Dog Bite

Bitten by a Dog? Your Injury May Be Worse Than You Think.

by admin@gotechark.com | August 10th, 2020

If you or someone you know was recently bitten by a dog, it’s important to not only seek immediate medical attention, but it’s also vital to get immediate legal representation. That’s because dog bites aren’t just initially painful and disabling, but they can also be permanently disabling.

Dog bites are particularly dangerous for two reasons: first, they can cause serious infections. Dogs’ mouths are breeding grounds for bacteria, and when they bite, their sharp teeth can cause huge amounts of that bacteria to be pushed directly into victims’ bloodstreams. That can result in body-wise infections that cause serious complications and even a risk of death.

Second, dog bites are capable of seriously damaging muscle, tendons, nerves, and even bone, depending on the breed and bite force they generate. In addition to serious blood loss, those types of injuries don’t just cause significant pain, but they can also make it difficult to use the affected body part.

For example, people who are bitten on their hands by dogs may have limited or completely lost functionality in their fingers or their entire hands. They may lose grip strength, dexterity, and coordination. That can be disastrous for people who work with their hands or whose jobs require many precise movements throughout the day.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia dog bite lawyers want to ensure that no dog bite victim goes without the legal representation they deserve after an attack. Get in touch with us today if you or a family member was bitten by a dog for a free consultation. It’s our goal to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and expenses.

When Can Dog Owners Be Held Liable after Bites?

by admin@gotechark.com | March 16th, 2020

Dogs have lived alongside people for millennia. When kept as pets, the vast majority of dogs are loving and gentle animals. But all dogs, regardless of breed, temperament, size, and behavioral history, are capable of attacking and biting—even without provocation. Victims can include their owners, other members of their household, or even complete strangers.

Many dog breeds have powerful jaws and sharp teeth. When they bite, they’re capable of inflicting significant injuries. Victims may suffer everything from severe bleeding and pain to infection and nerve damage. It’s not uncommon for dog bite victims to require hospitalization and to suffer prolonged or even permanent disability in affected limbs or body parts. That means big medical bills and a long time away from work—or even early retirement.

Because of the financial consequences of dog bites, it’s important for victims to be able to pursue compensation. But first, they must prove that the owners of the dogs that bit them were negligent. There are two ways that dog owners are generally considered negligent:

  • They didn’t leash their dogs—When dogs are in public and aren’t leashed or aren’t fully controlled by their owners and they bite or attack someone, their owners can be held liable.
  • They didn’t contain their dogs—On their own property, dog owners are required to ensure that their dogs aren’t allowed to roam freely and potentially bite guests or passersby.

Proving negligence after a dog bite requires experience and knowledge of local ordinances and personal injury law. That’s why it’s important to contact the Virginia dog bite attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. We’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

We Help Dog Bite Victims Get the Money They Deserve

by admin@gotechark.com | December 9th, 2019

Dogs are beloved members of the family in many households. And while most dogs are docile, kind, and loving animals, some can bite—even without provocation or a history of aggression. Because of that possibility, dog owners are required to keep their pets leashed while in public or enclosed when on private property. When they fail to do so and their dogs bite, attack, or injure others, they can be held liable for victims’ expenses.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia dog bite attorneys know that dog bite victims are often reluctant to pursue compensation for their bite-related expenses. Despite the fact that dog bites can result in serious injuries and even disability, they may not want to file claims, especially if the owners of the dogs who bit them are friends, family members, or neighbors.

However, it’s important to note that pursuing compensation typically doesn’t mean putting an undue financial burden on the dog owner. Instead, the money is often paid from their insurance policy. In addition, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for an injury that wasn’t your fault, and the costs associated with dog bites can be enormous—especially if yours makes it difficult or impossible to work.

You’ve already suffered enough dealing with the pain, shock, and potential disability of the dog bite. Let us help you get financial compensation for what you’ve been through. Contact us today for a free consultation.

You Can Pursue Compensation After a Dog Bite Injury

by admin@gotechark.com | September 9th, 2019

Dogs are supposed to be kept in enclosures or on leashes in all public spaces. Virginia has ordinances concerning enclosure and leash requirements in cities and municipalities throughout the state, and when those ordinances are violated, dog owners can be held liable for injuries that their pets cause to other people.

