If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in the Wilmington, DE area, it's important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. James Hall Personal Injury Lawyer in Wilmington specializes in dog bite cases and offers free consultations to discuss your options. Our team can provide guidance and support as you pursue your claim. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case. Contact Dog bite attorney Wilmington, DE today to schedule your free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
James Hall Personal Injury Lawyer Wilmington
Dog bite attorney Wilmington, DE
1200 N Broom St,
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 590-7513
Can you sue if a dog scratches you?
Yes, you may be able to sue if a dog scratches you, especially if the injury was serious and caused by the dog owner’s negligence. In Delaware, dog owners are generally responsible for ensuring their pets do not harm others. If a dog scratched you aggressively, and the owner knew the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or failed to control the dog properly, you might have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Scratches from a dog can lead to infections, permanent scarring, or other complications requiring medical treatment. If the injury caused financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, legal action might help you recover compensation.
At James Hall Personal Injury Lawyer Wilmington, we understand how unexpected and traumatic a dog-related injury can be. We’ll investigate the circumstances, determine liability, and help you navigate the legal process. Whether the scratch occurred on public property, in a home, or elsewhere, we’ll work to ensure your rights are protected.
How do you prove fault in a dog bite case?
Proving fault in a dog bite case involves demonstrating that the dog’s owner or caretaker acted negligently or violated Delaware’s strict liability laws. Under Delaware law, dog owners are generally held strictly liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. This means that victims do not need to prove that the dog had previously shown aggression or that the owner was aware of any danger.
At James Hall Personal Injury Lawyer Wilmington, we build strong cases by gathering key evidence. This includes medical records documenting the injury, photographs of the wound and the scene, witness statements, and animal control reports. If the dog was off-leash in a public area, or if the owner failed to restrain it properly, that behavior helps establish negligence. We also look into the dog’s history of aggression, prior complaints, and whether the owner violated local leash or containment laws.
By thoroughly investigating each element of the case, we aim to clearly demonstrate the dog owner’s responsibility. Our legal team fights to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, emotional trauma, and other damages.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
If the dog owner has no insurance, you may still be able to pursue compensation through other legal avenues. While many dog bite claims are paid through homeowners or renters insurance, not all owners carry these policies or may have exclusions for animal-related injuries. In such cases, James Hall Personal Injury Lawyer Wilmington will explore alternative options to help you recover damages.
One possibility is pursuing a direct personal injury claim against the dog owner. If successful, the court may order the owner to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses out of their personal assets. In some situations, payment arrangements can be negotiated, or liens can be placed on the owner's property to ensure future compensation. Additionally, if the dog bite occurred on someone else’s property or due to another party’s negligence, such as a landlord or caretaker, they may also share liability.
At James Hall Personal Injury Lawyer Wilmington, we investigate all potential sources of compensation and fight to protect your rights, even in challenging cases where insurance is unavailable.