New Hampshire Dog Bite Attorneys

While it may seem silly to sue for a minor dog bite, that doesn't mean that it can't or shouldn't be done. Even minor dog attacks can have negative physical (and even emotional) effects on the victim. If you are uncertain whether you have grounds for a case or not, contact Upton & Hatfield today to discuss your incident in a free consultation.

Be sure to take photos of your injuries and write down the name of the owner so that you can identify them later on. Even if you have suffered minor injuries, you should still see a medical professional to ensure your injuries are treated properly.

While there is no law on the books that requires individuals to report dog bites, it's always better to report the incident to the authorities as soon as possible.

This can help hold the dog owner accountable for providing necessary information for treating your injuries (i.e. information about the dog's vaccinations, etc.) Reporting the incident can also help ensure that the animal is prevented from hurting anyone else by removing it from the area and keeping it somewhere where it can be closely monitored for diseases such as rabies. To report your dog bite in New Hampshire, you should contact the nearest animal control center.

Do not be surprised if the dog owner tries to tell you that they don’t have any money to spare to pay for your damages. They probably are not lying, but they are also not seeing the full picture of dog bite liability.

If a dog owner has homeowners’ insurance or renter’s insurance, then it is likely that the policy will provide damages for a dog bite that happens on their property or, sometimes, off their property.

The amount of money that you can get from a dog bite lawsuit will depend on the limits of the applicable insurance policy. Of course, the extent of your injuries and necessary medical care will also change the value of your claim.

Damages that might apply for your dog bite claim are:

• Past medical treatments
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Many people who are bitten by an aggressive dog will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms for years. Seeing a dog of the same breed can trigger an anxiety attack, for example. If you are suffering from PTSD due to a violent dog attack, then we can also pursue additional damages related to psychological trauma and therapy.

New Hampshire uses a three-year statute of limitations for dog bite claims, which almost-always starts on the date of the dog attack. If you wait longer than three years to file a claim, then it will be thrown out by the court before it can advance.

However, there is often nothing to gain from waiting a long period of time before filing a claim. Even though you have three years, you should talk to our attorneys and work on a claim within a few days or weeks at most, which is when the details of the dog attack will be freshest in your memory.

Not all dog bites require serious medical attention. However, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some warning signs to watch out for that indicate a trip to the emergency room may be in order:

• The wound won't stop bleeding
• The bite area is red or swollen
• The victim develops a fever
• The bite area feels warm to the touch
• The wound appears to be a deep puncture wound
• The area becomes stiff and difficult to move
• The pain continues for more than 24 hours
• There is drainage coming from the bite area