Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyer

Injuries from an unexpected dog bite can cause serious physical and emotional harm. If you were hurt by someone else’s pet, you may be eligible for compensation from a lawsuit. Contact us now to see if our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers can fight for you.

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Dog Bites in Rhode Island

Unfortunately, any dog is capable of biting and injuring someone — and dog bites have been on the rise across the country over the past few years.

Children are most likely to be the victims of a dog attack, as many kids have not learned how to properly interact with dogs or recognize changes in their body language.

Insurance companies paid out over $1 Billion to dog bite victims in 2022, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

In the state of Rhode Island, however, the owner or caretaker of the dog is legally responsible for any injury their pet may cause others.

At Sokolove Law, our Rhode Island dog bite injury attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to secure compensation for your injuries following an animal attack.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can range from mild to severe depending on the size of the dog and the location and depth of the bite.

Common dog bite injuries in Rhode Island include: 

  • Bruising
  • Emotional trauma
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Infections
  • Nerve damage
  • Puncture wounds
  • Scarring
  • Tendon or ligament damage
  • Death

In addition to dog bites, you may be able to take legal action for injuries arising from similar incidents, like a dog jumping up and knocking you over.

If you or a loved one was injured by someone else’s dog, you shouldn’t be burdened by expensive medical bills — not when our Rhode Island dog bite attorneys are here to help.

Contact our team now for a free case review to see if you may qualify for dog bite compensation. It costs nothing to speak with us.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Laws

In Rhode Island, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of if their dog has previously demonstrated aggressive behavior or not.

State laws hold owners responsible for the cost of medical bills and other injuries, even if there was nothing they could have done to prevent the attack.

However, dog owners and caretakers may not be considered liable for injuries caused by their dogs if the injured person was trespassing when attacked, or if they teased, tormented, or abused the dog before being attacked.

Compensation from a successful dog bite lawsuit is often secured from homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.

We can help you determine if you may be eligible to take legal action over a dog bite injury. Call (800) 995-1212 now to get started for free.

How to File a Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawsuit

Dog owners in Rhode Island have a duty to protect the public from injuries caused by animals in their care. If they fail to do so, you may be able to pursue compensation through a dog bite lawsuit.

If you have a case, our dog bite attorneys in Rhode Island will handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

Below are the steps to filing an animal attack claim in Rhode Island.

1. Contact Sokolove Law

At Sokolove Law, we’ll provide you with a free case review to determine if you may be eligible to file a Rhode Island dog bite claim.

During this time, we’ll ask you a few questions about your injury, so we can better understand the specifics of your situation and options.

2. We’ll Gather Evidence to Support Your Case

If you have a case, we’ll collect evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, which may include:

  • Accident reports
  • Medical bills
  • Medical reports
  • Photos or videos
  • Witness statements

Our goal is to show that your injuries were directly caused by someone else’s dog and how you were impacted by these injuries.

3. We'll File Your Rhode Island Dog Bite Claim

Your Rhode Island dog bite lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is a law that limits how long you have to file a claim.

Once these deadlines pass, you won’t be able to file a claim or pursue compensation for your suffering ever again.

Call Sokolove Law as soon as possible at (800) 995-1212 to ensure that your claim is filed on time.

4. We'll Negotiate a Dog Bite Settlement

Our attorneys will negotiate a Rhode Island dog bite settlement with the defendant(s), which may include the dog’s owner, caretaker, or insurance company.

If a settlement isn't reached, our RI dog bite lawyers are prepared to present your case in a trial and fight for a verdict on your behalf.

Rhode Island Dog Bite Settlements

At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have recovered over $9.6 Billion on behalf of clients across the country, including those impacted by dog bite injuries in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island dog bite settlements are impacted by many factors, including the:

  • Cost of related medical bills
  • Extent of emotional trauma
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Severity of your physical injuries
  • Funeral expenses, if the victim passed away

In one Rhode Island dog bite case, we were able to secure over $125,000 for a Providence family whose daughter was attacked by a pit bull and needed to be hospitalized for her injuries.

