What Are Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and about one out of five requires medical attention. Children are the most frequent victims and often suffer the most severe injuries. In Arkansas communities like Fayetteville, growing populations and denser neighborhoods increase the chances of dog-related incidents.

Dog bites can result in devastating physical and emotional harm, including:

  • Traumatic brain or head injuries if a child is knocked down violently.
  • Spinal or back injuries from being attacked or pushed to the ground.
  • Fractured bones from bites or falls during the attack.
  • Permanent scars and disfigurement from deep lacerations, often requiring reconstructive surgery.

Other injuries can include puncture wounds (often leading to an infection), nerve damage, eye injuries, which may result in reduced or lost vision, muscle and soft tissue damage, and even crush injuries. Beyond physical harm, victims frequently experience long-term emotional trauma such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress.

What Can Cause Dog Attacks to Happen?

In Fayetteville, dog bites can happen anywhere, such as residential neighborhoods, public parks and walking trails, apartment complexes and shared housing, and in businesses that allow pets on their property.

Common causes of dog bites include:

  • Owners failing to use leashes or fences
  • Poorly trained or aggressive animals
  • Dogs left unsupervised around children
  • Provoked or frightened animals responding with aggression
  • Negligent breeding or handling practices

Typically, the dog’s owner is responsible when a dog bite occurs; however, liability may also extend to landlords, property managers, or businesses that allow dangerous animals on their premises. In some cases, multiple parties share accountability depending on the circumstances.

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Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Victims of dog bites may recover damages for medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Compensation may also include lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, and pain, suffering, and mental anguish. In tragic cases where a dog attack proves fatal, families may pursue wrongful death damages.

The Importance of Having a Fayetteville Dog Bite Attorney 

Dog bite cases can be legally complex. Owners may deny responsibility, and insurers often try to minimize payouts by blaming the victim.  In Arkansas, dog bite liability is often guided by the “one bite rule.” As such, a dog owner may not be held strictly liable for the first incident unless they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies. 

However, once an animal shows aggression, such as biting, lunging, or attacking, the owner is expected to take reasonable steps to prevent future harm. If they fail to restrain the dog after becoming aware of its behavior, they can be held liable for injuries the animal causes. Local leash ordinances and negligence laws can also establish responsibility, even in cases where the “one bite” standard has not technically been met.

Our dog bite lawyers in Fayetteville, AR, will collect medical records, eyewitness accounts, animal control reports, and even veterinary records to establish negligence. At McMath Woods, we work tirelessly to ensure that victims are not left facing bills and suffering without support.

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Why McMath Woods Is the Firm to Call

McMath Woods has been a trusted advocate for injured Arkansans since 1953. Our attorneys bring deep experience, local insight, and a history of courtroom success to every case. Our clients choose us because we provide not only a strong legal strategy but also compassion and guidance during stressful times.

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injury victims, including:

  • $100,000 policy limit settlement for a dog bite
  • $208,383 judgment for a dog bite

While every case is different, these results demonstrate our ability to secure justice on behalf of those suffering from dog bites or attacks. Contact McMath Woods today to speak with our team and learn how we can help you handle a dog bite case.

Dog Bite FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim?

Will my dog bite case go to trial?

What are the attorney fees?

What should I do after being bitten by a dog?

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Arkansas, you generally have three years from the date of the dog bite injury to file a lawsuit.

Will my dog bite case go to trial?

Many dog bite cases are resolved through settlement, but our Fayetteville dog bite lawyers prepare each case for trial to ensure the strongest possible position.

What are the attorney fees?

McMath Woods handles dog bite cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing up front for legal representation. You only owe attorney fees if we obtain compensation for you through a settlement or trial.

What should I do after being bitten by a dog?

  • Seek medical treatment immediately and document your injuries.
  • Report the attack to authorities or animal control.
  • Gather information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses.
  • Avoid discussing liability with insurers until you’ve consulted an attorney.
  • Contact McMath Woods promptly to protect your rights and preserve evidence.

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