Dog Bite Lawyer In New Hampshire And Vermont
If you or a loved one have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you already know the types of wounds they can inflict and the tremendous amount of medical care that is required to recover. What you may not know is that New Hampshire has some of the nation’s most favorable dog bite laws for victims of these attacks and, with the help of our experienced attorneys, these laws can help you get compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
If you are in need of a dog bite attorney in New Hampshire or Vermont, please call Rousseau & Ross today at 603-212-1176 to schedule a free and informative consultation.
New Hampshire Dog Bite Laws
In New Hampshire, owners are held liable for any injury their dog inflicts on humans or animals. This is true even in cases where the owner was unaware of the dog’s violent tendencies. Under New Hampshire dog bite laws, victims of animal injuries are entitled to seek compensation for all related medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, physical pain, and related damages. Our New Hampshire dog bite attorneys will assess your case free of charge to help you understand what your case is truly worth.
Vermont Dog Bite Laws
In Vermont, the owner of a dog is only liable for damages if they had prior knowledge of the animal’s aggressive disposition and were negligent. If this seems like a legal gray area, it is. You need an experienced Vermont dog bite lawyer on your side immediately following your injury to help establish liability and get the justice you are due.
Types Of Dog Bite Wounds
Data from the Center for Disease Control gives us a very good picture of who is being attacked that what the extent of their injuries are. These data show that the most common injuries caused by dog bites are:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Contusion/abrasion/hematoma
- Infection
- Amputation/avulsion/crush
- Fracture/dislocation
Beyond physical wounds, there is the chance that a dog bite victim may suffer mental or emotional anguish from the event. In the case of a young child being bitten, the child may develop a fear of dogs and a fear of leaving the house that prove to be long-lasting. Separation anxiety is also common.
Symptoms Of PTSD
A dog attack can be incredibly frightening, especially for children. A child who is bitten by a canine might not only lose trust in dogs but could also develop a more serious anxiety disorder. If your child has been the victim of a dog bite, you need to watch out for the warning signs of PTSD, which include:
- Nightmares
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Anxiety
- Thumb sucking
- Bedwetting
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Easily startled
- Problems in school
- Detachment
Not every dog bite injury is visible to the naked eye. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child following a dog attack, you need to seek medical care. An evaluation will be conducted to determine if your child is, in fact, suffering from PTSD. Once diagnosed, the medical professional might recommend treatment, such as therapy and/or medication. A serious dog bite injury doesn’t have to be physical. It can be emotional, which is often far more damaging. If your child has suffered from a pet attack, you may be able to hold the animal’s owner liable for the injuries. It is important that you speak with an experienced New Hampshire dog bite attorney who can explain your legal rights.
Dog Bite Treatment
While children are often the targets of canine attacks, a dog bite can happen to anyone, at any age. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, it is crucial that you seek medical care. A dog bite that punctures, tears, or cuts the skin could lead to further complications. Even if these injuries are not apparent, you still need to keep on eye on the dog bite wound, as infection is a serious cause for concern. According to MedicineNet.com, when it comes to the treatment of a dog bite injury, there are three crucial areas that must be addressed, including:
- Damage to the skin: This is one of the easiest treatment issues to address, as you can visibly identify the damage.
- Injury to the muscle, nerve or bone: In addition to skin damage, a doctor will also evaluate whether a patient has suffered an underlying tissue injury. For example, a lacerated tendon could impair the movement of a finger.
- Infection: An infection from a dog bite can be serious. When a dog attacks, its bite can expose the body’s tissue to bacteria, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Pasteurella.
Dog bite treatment varies based on the severity of the injuries. Some doctors will prescribe antibiotics to prevent possible infection. The skin near the wound may be closed after the injury has been cleaned, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. In some cases, the wound will need to be repaired through surgery.
For a free consultation regarding your dog bite injury case, contact Rousseau & Ross at 603-212-1176 or fill out our online form. We have years of experience serving Vermont and New Hampshire.