Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyers

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

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:

• How to recognize dog attacks BEFORE they happen

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