Most Read Topics
- Dog bite statistics
- The breeds most likely to kill
- If Your Dog Bites Someone
- Dangerous and Vicious Dogs
- Insurance for the Dog Owner
- Why Dogs Bite People
What people write to Attorney Phillips...
Ken,
I hope you know the impact you have on lives of people like me who have made a trip to hell and back, due to dog bites. I have lived so much of my life since the accident angry, bitter, depressed, and embarrassed about the way I looked. Never thought I would look beautiful again. And the hatred I that was growing inside me made the inside grow as ugly as the outside felt. The counselor helped, but anytime she brought up 'forgiveness' I couldn't do it. I even refused to work on it! My husband, son and daughter were the only ones that, daily, helped me get through it. But still, no one felt what I felt. Everyone said they 'couldn't tell'...but I did. And always will.
But you and your staff worked a miracle for me! I never thought in a million years what the end result was going to be! I never assumed I was going to get anything but my medical bills taken care of. What you did for me I will forever be grateful for. You brought me the closure I have tried so hard to find. You told me that might happen...and sure enough, you were very correct.
I have the majority of the funds in a secure account, until we find the time to look for a new home. And I bought a brand new car too! My first new car, ever!
Thank you for working on my case and bettering a life for me and my family! You will be forever in my thoughts and heart!!
Return to your topic: If your dog bites someone
What to do at the scene of the attack
If your dog bites someone, and the victim was not committing a crime at the time of the attack, there are a few things that you should do:
- Stay calm. Don't argue. Don't accuse. Be nice to the victim because he or she will have to make a decision about hiring a lawyer and pursuing you for damages. If you are nice, the victim may decide to go easy on both you and your dog.
- Make sure the victim gets medical attention. Take him or her to the hospital or to a doctor. Be considerate.
- Whether or not you have insurance, if you have any money or credit at all, you should offer to pay for the victim's medical bills. Be a hero.
- Take steps to protect others from your dog.
- Obtain the name, address and phone number of every witness.
- Avoid making statements because there are possible criminal consequences when a dog bites or injures someone. See Dangerous and Vicious Dogs.