Dothan, boasting some 71,000 residents, is located in southwest Alabama 20 miles west of Georgia and 16 miles north of Florida and is a part of the South’s Wiregrass region. The citizens of Dothan, as with any other city in Alabama, love their pets, like family, and enjoy getting outdoors with them. In fact, there are three off-leash dog parks within 20 miles of Dothan. Additionally, there are nearly 20 dog-friendly restaurants in the Dothan area, allowing the citizens of Dothan to enjoy time in public with their dogs.
While it is good for your dog to be outside and get some exercise, it is also important to remember that any dog can bite at any time. A dog can quickly become afraid, aggressive and snap, especially when in public and unfamiliar places. Sudden movements or sounds can startle a dog and cause it to react in an aggressive way. Additionally, even a dog on its own property can become agitated and upset and bite a guest. Further, dogs are naturally playful, energetic and rambunctious animals. Although proper training of a dog can help alleviate some of this behavior, even a trained dog can play to rough and hurt someone or get startled and bite. Dogs, especially bigger ones, can seriously injure someone even if being playful. There are many instances where dogs have jumped up on people and knocked them over or inadvertently knocked someone over while playing with other dogs.
If you or anyone you know has been injured by a dog in Dothan, be sure to call the Dothan dog bite attorneys at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600 or contact us here. Dog bites are incredibly complicated claims and need to be evaluated by an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as your medical needs are addressed.
Who is Responsible for Injuries Caused by a DogLegally and technically, the dog owner or person responsible for controlling the dog is responsible. However, in reality, the dog owner rarely comes out of pocket to pay for any damages to the victim. The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance would likely come into play as far as handling the claim and paying the victim compensation for their injuries. Thus, injured victims of a dog attack should not be deterred from consulting with an attorney out of fear that they will be pursuing a claim against someone they know or a friend.
Dog Bites by the NumbersThe most commonly-recorded breeds that bite are as follows:
The breeds least likely to bite are as follows. However, you should still take the same precautions around these breeds as you would high-risk breeds.
While it is good to know which dogs are more prone to bite, you should always be careful around all dogs. Any dog can get anxious, nervous, angry, or afraid and be aggressive as a result. Dogs can even hurt someone while trying to play—especially larger breed dogs. If you see a dog at a dog park, restaurant, or public area in the Dothan area, it is best not to interact with it. Do not pet an animal in public, especially one that is not familiar with you, as you don’t know how the dog will react. A dog bite can cause a lot of damage even if the dog just nips.
Dog Bite InjuriesDog bite injuries can be severe, even if they don’t look severe. Obvious injuries are skin lacerations, broken bones, facial injuries, and more. However, a dog bite can be extremely serious, and often times are incredibly serious due to the strength of a dog’s bite. Serious bites and skin lacerations can lead to infection; excessive blood loss; or damage to nerves, ligaments, and muscles. Skin and soft tissue infections are the most frequent infections that develop as the result of a dog bite.
Dothan Dog Bite Attorneys Here for YouIf you or someone you love has been injured by a dog in Dothan or the Wiregrass area, be sure to contact the skilled Dothan dog bite attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. as soon as possible after you seek medical attention. We will handle the insurance company and the dog owner while you heal from your injuries. Under Alabama law, you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and more. Our services are FREE unless we recover money for you so it cost you nothing to contact us for a consultation. You can reach us at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600 or contact us here.