Sanders County Dog Bites Lawyer

Fighting For Dog Bite Accident Victims in Montana

Dog bites could result in severe injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. When such an incident occurs, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and options. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Sanders County, the experienced attorneys at Bliven Law Firm, P.C. are here to help you navigate the complexities of a dog bite claim and seek the compensation you deserve.

Call Bliven Law Firm, P.C. today at (406) 625-0100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our dog bites attorney in Sanders County.

Common Causes of Dog Bite Accidents

Dog bites can occur for various reasons, often rooted in the animal's behavior and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some common causes include:

• Provocation: Dogs may bite if they feel threatened or provoked. This can happen unintentionally, especially with children who might not recognize the signs of an agitated dog.
• Owner Negligence: Irresponsible owners who fail to properly train, restrain, or supervise their dogs can create situations where bites are more likely to happen.
• Protective Instincts: Dogs can become protective of their territory, food, or puppies, leading to aggressive behavior if they perceive a threat.
• Pain or Illness: A dog that is in pain or suffering from an illness might react aggressively when approached or touched.
• Fear: Dogs may bite out of fear, particularly if they are startled or have had negative past experiences with humans.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Accidents

Common injuries include:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep punctures from a dog's teeth can damage muscles, tendons, and bones, leading to severe pain and potential infections.
• Lacerations: Bites often cause lacerations, which may require stitches or surgical intervention to heal properly.
• Infections: Dog bites could introduce harmful bacteria into the body, resulting in infections like rabies, tetanus, and cellulitis.
• Nerve Damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to long-term issues such as numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, impacting a victim's appearance and self-esteem.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological effect of a dog bite, especially in children, can result in anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Damages Could be Recovered in a Dog Bite Claim?

Potential damages that could be recovered include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: If the dog bite causes you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost income and any diminished earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims may be awarded compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional suffering endured as a result of the dog bite.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation may be available for permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects your appearance and quality of life.
• Rehabilitation Costs: This includes expenses for physical and psychological rehabilitation required to recover from the injury.
• Property Damage: If the dog bite incident resulted in damage to personal property, like torn clothing or broken eyeglasses, you could be reimbursed for these losses.
• Loss of Consortium: In instances where a dog bite impacts the victim's relationship with their spouse, compensation for loss of consortium may be available.