The stay-home order resulted in people spending a lot of time outside with their pets. This increased interaction put Alabamans at an even greater risk of dog bites, especially when dangerous pets are not properly contained or controlled.
Getting bitten or attacked by a dangerous dog is scary, even when there’s not a global pandemic to worry about. In this blog, we’ll outline what to do if a dog attacked you during coronavirus lockdown, and how to protect yourself and move your case forward.
Alabama Dog Bite Law: The Basics
Depending on the situation, the owner of the dog who bit you may be “strictly liable” for your injuries. However, this may depend on whether the dog is considered dangerous or not. You may have heard that “friendly” dogs with no history of aggression get “one free bite” in Alabama, but that’s not always true.
A dog owner has a responsibility to control their dog and make sure people are safe when they’re around it — especially if they’re considered dangerous.
How to Safely Seek Help After a Dog Bite
Even as coronavirus lockdowns lift, there are still safety measures to keep in mind when seeking help for a dog bite. While it’s essential to seek medical help after a dog attack, it’s always good to take precautions to protect yourself from coronavirus. If you or someone you love who has been attacked and is severely injured, call 9-1-1.
If the bite victim has severe cuts or broken bones, go to the emergency room or urgent care at once. Keep in mind, victims may not be able to bring someone in with them due to COVID-19 risks, depending on the facility. If your injuries are minor, you can call your doctor to get their advice on what to do next or schedule a telehealth appointment.
While taking precautions regarding coronavirus is important, it should not keep you from seeking medical attention. If you don’t go to the doctor after getting bit by a dangerous dog, you risk infection and injuries that fail to heal, costing you more time, money, and pain down the road. And if you’re worried about the cost of treatment, remember that they can be included in your dog bite insurance claim or lawsuit.
RELATED: Bit By a Dog in Alabama? Take These 5 Steps to Protect Your Claims
Why It’s Time to Consider Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney
Fighting for your rights and future after a dog attack is never easy. If you are suffering after a dog bite during quarantine, you could be owed financial compensation for your wounds, emotional stress, lost work, and more. However, it can be difficult to understand the real value of your Alabama dog bite case without help. Contacting an experienced lawyer is the best way to not only learn about your rights but get the help you need to stand up to the insurance company and negligent dog owner as well.
Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys Is Ready to Fight for Victims Like You
At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we love our four-legged friends and believe that pet owners should take protecting both their dogs and the community seriously. That’s why we’re so committed to standing up for dog bite victims; we believe everyone should have the chance to heal.
To learn more about your options, understand the value of your dog bite claim, and decide what to do next, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our law office. You can meet with one of our personal injury lawyers in a free, confidential consultation. And when you work with one of our attorneys, you don’t pay a cent unless we win for you.
To schedule your consultation today, give us a call today at 251-888-8888, or complete this form.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
Andy is the owner and CEO of Citrin Law Firm, P.C. He founded the firm in 1995 with the goal of helping injured people put their lives back together. His passion for protecting injured people has only grown since he opened the doors of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, and he has a history of winning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.