Helping Victims of Canine Attacks in New Hampshire
Although dogs are considered our furry companions, they also have a propensity to attack and bite–even their owners and other handlers. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, our Concord dog bite attorneys can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. We offer personalized representation tailored to your unique needs.
New Hampshire is a "strict liability" state when it comes to dog bites, which means that dog owners can be held liable for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether they had any reason to believe the dog might bite.
Under New Hampshire law, a dog owner is liable for a dog bite if:
The bite occurred on public property or while the victim was lawfully on private property
The dog bite caused injury or death
The victim did not provoke the dog
In other words, if you or your child was bitten by a dog while lawfully on public property or while on someone else's private property, you have the right to take legal action against the dog's owner, regardless of whether the owner had any reason to believe the dog would bite.
Keep in mind that dog owners can also be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs in other circumstances, such as when a dog:
Knocks someone over and causes injury
Chases someone and causes injury
Causes a bicycle accident
Causes a car accident
Causes injury to a child or adult in any other way
In these cases, the dog owner may be held liable if the victim can prove that the dog owner was negligent in some way.
For example, a dog owner might be considered negligent if they:
Failed to properly leash their dog
Failed to properly secure their dog on their property
Failed to properly contain their dog in a fenced-in area
Failed to warn others about their dog's aggressive tendencies
If you were injured by a dog in a way other than a bite, our Concord dog bite attorneys can help you understand your legal options.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
Most dog bite claims are filed against the dog's owner. However, there are several other parties who may be held liable for a dog bite. These include:
Landlords
Property owners
Parents of a dog-owning minor
Dog walkers
Dog sitters
What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?
Being bitten by a dog can be a scary experience, but it's important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and prevent infection. Here's what you should do:
Protect Yourself: If the dog is still aggressive or appears rabid, prioritize your safety. Try to put something between you and the dog, like a jacket or bag, to prevent further bites.
Evaluate the Wound: Assess the severity of the bite. If it's a minor wound with little bleeding, you can likely treat it at home. However, if it's a deep or serious wound, or if it's bleeding heavily, seek medical attention immediately.
Clean the Wound: If the wound is minor, wash it thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. You can also use an antiseptic solution if available.
Apply First Aid: If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Elevate the wound if possible to reduce swelling.
Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of the bite, it's important to seek medical attention, especially if the dog's vaccination status is unknown. Even minor bites can become infected, and a healthcare professional can assess the wound and determine if further treatment, such as antibiotics or a tetanus shot, is necessary.
Report the Incident: Report the dog bite to the appropriate authorities, such as animal control or the police, especially if the dog was stray or the owner is unknown. This can help prevent future incidents and ensure the dog's vaccination status is verified.
Follow Up: Follow any instructions given by healthcare professionals for wound care and attend any follow-up appointments as recommended. Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage, and seek medical attention if necessary.
Consider Legal Action: Depending on the circumstances of the bite, you may want to consider consulting with a legal professional to understand your rights and options, especially if you incurred medical expenses or other damages as a result of the incident.
How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?
At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, we have been serving clients throughout New Hampshire for more than 100 years. We have a long history of success in even the most complex personal injury cases, and we are prepared to fight for you.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
Personalized, one-on-one attention
Honest and straightforward counsel
Aggressive advocacy at every stage of the process
Tireless support and guidance from start to finish
Compassionate service and open communication
Our goal is to provide you with the resources, support, and legal representation you need to navigate the process as smoothly as possible. We handle all the legal details so you can focus on your recovery.
“I was very fortunate to have Upton & Hatfield represent me. Could not of asked for a better experience. I highly recommend using Upton & Hatfield. A++”
