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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.

Providence Dog Bite Attorneys

Helping You Hold Dog Owners Liable

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Providence, RI, it's important to seek legal representation from an experienced dog bite attorney, such as the lawyers here at Karns & Kerrison. Dog bites can result in serious injuries and may leave long-term physical and emotional scars. At our law firm, we understand the impact that a dog bite can have on your life, and we are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve to try to make things better. With years of experience representing victims of dog attacks, we have the knowledge and skills needed to fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Dial (888) 281-3100 to schedule a free consultationwith a Providence dog bite lawyer.

Common Causes of Dog Bites & Attacks

Owners need to keep control of their dogs whenever other people are around or when they are in public. Failing to take basic precautions can result in the loss of control over the dog, potentially endangering others.

Common mistakes that dog owners make that enable a dog to bite someone include:

  • Lack of socialization or training: Dogs that have not been properly socialized with people or other animals may become fearful or aggressive in certain situations, leading to a bite. Similarly, dogs that have not received proper training may not understand boundaries and may be more likely to lash out.
  • Failure to properly supervise the dog: Leaving a dog alone with unfamiliar people or animals can be dangerous, particularly if the dog has a history of aggression. It's important for owners to always supervise their dogs and take steps to prevent them from coming into contact with others if necessary.
  • Encouraging aggressive behavior: Some owners may intentionally encourage their dogs to be aggressive as a means of protection or to show dominance. However, this can lead to dangerous behavior and should never be encouraged.
  • Neglecting medical issues: Dogs who are in pain or discomfort may be more irritable and prone to biting. Owners who neglect medical issues such as ear infections, dental problems, or arthritis may unwittingly contribute to their dog's aggressive behavior.
  • Failing to properly secure the dog: Dogs who are allowed to roam freely without proper supervision or confinement may pose a danger to others. Owners should ensure that their dogs are securely contained when outside and cannot escape.

Serious Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma. In some cases, the injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.

Common injuries associated with serious dog bites include:

  • Deep puncture wounds: Dog bites can cause deep puncture wounds that may become infected if not properly treated.
  • Tissue damage: A dog bite can cause significant damage to the surrounding tissue, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This type of injury may require surgery to repair.
  • Nerve damage: The force of a dog bite can also damage nerves in the affected area, leading to numbness or loss of sensation.
  • Broken bones: If a dog bites with enough force, it may break or shatter bones, especially if the dog is a large breed.
  • Infection: Dog bites are prone to infection due to the bacteria present in a dog's mouth. If left untreated, an infected wound can lead to serious complications.

In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can also have psychological effects on victims. Many people who have been bitten by dogs suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the attack. It is important to consider nonphysical injuries when building a dog bite injury claim.

Anyone who has been bitten by a dog should seek medical attention right away and report the incident to local authorities. If you've been injured by someone else's dog due to their negligence or failure to control their pet, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws

In Rhode Island, the law holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their pets cause to another person. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries, regardless of whether the owner was negligent. To file a personal injury claim in Rhode Island for a dog bite, the victim must be able to prove that they were bitten by the defendant's dog and that they suffered damages as a result.

Damages in a dog bite claim could include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

It's important to note that there are some exceptions to Rhode Island's strict liability rule for dog bites. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the owner's property or provoking the dog at the time of the attack, they may not be able to recover compensation for their injuries due to complications with liability. Also, a dog owner can try to defend themselves using a broadly interpreted “one bite rule” if the attack occurred on their property and the dog had never been aggressive before.

Keep in mind that there is a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Rhode Island. This means that you have three years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog. It's important to act quickly and seek legal representation as soon as possible after being bitten.

Call Our Providence Dog Bite Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Providence, it's important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our Providence dog attack lawyers have years of collective experience representing victims of dog bites and fighting for their rights to fair compensation. Don't hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation, so you can see all the ways that we can help you navigate the road ahead.

  • 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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