injuries.

Around Unfamiliar Dogs

• Ask permission before petting or interacting with unknown animals
• Avoid direct eye contact which some dogs interpret as threatening
• Move slowly and calmly around animals, avoiding sudden movements
• Don't run from aggressive dogs, which may trigger chase instincts
• Back away slowly while facing the animal if threatened

Teaching Children Safety

• Supervise interactions between children and all animals, including family pets
• Teach proper behavior around animals, including gentle touching and respecting boundaries
• Recognize warning signs of aggressive behavior like growling, raised hackles, or stiff posture
• Practice "tree and rock": Standing still like a tree or curling into a ball like a rock if knocked down

For Pet Owners

• Socialize animals properly from a young age with people and other animals
• Provide adequate training and consider professional help for behavioral issues
• Maintain secure fencing and leash requirements in public areas
• Carry appropriate insurance to protect against liability for animal-related injuries
• Monitor interactions between pets and visitors, especially children

Contact Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum today at 888-591-9976 for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack. We're ready to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.