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Fargo Dog Bite Lawyers
Strong advocacy from Fargo dog bite attorneys
While most dogs provide continual joy, loyalty, cuteness, and companionship; dogs are capable of biting if they are afraid, ill, or provoked. Dog bites are dangerous. Even minor bites can cause infections and the spreading of diseases. Strong bites can cause deep wounds, permanent scars, and even death. At Larson Law Firm P.C. our Fargo dog bite lawyers are also your best friend. You can trust that we understand how to hold dog owners liable and how to obtain full compensation for your injuries.
How can we help?
- How often do dog bites occur?
- How do you show a dog owner is liable for dog bites?
- Why do dogs bite in Fargo?
- What type of injuries do dog bites cause in Fargo?
- What are the unique challenges involved when dogs bite children?
- How much is my Fargo dog bite claim worth?
- Do you have a Fargo dog bite lawyer near me?
How often do dog bites occur?
Canine Journal, using data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, claims there are about 4.5 million dog bites annually in the U.S. Nearly 800,000 of those bites require medical help.
Canine Journal also states that:
- Most dog bites are due to dogs who are not neutered or spayed
- One-fourth of deadly dog bites are caused by dogs who are chained
- In 2021, 5,400 USPS employees were attacked by a dog
Free Case Evaluation
Call 701-484-4878 now or fill out the form above to receive a free confidential consultation.
How do you show a dog owner is liable for dog bites?
Unlike many states that hold dog owners strictly liable for any bites by their dogs, North Dakota requires that skilled Fargo dog bite lawyers show the following based on the case of Sendelbach v. Grad:
- The owner of the dog had a duty to prevent the dog from causing injuries
- The dog owner failed to live up to this duty
- The breach of duty directly caused you or your loved one to suffer injuries and damages
Our Fargo dog bite attorneys are skilled at showing these three requirements apply to your case. We work with you, investigators, the hospitals where you were treated, veterinarians, and others to show:
- Who the owner of the dog is.
- That you or your child had the right to be near the dog – such as being invited into the home of the dog owner or walking on public property where the dog was located.
- The dog owner was aware that the dog had a propensity to bite – normally based on the dog having bitten anyone, including anyone in the dog owner’s family, before.
- Your injuries or those of your child were caused by the dog bite.
At Larson Law Firm P.C., we’re also skilled at showing that you did not provoke the dog. We explain that generally children, especially young children, are not accountable for failing to understand a dog could be dangerous.
We file dog bite claims against dog owners and anyone responsible for the care of the dog such as a dog walker or a dog sitter. We represent children, parents, postal carriers, adults, and the families of anyone who dies due to a dog bite.
Why do dogs bite in Fargo?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that dogs bite for many reasons, including the following:
- Dogs may bite because they’re afraid someone is invading their space or getting too close to their food or toys.
- Being surprised. Dogs who are startled from their sleep may become confused and disoriented which may cause them to bite. Older dogs are especially likely to bite if they’re startled. It’s generally best to approach dogs who are sleeping slowly and from a distance.
- In addition to protecting their food and toys, dogs may also bite if they think there’s someone intruding in the home of their dog owner or if they think anyone in the dog owner’s family is being attacked.
- Dogs may bite if they feel trapped, overwhelmed, or frustrated. A common reason dogs who are on a leash or chain may bark is that the restraint prevents the dog from reaching objects in plain sight.
- If a Jack Russell Terrier, poodle, or any breed of dog is in pain or feeling ill, that dog might bite when being approached or handled.
- AKC states that “Light biting or mouthingis a common way that dogs explore the world around them and is a behavior that dogs will engage in during play. While generally not very enjoyable for us, it is a natural part of how dogs play with each other, and of course how they engage with their toys.”
What type of injuries do dog bites cause in Fargo?
Our Fargo dog bite lawyers work with emergency room doctors, family doctors, orthopedists, plastic surgeons, disease specialists, and other doctors when dog bites occur. If you or a child are bitten by a dog, emergency medical care is required. Behind even minor cuts could be dangerous diseases.
Dog bites may cause:
- Puncture wounds
- Severe cuts, abrasions, and lacerations
- Fractures
- Injuries when a dog bite victim falls
- Infections due to the different types of bacteria that dogs carry such as staphylococcus, streptococcus and pasteurella, and capnocytophaga
- Diseases
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement which may require skin grafts, plastic surgery, and psychological care
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety and depression
Dogs can cause rabies, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The treatments are very painful. Dog bites can cause paralysis. Some dog bites can be deadly.
What are the unique challenges involved when dogs bite children?
At Larson Law Firm P.C., our Fargo dog bite lawyers help children and parents in the following ways:
- We advise clients about the liability issues involving children. Generally, young children cannot be held liable for getting too close or too friendly with a dog that adults might be wary of.
- We work with your child’s physicians to fully understand the long-term consequences of a dog bite – taking into account that injuries and treatments need to consider how your child’s body will grow and change until your child becomes an adult.
- We are also skilled at communicating with children who are unable to verbally express what happened.
How much is my Fargo dog bite claim worth?
Dog bites are often devastating. Many victims never fully recover. We work with your doctors to understand the full scope of your injuries and illnesses, including what medical care you’ll need and every way your life is and will be harder because of the dog bite.
We demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and lost earning capacity
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical suffering and emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Psychological counseling
- Loss of life’s pleasures
Many personal injury and wrongful death cases do settle. Insurance companies know that we’re always ready to try your case before a jury. We have an impressive record of settlements and verdicts – including a $60,000 settlement of a dog bite case.
Do you have a Fargo dog bite lawyer near me?
At Larson Law Firm P.C., our dog bite lawyers meet children, parents, and adults at our Fargo office located at 3220 South 18th Street, Suite 8C. We can arrange in-home and in-hospital visits when necessary. Our lawyers also conduct phone and video consultations.
We’re ready to explain your rights, investigate your claim, and start the claims process from day one.
Our Fargo dog bite lawyers are strong advocates for all injury victims
Dog owners need to know their dogs. They need to take steps to prevent their dogs from biting anyone. At Larson Law Firm P.C., our Fargo dog bite lawyers have the experience, resources, and skills to hold dog owners liable when their dogs negligently bite you or your child. It’s no excuse that the dog has adorable eyes. Dog owners who know their dog is dangerous should pay for your financial and personal damages.
Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule your free initial consultation. We have offices in Fargo, Minot, and Bismarck. We represent dog bite victims and families throughout North Dakota.