Portland Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorneys
More than four million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. Dog bites result in 800,000 trips to the doctor for treatment, including more than 350,000 visits to the emergency room for serious dog bites. Children from five to nine years receive the highest proportion of dog bites. The rate goes down as children become older. Injuries to the head, face or neck are common, causing scarring, potential nerve damage and trauma.
Visit our blog for the latest firm news and case updates about dog bites and animal attacks from Zerillo Law, LLC.
If you or your child has been injured by a dog bite or animal attack, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Zerillo Law, LLC, in Portland, Maine. We devote a large part of our practice to the rights of personal injury victims, and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, plastic surgery, and pain and suffering.
Dog Bites Law in Maine
Maine is a strict liability state. That means that the owner or handler of the dog or animal must maintain control at all times. They (or their insurance company) are responsible for damages.
Our attorneys provide seasoned representation to victims of dog bites, including the following:
- Severe scars and disfigurement, resulting in the need for plastic surgery
- Initial trauma, which may lead to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or P.T.S.D.
- Fear and anxiety resulting from the attack, requiring counseling
- Risk of rabies from an untreated domestic animal attack
Protecting Yourself against Dog Bites
More boys than girls are victims of dog bites every year. We recommend teaching your children the basics of dog and animal safety, including:
- Avoid approaching a dog or domestic pet that does not know you
- If a dog chases you with the intent to bite, stop, and be as still as a tree
- If your child wants to pet a dog, ask the owner's permission first
- Avoid eye contact with a strange dog; the dog may see this as a challenge
- If a dog knocks you down, roll into a ball and play dead
- If you are bitten, head to the doctor's office for immediate medical attention and a tetanus shot
