Bitten by a Runaway Dog? Hold the Owner Responsible

There is nothing that could have helped you prepare for the dog that attacked you while you were running. You were jogging through a friendly neighborhood that you knew well, but the dog must have gotten loose.

You found out later that the dog was there because its owner was visiting someone in the neighborhood, which is why you didn’t recognize it. It had gotten loose and was excited to be somewhere new. That excitement ended up leading to your bites.

You didn’t want to take this to court or to file a claim, but the cost of going to the hospital has been high. Don’t feel bad. Did you know that around one out of every five dog bites requires medical attention? One in 13 victims needs emergency treatment.

In the majority of cases, the owner of the dog is going to be liable for any injuries that occur and the costs that come with treatment. They will need to cover the cost of your care, but many people have pet insurance policies or homeowners’ insurance policies that will cover your losses.

How Much Can a Dog Bite Cost?

Dog bites can be very expensive. In 2019, the average cost of a dog bite claim was $44,760, based on information from the Insurance Information Institute. With such a high cost, it makes sense to hold the owner accountable for failing to keep their dog on a leash or contained on their property.

If you’ve been bitten and need help getting compensation, your attorney can tell you more about your state laws and what steps you need to take next.