What Should I Do If I was Bitten by a Rottweiler?

CALL (800) 863-5312 TO SPEAK WITH A ROTTWEILER BITE ATTORNEY FOR FREE

If you were bitten by a Rottweiler you may be feeling confused about how to move forward.  Do you have a legal claim against the owner?  Can you recover compensation for your injuries?  These are all questions you may be wondering about.  The best way to protect your best interests after being involved in a Rottweiler attack is to speak with an experienced attorney who has dealt with these types of claims before.  Our attorneys at Zinda Law Group may be able to help.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a Rottweiler, call (800) 863-5312 for a 100% free case evaluation with a dog bite attorney today.

Why Rottweilers Are Dangerous

Rottweilers have a history of being fierce protectors.  Originally these dogs were used to guard the cattle for the Roman soldiers.  Additionally, they accompanied the Roman army to protect them.  In more modern history, Rottweilers have been used by police officers to help perform their job duties.  These dogs are loyal, protective, and can truly be man’s best friends in some circumstances.  However, sometimes this fierce nature leads to tragic consequences.  While you don’t need to be afraid of Rottweilers, it is important to understand that dog bites do happen and there is a lot to be learned about how to prevent it.

Rottweilers are often designated as one of the most dangerous breeds.  The Center for Disease Control has previously cited Rottweilers for having the second-highest fatality count for any breed.  Pit bulls take the number one spot, but Rottweilers still cause a significant number of injuries each year.

Rottweilers make good guard dogs because they are loyal and quite territorial by nature.  However, this territorial trait can of course cause them to be extremely protective.  An extremely dominant personality in a dog mixed with a combination of lackluster training can lead to fatal consequences.  If you have a dog breed that is particularly prone to dominance and territorial tendencies, then training, proper care, and ample socialization may be key to not only allowing your dog to live a happy life, but also to keeping those around you safe.

Read More: Dog Bite Statistics

Why Rottweiler Attacks Happen

There are several factors that may ultimately lead to a Rottweiler attack.  However, most of these reasons can be boiled down to the care of the owner.  Before getting a dog, especially one with known violent tendencies, it is important to do your research and understand the work you will need to put in to make sure you are meeting the needs of the particular dog breed.  A few of the common reasons that Rottweiler attacks happen are as follows:

• Provocation
• Fear
• Hunger
• Lack of attention
• Lack of exercise
• Neglect
• Abuse
• Pain or illness

Rottweilers may be ill or in pain from an injury, but they cannot express themselves like humans, and thus, will sometimes violently lash out to show they are hurting

Signs a Rottweiler is About to Attack

If you are interacting with someone else’s Rottweiler, you should know how to identify a few important warning signs of aggression.  The following is a list of behaviors to be on the lookout for as they may indicate a Rottweiler is aggressive and about to attack:

• Growling
• Constant and consistent barking
• Baring their teeth
• Excessive saliva

If you see a Rottweiler exhibiting these behaviors, it may be best to remove yourself from the environment to give them a chance to calm down and know they have no reason to feel threatened.  When trained well, Rottweilers have the ability to be calm, confident, loyal, loving, and friendly.  It is very possible to have these dogs and have them be safe.  It is usually just a matter of training, patience, and consistency in care.

Rottweiler Bite Force

Traditionally, bite force in dogs is measured by calculating pounds per square inch (psi).  This measurement looks at how much force is being used by a dog to bite on a specific surface area.  Generally, this is the most accurate way to measure bite force in all animals.  Animal Planet assessed multiple dog breeds and concluded that the average bite force amongst breeds was 320 psi.  A Rottweilers average bite force is about 328 psi, so it is above the average range.  However, this isn’t the most powerful bite force on earth and many other wild animals have much stronger bites.

Although Rottweilers may have an average bite force, Rottweilers come in many different sizes and carry a variance in strength levels amongst the breed.  There are two main Rottweiler breed types: the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler.  These different breed types have different sizes, heights, and bone structures.  Thus, bite force may be different depending on the specific Rottweiler.

Filing a Dog Bite Claim

The following are four easy steps you can take to try and ensure a successful dog bite claim and to put yourself in a position to seek the maximum compensation that you may be entitled to:

Seek Medical Attention

Going to the hospital may seem unnecessary after being bitten by a Rottweiler, but it is an important step to take for a couple of reasons.  First, the initial shock of a dog attack may cause you not to realize how severe your injuries may be.  You always want a professional opinion.  Second, having a medical professional look at your injuries will create an official record of your injuries, how severe they are, and what treatment is necessary.  This is crucial evidence.

File a Report

After an accident, you should be sure to file an official report with your local animal control office.  This report will detail the accident, identify any previous incidents this dog has had, and help to ensure future accidents are avoided.

Speak to an Experienced Attorney

Personal injury claims can be complex, and the process can be burdensome for recovering victims.  Having an attorney can help make this process easier and ensure your interests are being looked after.  Some jurisdictions have legislation specific to Rottweilers.  Contact our attorneys at Zinda Law Group today to see if we may be able to help you with your case.

Know the Applicable Time Limits

Timing is essential when it comes to every type of legal claim.  Your state will place a time limit on your ability to be able to file a claim for compensation.  This is known as the statute of limitations.  Be sure to know your state’s applicable statute of limitations on personal injury claims.  An experienced attorney may be able to help you determine when you would need to file your claim.

Understanding Your Options

When filing a claim, a victim will usually be presented with the option to settle or to proceed forward with a trial.  Most cases end in settlement.  However, having an experienced attorney on your side will allow you to have a better understanding of what your settlement will mean, whether any settlement offers are appropriate, and what to do if the settlement doesn’t feel right for you.

Get Help from a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were bitten by a Rottweiler, you may find yourself fighting for relief from the responsible party or their insurance company.  The negotiation process is anything but simple, and this is especially true with an insurance company.  Insurance companies have a very large and very well-paid team of attorneys working for them to make sure they don’t just hand over the money you want easily.  Negotiating with an insurer may take months, sometimes even years.  This is not a fight you want to face alone.  Having an experienced attorney fighting for you makes this process so much easier.  If ultimately you are unsatisfied with the settlement offer an insurance company or responsible party makes, your attorney may advise you and assist you in the process of filing a lawsuit and going to court.

At Zinda Law Group, our injury lawyers have helped dog bite accident victims recover after suffering an injury.  We have the experience necessary to help you build the strongest claim possible and seek maximum compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and much more.  Further, we believe quality representation should never be out of reach for anyone.  That is why we work on a contingency fee basis.  You owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Call our office today at (800) 863-5312 for a 100% free case evaluation with one of our experienced dog bite lawyers.