West Virginia Dog Bite and Animal Injury

Animal bites can happen quickly, often without warning, and sometimes result in serious injuries. Whether a pet is a dog, cat, parrot, lizard, or something else, it is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure that their pet doesn’t injure others. If you have been injured by someone’s pet, no matter the animal, there is help for you with a dog bite injury attorney. 

Unlike many accidents, animal bites can be personal — it isn’t unusual for the victim of an animal bite to know the animal’s owner. Because of these relationships, there are often social stigmas against filing for compensation against a friend or acquaintance. Skinner Accident and Injury Lawyers can work with you to try to preserve your relationships and get the help you need.

What Causes an Animal to Attack

Even well-trained animals can attack and even bite, depending on the situation. If the animal feels unsafe or is simply unsocialized, they may lash out. An animal might scare you by moving quickly and snapping, or it might go further, biting you and causing injuries ranging from grazed/broken skin to more serious wounds that require reconstructive surgery.  

When it comes to compensation, the cause of the attack is often one of the less important aspects of the case. The most important thing is that the owner was unable to keep their animal under control.

Injuries from Animals

While it may seem obvious that the primary injuries sustained during animal attacks are bites, there are a number of other injuries or conditions that can result from an attack. These injuries can include:

  • Infections
  • Broken/fractured bones
  • Allergic reactions
  • Scratches
  • Bruising
  • Severe facial injuries
  • Amputations

These injuries can require serious, ongoing treatment, and don’t include the psychological effects of being attacked. From getting stitches to being treated for infections to needing reconstructive surgery, medical care following an animal attack can be expensive.

Compensation Available After an Animal Attack

If you have been injured in an animal attack, the animal’s owner may owe you compensation for the expenses resulting from the attack. These expenses can be for physical and mental rehabilitation, as well as any other related expenses.

Physical Damages

Damages for physical injuries cover all out-of-pocket expenses, including ambulance fees, procedure costs, and physical rehabilitation. These costs can only be compensated with evidence such as medical bills, medical records, and physician testimony. 

Emotional Damages

An animal attack can be a traumatizing experience. Many people who have experienced a dog attack, for instance, may require years of mental rehabilitation to manage their fears around the popular pets. This expensive rehabilitation can be compensated by the animal’s owner. The pain and suffering caused by the animal doesn’t need to go unrecovered; if you can prove how much the attack has impacted you emotionally with the testimony of a mental health professional, you can receive compensation for it.

Get the Help You Deserve

When you get attacked by an animal, your main focus should be on your own recovery, not worrying about medical bills or other finances. At times like these, you need a strong dog bite animal lawyer working on your behalf. The personal injury attorneys of Skinner Accident and Injury Lawyers might be able to help you through the after-effects of an animal attack. They can build your case by determining the level of compensation you are owed and by representing you in court.  The attorneys at Skinner Accident and Injury Lawyers are experienced, skilled, and ready to fight for your best interests in court. For help with your case, contact us today at 304-725-7029.