Dog Bites and Personal Injury Law in Delaware: Understanding Liability

Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional trauma, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term scarring. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Delaware, understanding liability laws is essential to pursuing compensation for your injuries. 

Delaware follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning that in most cases, the dog’s owner is responsible for damages. Here’s what you need to know about your legal rights and options.

Delaware’s Dog Bite Liability Law

Under Delaware’s Health and Safety legislation, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone without provocation, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. This means that even if the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies, they can still be held responsible for injuries.

However, liability may not apply in cases where:

• The victim was trespassing on private property.
• The dog was provoked, such as being teased or harmed.

In situations where the bite occurs in a public place or where the victim was lawfully present on private property, the owner is typically responsible for covering damages.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog attacks can result in a variety of serious injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations: Deep wounds that can lead to infections.
• Nerve damage: Severe bites may cause long-term loss of function.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Particularly in facial bites, requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Psychological trauma: Many victims, especially children, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after an attack.

Medical treatment for dog bites can be extensive, making it essential to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

If you are bitten by a dog in Delaware, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: If the injury prevents you from working.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional and psychological distress.
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement: Particularly for visible injuries.

In some cases, homeowner’s insurance policies may cover dog bite claims, but insurers often attempt to minimize payouts. Working with an attorney can help ensure you receive full compensation.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you are bitten by a dog, take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately to prevent infections and document injuries.
• Report the bite to Delaware Animal Control to create an official record.
• Gather evidence, including photos of injuries, witness statements, and the dog owner’s contact information.
• Consult a dog bite lawyer to evaluate your case and pursue compensation.

Contact a Delaware Dog Bite Lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson

Dog bite claims can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies. At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we fight for the rights of injured victims to secure the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, contact our Delaware dog bite lawyers today at (302) 295-5050 to schedule a free consultation.