While there’s no guarantee of success in any case, our Rhode Island dog bite lawyers will fight to get you the most compensation possible in your case.

Get the Help You Deserve

Our dog bite attorneys have secured millions for families locally and nationally. Let us get you the money you deserve.

Get a Free Case Review

Let Our Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyers Fight for You

At Sokolove Law, we know that a dog bite can lead to both physical and psychological damage. Fear and anxiety often accompany the scars left behind from an animal attack — and these injuries may have a lifelong impact.

Our dog bite attorneys in Rhode Island are compassionate and knowledgeable, and we are dedicated to holding those responsible for your suffering accountable.

We don’t charge any upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if you do, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.

Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form now to get started with a free case review.

Our Rhode Island Office Location

265 George Washington Highway
Smithfield, RI 02917

Dog Bite Lawyer in Rhode Island FAQs

What happens if a dog bites you in Rhode Island?

If you were bitten by a dog in Rhode Island, you should secure your safety and get the medical help you need. 

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, and some may lead to infections. In serious cases, you may need to call 911 for help.

After a dog bite, you should also: 

  • Collect evidence, including a description of the dog, contact information of the owner and any witnesses, as well as photos of your injuries and where the attack took place
  • Record all related expenses, like hospital visits or lost wages from missing work
  • Contact a dog bite attorney, who may be able to help you pursue compensation by filing a lawsuit on your behalf

At Sokolove Law, our experienced Rhode Island dog bite attorneys have decades of experience helping clients injured through no fault of their own get justice.

Why do people sue for dog bites?

Victims of dog bites in Rhode Island may sue the dog’s owner or caretaker to secure compensation for their injuries.

Dog attacks may result in serious injuries, and compensation from a RI dog bite lawsuit can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and more.

Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if we may be able to help you file a dog bite lawsuit in Rhode Island.

How much money can I get from a dog bite?

The money you may receive from a dog bite depends on many factors, like the severity of your injuries and the cost of related medical expenses.

At Sokolove Law, our dog bite attorneys in Rhode Island will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to. Reach out to our team now for a free case review.

What are the different types of dog bites in Rhode Island?

To categorize dog bite injuries according to their severity, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) uses the Dunbar Bite Scale:

  • Level 1: Aggressive behavior but no contact between a dog’s teeth and a person’s skin.
  • Level 2: A dog’s teeth made contact but did not puncture the skin more than 1/10th of an inch, resulting in slight bleeding.
  • Level 3: One to four skin punctures from a single dog bite resulting in wounds no greater than a depth of half of the dog’s teeth.
  • Level 4: One to four skin punctures from a single dog bite resulting in wounds deeper than half the length of the dog’s teeth. In addition to blood, bruising around the bite often occurs at this level.
  • Level 5: Multiple dog bites or attacks, with at least two level-4 bites.
  • Level 6: Dog bites that result in the victim’s death.

What is the vicious dog law in Rhode Island?

The vicious dog law in Rhode Island states that:

  • Dogs that attack humans and cause serious injuries may be put down by dog officers
  • Owners of dogs that attack unprovoked may be charged a fine
  • Vicious dog owners must have liability insurance and report all incidents to authorities

If you have a case, we can handle every step of the legal process, so you don’t have to worry about the complex, state-specific laws in Rhode Island. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you. Get started now.

Is RI a one bite state?

No. Rhode Island does not follow the “one bite” rule. Instead, it is a strict liability state, which means the owner is always responsible for their dog’s behavior, regardless of if they previously believed their dog was aggressive or not.

In addition to strict liability, dog bite laws in other states include: 

  • One-bite rule: Dog owners or caretakers may be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog if they were aware of their dog’s previous tendencies to act aggressive or violent
  • Shared fault: If a victim’s actions were partially to blame for a dog biting them, the amount of compensation they are eligible for will be adjusted based on how responsible they were for the events that took place

Who is at fault for a dog bite in Rhode Island?