If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may have suffered severe or even life-threatening injuries. Dogs have long, sharp teeth that can tear flesh and cause profuse bleeding, and bites can result in infections that can spread throughout the body and even into vital organs. In addition, they can cause nerve damage that can result in severe pain, numbness, and even permanent paralysis.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk dog bite lawyers have helped many people who were seriously harmed by other people’s dogs get the compensation they deserve. Your dog bite injuries may have resulted in an extended hospital stay, and you may be unable to work temporarily or even permanently because of complications related to the bite. That means no income to pay for your daily living expenses, let alone your medical bills.

Let our legal team investigate what happened, collect evidence that proves the dog owner failed to adhere to local ordinances, and pursue maximum compensation for you and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Bitten by a Dog? Don’t Let it Slide.

by admin@gotechark.com | June 10th, 2019

Most people don’t expect their pets to suddenly lash out or act aggressively, but even the most docile and well-behaved dogs can attack without warning or a history of violence. When that happens, innocent victims can suffer debilitating injuries.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk dog bite attorneys know that victims are often reluctant to seek compensation after being injured by other people’s pets—even if they incur significant medical expenses and experience severe pain and disability. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, it’s important to explore your rights to compensation, as the bite may prove extremely disruptive to your life.

Complications associated with dog bites include:

  • Infection—Contrary to popular belief, dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria. When they bite, their sharp teeth can push that bacteria deep into the bloodstream, making victims likely to develop localized or even systemic infections.
  • Nerve damage—When dogs bite, they can damage skin, blood vessels, muscle, tendons, and even nerves. Nerve damage is difficult to repair, and some victims may experience permanent loss of feeling or function in bite locations and surrounding areas.
  • Blood loss—Heavy bleeding is common after dog bites. In some cases, it can be a medical emergency. Victims who experience significant blood loss can go into shock, which may be life-threatening.

Complications from dog bites can be financially devastating, as they may require expensive medical treatments and can put you out of work for weeks, months, or even years. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you get the money you deserve.

What Compensation Is Available for Dog Bite Victims?

by admin@gotechark.com | February 11th, 2019

Dog bites can be disruptive to victims’ lives in several ways, including:

  • Pain—Dog bites are painful both when they occur and throughout the healing process. Dogs have sharp teeth that are designed to rip through skin and muscle. Regardless of breed, all dogs have the potential to cause painful injuries that can make it difficult to work or use the affected body part.
  • Disability—In addition to debilitating pain, dog bites can also cause disability. That’s because dogs’ teeth are sharp and long enough to penetrate deep into the skin and damage nerves. Nerve damage can result in paralysis or reduced control over hands, fingers, feet, and other affected areas of the body.
  • Infection—Don’t believe the myth that dogs’ mouths are clean. They’re teeming with bacteria, and their long, sharp teeth can act as syringes that inject bacteria deep into victims’ bloodstreams during bites. That means infections after bites aren’t just localized to the bite areas—they can also spread throughout the body and pose potentially life-threatening complications.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk dog bite attorneys are here to fight for the rights of anyone who has been injured by a dog that wasn’t properly leashed or enclosed in accordance to Virginia local ordinances.

The bite-related expenses you’re facing for your medical bills and lost wages are significant, and you deserve compensation for every penny you’ve spent or lost due to the dog owner’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Dog Bites Can Cause Disabling and Even Life-Threatening Injuries

by admin@gotechark.com | October 8th, 2018

Were you or someone you love bitten by a dog? If so, you may be suffering from injuries that can affect you for the rest of your life. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk dog bite attorneys believe that people who are hurt because of negligence dog owners deserve to be compensated for their injuries and the complications associated with them.

We know that many dog bite victims are reluctant to file claims against dog owners—even when those owners failed to leash or enclose their pets. But no matter how friendly or docile dogs act around their owners or others, all dogs have the potential to suddenly lash out aggressively and bite. That’s why local ordinances in Norfolk and throughout Virginia require that dogs be restrained and not allowed to freely roam or approach other people.

