You just can’t help but love dogs. Dogs are considered to be loving and caring, and are said to be the most loyal friend man can ever have. But are they really? The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 4.5 million dog attacks occur every year all over the United States. Of these incidents, around 800,000 injuries require medical attention, and 30,000 victims go through reconstructive surgeries. 15 to 17 of dog bite victims also die each year. So if you think that a dog knows you and you know this dog won’t hurt you, then think again. Most of the victims of these attacks actually even knew the dog.
Who is responsible for a dog attack? Should the victim bear the responsibility for not having known enough to ensure his/her safety? In Rhode Island, strict liability attaches for an injury that occurs outside the dog owner’s enclosed area or property (Johnson v. Poulin, 844 A.2d 707, Rhode Island Supreme Court, 2004). Within the enclosures, RI law requires that dog owners provide notices or warnings at the boundary of the “enclosures” to visitors or trespassers who may enter the premises that he is entering premises where there may be a dog. You may be entitled to compensation if the dog owner did not provide adequate warning again his/her dog(s). A dog bite attorney can help you figure out whether you have a claim and what you need to do to get your compensation.
One of the towns in Rhode Island is the town of Coventry. In this town, a nine-year old girl was attacked and savaged by a dog in June 2011. A businesswoman owned the dog. It was one case of unprovoked attack, which gave the nine-year old kid stitches and scars that will forever remind her of the traumatic experience. Coventry, located in Kent Country, is the largest town in Rhode Island. It has a total area of 62.3 square miles, and a population of around 35,000 according to the 2010 US census. In August 2012, the officials of this town have agreed to create a park for the canines. As the dogs concentrate in the dog park, the chances for injuries may even increase as the dogs may attack other dog owners.
If you are living near or in Coventry, Rhode Island, and have suffered an injury from a dog or animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation. d’Oliveira & Associates works with the most competent dog bite lawyers in Coventry. You may contact our law office in Coventry, Rhode Island at (401) 823-3444 or visit our office located at 401 Arnold Road, Coventry, RI to see if you have a claim.
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