Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Nashua, NH

Dog attacks can be incredibly traumatic as a Nashua, NH dog bite injury lawyer knows well. You may take a long time to recover from a dog bite, and the consequences can include both physical wounds and psychological issues. Dogs often attack when they are afraid, provoked or are not properly trained. If you have been bitten by a dog and suffered serious injuries as a result, you may be able to pursue the pet owner because they can be held liable. Have a skilled dog bite lawyer like one at Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C. assist you and help you recover your losses. 

Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite injury can result in devastating injuries. Dogs have highly powerful jaws, and even the bite force of small breeds can cause much damage. Such injuries include deep puncture wounds, lacerations, tissue scarring. The injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement, amputation and disabilities. Victims can experience much blood loss as a result of a dog bite. You may be able to get a large amount of damages for the injuries that you have sustained from a dog bite, so contact a lawyer right away to explore your legal options. 

What To Do After A Dog Attack 

If you have been bitten by a dog, whether you know if it has an owner or not, it is important to call first responders right away and seek medical treatment. Keep a record of your injuries and take many photos. Obtain all documents such as your medical bills and give them to a lawyer so that they can calculate all the damages and find out your case value. 

Who You Can Sue

Liability in dog bite accidents typically falls on the pet owner as a Nashua dog bite injury lawyer can explain. However, according to New Hampshire law you may be able to sue other parties such as the person who has the dog in their possession at the time of the accident. If you are not sure who you can file your claim against, a lawyer will be able to determine exactly who is liable and bring a claim against them. They will help you get the maximum compensation possible and hold the responsible parties accountable. 

How a Lawyer Can Help

A lawyer can assist you in many ways if you need legal help. They can do a full case assessment and see if you have a valid case. You can rely on a skilled lawyer who you can count on to educate you about your rights and explain what you are entitled to do. They will be able to advise you on steps that you can take. They can gather evidence and examine them carefully to build you a strong case. 

Legal Help Is Available

You should not hesitate to get help from a dog bite lawyer. Dog bites result in many injuries each year. While they are relatively rare, the consequences can be severe. You should not have to deal with the financial burden and emotional scars from a dog bite on your own. Turn to a qualified Nashua dog bite injury lawyer at Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C. that you can trust and find out what legal services are available. 

Capnocytophaga

As a Nashua, NH dog bite injury lawyer may explain, there is bacteria inside a dog’s mouth that is rare in harming humans but can cause a serious infection. The germs themselves don’t make animals sick, but they can cause infection and sepsis in humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), capnocytophaga is dangerous to those with weakened or compromised immune systems, such as those taking medications like steroids. Symptoms of capnocytophaga include:

• Blisters around wound
• Redness, pus, or swelling at the injury site
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

If you were bitten by an animal, please call us at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. about seeking compensation for medical care and other losses from the dog owner.

Sepsis

Sepsis happens when your body is too aggressively responding to an infection. Usually, the body secretes a certain level of chemicals in the bloodstream to help fight infections when an injury happens. But when the body over responds with chemicals, sepsis can develop. This chemical reaction in the body can start to damage internal systems and organs. Septic shock and sepsis can occur in anyone but is particularly dangerous to those who are pregnant, older adults, infants under the age of one year, and those with chronic illnesses such as kidney or lung disease, diabetes, or cancer.

Rabies

A deadly viral infection that can spread to humans through the saliva of an infected animal is called rabies. Thankfully, because of widespread awareness and vaccination against this disease across the nation, it is less prevalently seen in domestic animals. However, because getting rabies is fatal when treatment is not sought unless the dog’s owner has proof of rabies vaccination, it’s best to respond as if the animal is infected. Symptoms of rabies can include flu-like symptoms, discomfort or itching sensation near the bite, anxiety or confusion, cerebral dysfunction, delirium, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, fear of water, and insomnia.

Tetanus

Tetanus, also referred to as lockjaw, happens from bacteria found in dust, soil, and manure. The bacteria typically enter the body through punctures or breaks in the skin caused by contaminated items, including when you get bitten by a dog or step on a nail coated in rust. As a Nashua dog bite injury lawyer knows, symptoms of tetanus can include muscle spasms, cramping of jaw muscles, difficulty swallowing, muscle pain and stiffness, headaches, seizures, sweating, fevers, and increased heart rate or blood pressure.

Pasteurella

Pasteurella multocida is just one of the many types of bacteria that can be found in animal saliva. According to the CDC, the bacteria Pasteurella is found in animal bite injuries around 75% of the time. Pasteurella poses a health risk for many people, particularly the elderly. Symptoms of Pastourella can include inflammation and redness shortly after the bite, infection of the bones, abscesses, generalized sepsis, or pneumonia. For the treatment of a Pasteurella infection, doctors usually respond by providing antimicrobial medications, like amoxicillin.

Dog bites can result in serious injury and infection, as a Nashua dog bite injury lawyer has seen, and thus victims must always seek medical treatment so they can get the care they need quickly. Dogs and other companion animals can be our closest companions, but in the event of a bite incident, immediate action should be sought so the health of everyone is protected. If you need help after an animal attack, call us at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. as soon as you can about pursuing compensation from the owner.

Why You Need A Lawyer After A Dog Bite

A dog attack can be traumatic, but your Nashua, NH dog bite injury lawyer can help you pick up the pieces. Here are key reasons why you should consider legal help after a dog bite incident, as advised by our team at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C.

1. Understanding Of State And Local Dog Bite Laws

Dog bite laws vary significantly by state and even by locality. Some areas operate under a “strict liability” rule, where the pet owner is responsible regardless of the animal’s history or the owner’s negligence. Others require proof of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggression. Your legal team can explain the specific statutes that apply to your case and how they affect your potential claim.

2. Assessment Of All Damages

Properly assessing the damages following a dog bite is crucial. This includes medical costs, potential future medical treatments, lost wages if you’ve been unable to work, as well as pain and suffering. We help ensure that all current and anticipated costs are accounted for in your claim.

3. Dealing With Insurance Companies

Dog owners often have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies that cover injuries inflicted by their pets. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging as they typically aim to minimize payouts. Your Nashua dog bite injury lawyer can handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.

4. Proving Liability

Proving liability in a dog bite case can be complex. It often involves establishing that the dog owner knew of the pet’s aggressive nature or was negligent in controlling or securing the dog. We have the experience to gather the necessary evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, and, if available, surveillance footage to strengthen your case.

5. Handling Legal Procedures And Deadlines

Legal claims, including those for dog bites, must be filed within specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations. Your legal team will ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed promptly and correctly, adhering to these deadlines to avoid having your claim dismissed.

6. Providing Representation In Court

While many dog bite cases settle out of court, some proceed to trial. If this happens, having experienced legal representation is invaluable. We can provide robust representation in court, advocating on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome.

7. Negotiating Settlements

If the opportunity for settlement arises, your attorney will be crucial in negotiating terms that adequately address all of your needs. This includes navigating complex legal discussions and ensuring the agreement is legally sound and in your best interest.

8. Peace Of Mind

Finally, having a dedicated legal team by your side provides peace of mind. Knowing that experienced professionals are handling your case allows you to focus on recovery and healing, rather than on legal complexities.

Contact Us Today

At Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., we’ve been fighting for our New Hampshire clients for over 45 years. Now, we’re ready to use our experience and dedication to help you get the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us today, and see what a Nashua dog bite injury lawyer from our office can do for you.