In our years of assisting dog bite victims, we’ve found that the consequences of dog bites can be profound and even fatal in some cases. That’s because dog bites can cause a variety of complications, including:

  • Nerve damage—Dogs have sharp teeth that are capable of tearing skin, muscle, tissue, and ligaments. That can result in serious damage and even disability, especially when the bite affects nerves. Victims may require surgery after bites, and they may never regain full function or feeling in the affected areas.
  • Infection—Dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria. When they bite, their sharp teeth can plunge millions of microbes deep into tissue and the bloodstreams of victims. Infections resulting from dog bites often start out localized to the bite area, but they can quickly spread throughout the body, putting victims’ lives at risk.

Get the legal representation you deserve after a dog bite. Call us today for a free consultation.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer after a Dog Bite Injury?

by admin@gotechark.com | June 25th, 2018

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we know that many dog bite victims are hesitant to pursue injury claims after being hurt by other people’s animals.

In many cases, victims may not believe their injuries are serious enough to warrant filing claims for compensation, while others may not want to press the matter—especially if they know the owner of the dog that bit them.

But dog bite injuries can be serious, even if they don’t appear that way in the hours or days after they occur. It’s common for dog bites to cause infections and damage to nerve and tendons, and the complications can cause victims to become permanently disabled.

Having an experienced Norfolk dog bite lawyer on your side from day one can protect your rights. When you contact us, you can count on our legal team to:

  • Prove that the dog that bit you wasn’t properly restrained—Virginia’s dog ordinances require that dogs be properly restrained or leashed when they’re in public or in areas where they could pose threats to others. We can investigate the attack and collect evidence that proves the dog’s owner failed to abide by city or local ordinances.
  • Prove that the bite caused your injuries—Proving that a dog wasn’t enclosed or leashed isn’t always enough to get a favorable outcome—insurance companies also want proof that the dog bite caused severe pain, suffering, or disability. We’ll use medical records and even expert testimony to conclusively link your injuries to the bite.

The longer you wait to get an attorney on your side, the more difficult it may be to find crucial evidence. Call today for a free consultation.

3 Steps to Take after a Dog Bite Injury

by admin@gotechark.com | April 9th, 2018

Dog bites have the potential to cause severe, disabling, and even life-threatening complications in victims. That’s why it’s important to take every dog bite seriously, whether it results in a seemingly minor cut or laceration or a deep puncture wound or contusion.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk dog bite lawyer knows that most canines are harmless and friendly. But dogs can bite without warning—including dogs that have no history of aggression. Many dog bite victims are in shock after being bitten, and they may delay taking the necessary steps for protecting their health and their rights to compensation.

Take these three important steps after a dog bite:

  1. Get medical treatment – Dog bites can cause serious bleeding and put victims at risk of infection and nerve damage. In some cases, dogs may even carry deadly diseases like rabies. Getting treated right away protects your health and creates a record of your injury.
  2. Get contact information from the owner of the dog that bit you – To pursue a dog bite claim, you must be able to locate the dog’s owner. You may be able to get contact information from the owner himself or from witnesses who saw the bite occur.
  3. Get a lawyer – The sooner you have a law firm working on your case, the better your chances will be of getting maximum compensation. The insurance company may begin working on its defense immediately, and having a lawyer on day one can help tip the scales in your favor.

Don’t let your rights go unprotected. Call us today for a free consultation from an experienced lawyer who knows dog bite laws in Virginia.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

by admin@gotechark.com | December 11th, 2017

To many people, dogs are members of the family. We have them in our homes, and we see them in public spaces, too. But no matter how well-trained and docile a dog acts, it still has the capacity to cause serious harm if it attacks.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we know that dog bites often happen when people least expect them—including both victims and dog owners. Dogs with no history of biting or aggression can suddenly lash out, even without provocation. Dog bite victims can suffer debilitating and even disabling injuries that may result in severe bleeding, infection, and nerve damage.

Our Norfolk dog bite lawyers know how serious dog bite injuries can be. That’s why we fight to help victims get compensation for things like:

  • Medical bills – Dog bite victims often require stitches and intensive wound care, while some may even need surgery to clear out infection and repair nerve damage.
  • Lost wages – Many dog bites occur on the legs, arms, and hands. When those parts of a person’s body become damaged or disabled, it can affect their ability to work, leaving them without the income they rely on to support themselves and their families.

We know the ins-and-outs of dog bite laws and local ordinances throughout Virginia concerning leashes, enclosures, and other guidelines for dogs on private and public property. Don’t suffer alone after a dog bite injury. Get the help you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.