Dog Bite Attorney Wilmington, DE
Why Hire the Chong Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Claim?
Leverage Jimmy Chong’s experience and diligence and get the maximum compensation for your dog bite claim in Wilmington, DE.
NO Fee Unless You Win
The Chong Law Firm only accepts dog bite cases on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay anything up front when you hire our legal team. Rest assured your personal injury claim is getting the attention it deserves – work with the Wilmington dog bite lawyers at the Chong Law Firm.
Seeking Dog Bite Damages in Delaware
Compensatory damages can include lost wages for having to miss work due to injuries and medical expenses caused by the dog bite. Also, because an encounter with an aggressive dog can leave a victim hurt, shaken, and fearful of future incidents with dogs, mental therapy may also be necessary and is compensable in Delaware.
Be aware that a dog bit victim has two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. That said, the sooner a dog bit victim contacts an experienced personal injury attorney, the fresher the evidence and the stronger their case.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites in Delaware
- Cuts and scratches
- Puncture wounds
- Eye injuries
- Ear injuries
- Infections
- Disease, such as rabies
- Disfigurement or scarring that may require plastic surgery
- Head, face, and neck injuries caused by the struggle
- Injuries to hands and arms, or feet and legs
- Pain and suffering from the injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causing anxiety or panic attacks
Delaware Dog Bite Laws
A dog bite victim in Delaware may be eligible for compensation under a special dog liability statute and the doctrines of negligence, negligence per se, scienter, and intentional tort. Additionally, Delaware has a leash law rendering it illegal to let a dog roam freely. In Delaware, a dog must always be under the owner’s control.
Injuries caused by other dog behavior, such as jumping on and knocking a person to the ground, are also covered by the Delaware dog bite law.
Who is Liable For Dog Bite Injuries in Delaware
In the state of Delaware, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries, death, or property damage caused by their dog. There are three exceptions:
- The dog owner is not liable if the victim provoked the dog by tormenting or abusing the dog;
- The dog owner is not liable when the victim was trespassing or committing a crime, or attempting to trespass or commit a crime;
- The dog owner is not liable if the victim was assaulting or attempting to assault the person, prompting the dog to attack.
How a Wilmington Dog Bite Attorney Helps a Dog Bite Case
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you track down the dog owner, weather evidence, assess the value of your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and litigate in court if necessary.
Liability for a dog bite victim’s injury is sometimes contested, however, the amount of compensation the victim is due is almost always contested. You need an experienced dog bite lawyer by your side to accurately value your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQs about Dog Bites in Delaware
What Should I Do If I am Bitten by a Dog in Delaware?
You should call the police if you are bitten by a dog so that the police file a report of the incident. A police report may be important evidence in any future personal injury claim or settlement negotiations. In the interests of public safety, you should also report a dog bite to the Delaware Division of Public Health.
Seek medical attention as soon as you are able. Even minor injuries from a dog bite can transmit serious illnesses or cause infection.
Next, call an experienced Wilmington dog bite attorney. They can tell you whether you have a claim and how much your claim is worth.
How Bad Does a Dog Bite Have to be to Have a Case?
Even a scratch or bruise may be compensable. Do not dismiss minor injuries – be sure to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to find out if you have a valid claim. For public safety reasons, all encounters with aggressive dogs should be reported to the police and to the Delaware Division of Public Health.
How Much Does a Wilmington Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Getting the help of an experienced Wilmington dog bite attorney should cost you nothing up front, because they will take your case on a contingency basis. They do not get paid unless and until you do, and you have no out-of-pocket costs.
What Type of Compensation is Covered in a Wilmington Dog Bite Claim?
You may be eligible for compensatory damages, such as the wages you couldn’t earn because you were being treated for your injuries, and the cost of medical treatment for your injuries. You may also be eligible for non compensatory damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
You should log the date, time, and location of the incident, a description of the dog, a report of what happened, and the owner’s information if you can get it, as soon as you can after the incident while it is fresh in your mind. Be sure to include the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Take pictures of your injury before it starts to heal. Get a copy of the police report and your medical report. Bring all of this to your attorney when you have your consultation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dog Bite Attorney in Wilmington, DE
Dog bites happen all too frequently, and the more owners are held accountable, the less they will occur. Do your part for public safety and come in and talk to us about your dog bite injury in Delaware. We will help you get the compensation you deserve. In addition to dog bite cases, our attorneys can also help with the following:
