The Incident
5-year-old Jackson was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk near his home when a Labrador Retriever suddenly ran out of a neighbor’s house, chased him down, and dragged him off his bike by biting his knee and ankle. The attack left Jackson with significant injuries, and he was rushed to the emergency room. Due to the risk of infection, doctors were unable to stitch his wounds, requiring Jackson to endure a painful healing process with ongoing medical care.
Unique Case Challenges
Before litigation began, the dog owner refused to accept responsibility for the attack. He downplayed the incident, claiming that his dog had merely โpushed Jackson down,โ and refused to report the claim to his homeowner’s insurance. This lack of accountability left Jacksonโs family with mounting medical bills and no immediate path to justice.
At Cantor Injury Law, we refused to let this stand. We immediately filed a lawsuit against the dog owner, ensuring that the claim was taken seriously. Once the defendants were served, the case was finally turned over to the dog ownerโs homeowner’s insurance policy, opening the door for a fair dog bite settlement.
Our Approach to the Case
While Jacksonโs medical bills totaled $1,700, the impact of the attack went far beyond physical injuries. At Cantor Injury Law, we focused on the long-term effects of this traumatic experience, including the emotional distress and fear Jackson would carry as a result of the incident.
We also leveraged the dog ownerโs conduct after the bite to strengthen our case. By demonstrating the ownerโs initial refusal to take responsibility and failure to promptly address the claim, we highlighted the negligence that contributed to the incident and its aftermath.
The Outcome
Through diligent advocacy and strategic legal action, we resolved the case shortly before trial during court-ordered mediation. The dog bite settlement of $50,000 provided significant compensation for Jackson and his family, far exceeding the cost of his medical expenses.
This settlement offered much-needed support for Jacksonโs recovery, covering his medical expenses and addressing the emotional toll of the attack. The funds also provided peace of mind for his family, knowing they had the resources to address any future needs arising from this traumatic experience.
How Cantor Injury Law Can Help You
Dog bite incidents can be devastating, especially when they involve children. At Cantor Injury Law, we are committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and securing justice for victims and their families. Whether your case involves physical injuries, emotional trauma, or both, our experienced team will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, contact Cantor Injury Law today for a free consultation. Let us advocate for you and help you navigate this challenging time.