Dog Bites Laws Manchester New Hampshire
New Hampshire dog bite laws pertains to inflicted injuries from a dog or dogs which include damages by a dog to not only humans but also any property such as another dog, cat, pets or livestock. According to CDC (Center of Disease Control )
each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites; half of these are children. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about 16 die.
The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years, and the rate decreases as children age. Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or neck region. Injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys than for girls.
NH Dog Bite Statue
466:19 Liability of Owner or Keeper. – Any person to whom or to whose property, including sheep, lambs, fowl, or other domestic creatures, damage may be occasioned by a dog not owned or kept by such person shall be entitled to recover damages from the person who owns, keeps, or possesses the dog, unless the damage was occasioned to a person who was engaged in the commission of a trespass or other tort. A parent or guardian shall be liable under this section if the owner or keeper of the dog is a minor.
The above statute states a dog owner is strictly liable for harm caused by a dog. The act does not have to be physical contact or being bitten by the dog or dogs, it can also apply to aggressive behavior which has caused an accident, injury or death as a result of the dog's aggression.
Bohan v. Ritzo, 141 N.H. 210, 218 (1996). "Nothing in the plain language of RSA 466:19 limits its application to situations where there is an actual bite or other direct physical contact." Bohan, supra.
Allgeyer v. Lincoln, 125 N.H. 503, 506 (1984) Act
How Much is My Case Worth From a Dog Bite?
You may be entitled to compensation if you, your loved one or your dog was injured or killed by another dog, or hurt through the negligence of another person dog. The amount of the compensation will vary depending on the circumstances and evidence from the case. We will perform a full investigation on your specific case to uncover all the facts and work to build a case.
Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer
Whether you are an animal lover or not there may come a time when you get bitten by a dog. If that time comes make sure you know your rights. A dog bite can be very serious and cause permanent damage. Even those that don't cause permanent damage can cause you to lose time at work, accumulation of medical bills and pain and suffering you would not otherwise have dealt with. Making sure that you protect yourself from the unnecessary debt may depend on having the right attorney in your corner.
Why Choose Us?
With over 20 years of experience O’Shaughnessy, Walker & Buchholz, P.A are prepared to protect your rights and help you get everything that you are entitled to in your dog bite case. They will listen to everything that you have to tell them, gather as much information as they can and develop a strategy to reach the best resolution possible in the shortest amount of time necessary. Negotiating the legal system can be challenging and overwhelming without the help of a seasoned attorney who has your best interests at heart.
O’Shaughnessy, Walker & Buchholz, P.A. is proud to offer honest guidance to clients in all areas of New Hampshire. They are prepared to take your case from the beginning right on through litigation if necessary. Keeping you up to date on the status of your file is an important part of the attorney's job. They will make sure you are aware of what is expected next and keep you up to date on any changes that may occur. The laws of New Hampshire protect dog bite victims making the dog owner liability regardless of the animal's history. For many dog bites are covered under their home owner's policy. Hiring an attorney who understands these laws ca completely change the outcome of your case.