Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyer

The dog owner’s insurance, typically their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, is responsible for paying for your damages. We handle the process of filing the claim against the insurance company directly, so you don’t have to deal with the owner.

You can still file a claim. If you were legally invited to the property, the owner is strictly liable for your injuries. Filing a claim is against their insurance company, not your friend personally, which often covers the damages without the friend paying out-of-pocket.

No. A civil lawsuit for compensation does not automatically require the animal to be euthanized. That decision is usually made by Animal Control or a municipality based on the severity of the incident and the dog’s history. Our case is focused solely on recovering financial compensation for your injuries.

The owner is usually liable if the victim was lawfully on the property or in a public space. However, liability may be reduced or eliminated if the owner can prove you were trespassing or that you provoked the dog into attacking. We are experts at defending against these counterarguments.

Both the tenant (the dog owner) and potentially the landlord may be held liable, depending on the circumstances. If the landlord was aware the tenant had a dangerous dog and failed to act, they may also share responsibility. We investigate all potential parties to maximize your recovery.

It is strongly recommended. Scarring and disfigurement are major components of compensation in dog bite cases. We work with plastic surgeons to determine the estimated cost of all necessary reconstructive procedures—both now and in the future—to ensure your settlement fully covers these expenses.

Like most personal injury cases in Rhode Island, you generally have three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. However, acting quickly is vital to securing evidence, reporting the bite to the proper authorities, and maximizing your recovery.

Most dog bite cases, like other personal injury claims, are resolved through out-of-court settlements. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, but our goal is always to secure maximum compensation for you efficiently and without the stress of a trial.