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Awards & Affiliations

  • American Association for Justice
    As members of the AAJ, we are committed to promoting a fair, effective justice system that allows for victims of misconduct or negligence to obtain the justice they deserve.
  • Rhode Island Association for Justice
    Members of the Rhode Island Association for Justice follow the organization’s mission: Working together to ensure equality.
  • Rhode Island Bar Association
    The Rhode Island Bar Association has been working to uphold and protect federal and state laws since 1898, with an emphasis on maintaining a democratic government and honoring the justice system.
  • DC Bar
    Membership with the DC Bar provides us with access to legal research materials, professional service providers, and more that can be used for the benefit of our clients.
  • Super Lawyers
    Only 2.5% of attorneys in a given state are selected for inclusion on the Rising Stars® list. Members must be aged 40 or younger, or be in practice for 10 years or less.
  • Distinguished Martindale Hubbell
    Distinguished® attorneys are peer-review rated and selected based on their honorable professional achievements.
  • Brain Injury Association
    Our work with the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island is designed to provide information and services to survivors.
  • Brain Association of America
    As members of the Brain Injury Association of America, we are the voice of awareness, and we are here to help survivors.
  • Expertise Best Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Southern New England Brain Injury Law Center
    Southern New England Brain Injury Law Center
  • NABIS
    This is a society of multidisciplinary brain injury professionals who come together to discuss issues concerning brain injury and bring the science behind brain injuries into practice.
  • Melvin M Belli
    Lawyers are initiated into the Melvin M. Belli society by invitation-only and are considered to be distinguished trial lawyers.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyers

Holding Negligent Pet Owners Accountable in Providence & Middletown

There may be no other category of injury that is more horrific than a dog bite. Being attacked by an animal not only leaves the victim with physical injuries, but they frequently suffer from severe emotional damage as well. This can be especially true for children who naturally love animals and would never imagine that one could be vicious.

Dog owners have a responsibility to always keep their animals under control. When they fail to do so and innocent people are injured, owners can and should be held accountable for any losses suffered by their victims. If you or a loved one was injured in a dog bite incident or another type of animal attack, don’t wait to seek the advice of a reliable dog bite attorney in Rhode Island to learn about your rights and options.

Put 85+ Years of Collective Experience in Your Corner

At Karns & Kerrison, our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers have a complete understanding of local leash and containment laws, and we know how to present a strong case in support of your claim. Many dog owners will attempt to escape accountability by saying that the dog was provoked or that the victim was trespassing.

Fortunately, our lawyers know these cases like the backs of our hands. We will conduct thorough investigations of the incident, compile all information we uncover into a comprehensive claim, and advocate for you in the courtroom and the boardroom. We will stop at nothing to secure the medical care and financial support you need to recover from your injuries.

Call (888) 281-3100 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a Rhode Island dog bite lawyer.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws

Dog Bite

According to Rhode Island Gen. Laws § 4-13-16, a dog owner may be held liable for any damages resulting from a bite or attack—even if the dog owner did not know the dog could be dangerous. This makes Rhode Island a “strict liability” state when the bite or attack happens outside the owner’s enclosure, meaning not on their property.

For a first offense, the dog owner will have to compensate the victim for the full amount of their damages. This generally includes medical costs and other economic damages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, and more.

For a second offense, the dog owner will have to compensate the victim for twice the amount of their damages. The offending dog will be put down, per a court order.

What if I Was Bitten on the Dog Owner’s Property?

Rhode Island’s strict liability rule does not apply when a dog bite or attack occurs on the dog owner’s property. That does not mean victims are left without options, however.

When the dog bite happens in the dog’s enclosure, the courts tend to follow the “one-bite” rule. This means that dog owners can be held liable for the bite if they knew or should have known that the dog could be dangerous. On the other hand, if the dog never showed a propensity for violence, the dog owner will not be considered liable.

Dog bite cases can be complicated, especially when the bite happened on the owner’s property. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is highly recommended that you consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Seeking Justice for Dog Bite Victims

At Karns & Kerrison, our attorney team seeks maximum compensation for victims who are suffering because of a dog owner's negligence. We understand the types of injuries that can happen in these cases and the long-term effects they can have on a victim’s life. That’s why we won’t rest in our fight for you.

From our offices in Providence and Middletown, we represent clients throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts on a contingency fee basis. If we do not recover compensation for you, then you won’t be billed a dime!

Suggested Reading:

Contact Karns & Kerrison online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Rhode Island dog bite attorney.

  • Car Accident Traumatic Brain Injury
    I would definitely recommend Karns & Kerrison to anyone who asked - they come through for you.

    - Patricia Feeley

  • Slipped on Greasy Floor
    I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending Karns & Kerrison.

    - Mike Carey

  • Rear End Collision
    Nothing but positive results from consultation, to filing the legal suit, handling of a major operation, to recovery and finalizing a generous settlement.

    - Larry Goldfarb

  • Horrible Car Accident
    They not only got me a fair settlement, they helped to get me well.

    - Nancy

  • Motor Vehicle Accident - Braga Bridge
    It was comforting to know I had someone watching out for me.

    - Jeanie Small

  • Pedestrian hit by Car
    I did not know where to turn when I realized I needed legal help but I am very happy that I found Karns & Kerrison.

    - Martin

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Schedule A Free Consultation

If you or your loved one suffered severe, life-altering injuries due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you fight for justice. For answers to your questions or to schedule a free consultation, contact our personal injury team at (888) 281-3100. We offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorneys’ fees after we have recovered compensation on your behalf.

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