The owner of the dog or the person charged with the dog’s care — like a dog walker or family friend — may be considered responsible for any injuries from a dog bite.

Why do I need a lawyer for an animal attack in Rhode Island?

While not required, it is highly recommended to hire a lawyer for an animal attack lawsuit, as these cases can be complex and insurance companies may not offer what you deserve.

By working with an experienced attorney, you may improve your chances of getting compensation and holding the dog owner responsible for your injuries accountable.

Fill out our contact form now for a free, no-obligation case review.

How much does a Rhode Island dog bite attorney charge?

At Sokolove Law, there are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with our dog bite attorneys in Rhode Island.

We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we only get paid if your case results in compensation.

How long after a dog bite can you sue?

You only have 3 years after a dog bite to file a Rhode Island animal attack lawsuit due to unique laws in each state known as the statute of limitations.

Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to sue for your injuries again.

Call (800) 995-1212 now for free help determining your eligibility to take legal action.

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Local Rhode Island Areas We Serve

While Sokolove Law helps people throughout the country, we provide our services to people across the entire state of Rhode Island as well.

Sokolove Law serves locations across Rhode Island, including:

  • Barrington
  • Bristol
  • Burrillville
  • Central Falls
  • Charlestown
  • Coventry
  • Cranston
  • Cumberland
  • East Greenwich
  • East Providence
  • Exeter
  • Foster
  • Glocester
  • Hopkinton
  • Jamestown
  • Johnston
  • Lincoln
  • Little Compton
  • Middletown
  • Narragansett
  • New Shoreham
  • Newport
  • North Kingstown
  • North Providence
  • North Smithfield
  • Pawtucket
  • Portsmouth
  • Providence
  • Richmond
  • Scituate
  • Smithfield
  • South Kingstown
  • Tiverton
  • Warren
  • Warwick
  • West Greenwich
  • West Warwick
  • Westerly
  • Woonsocket
  • And more

Rhode Island Zip Codes We Serve

As a national law firm, Sokolove Law can help families wherever they may be in the U.S., including across the state of Rhode Island.

Some of the zip codes we serve in Rhode Island include: 

  • 02806
  • 02809
  • 02813
  • 02814
  • 02816
  • 02817
  • 02818
  • 02822
  • 02828
  • 02830
  • 02840
  • 02842
  • 02852
  • 02857
  • 02859
  • 02860
  • 02861
  • 02863
  • 02864
  • 02865
  • 02871
  • 02874
  • 02878
  • 02879
  • 02881
  • 02882
  • 02885
  • 02886
  • 02888
  • 02889
  • 02891
  • 02893
  • 02895
  • 02896
  • 02903
  • 02904
  • 02905
  • 02906
  • 02907

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  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “This Week Is Dog Bite Prevention Week.” Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/connect/newsletter/dog-bite-prevention-week.html. Accessed on February 7, 2024.
  2. Insurance Information Institute. “Triple-I: Dog-Related Injury Claim Payouts Exceeded $1 Billion in 2022.” Retrieved from: https://www.iii.org/press-release/triple-i-dog-related-injury-claim-payouts-exceeded-1-billion-in-2022-040623. Accessed on February 7, 2024.
  3. Michigan State University. “West's General Laws of Rhode Island Annotated. Title 4. Animals and Animal Husbandry. Chapter 13.1. Regulation of Vicious. Dogs. § 4-13.1-9. Penalties for violation--Licensing ordinances and fees.” Retrieved from: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ri-dangerous-dog-%C2%A7-4-131-9-penalties-violation-licensing-ordinances-and-fees#:~:text=Summary%3A%20This%20Rhode%20Island%20statute,identified%2C%20or%20properly%20enclose%2Frestrain. Accessed on February 7, 2024.
  4. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. “R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.” Retrieved from: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-14.HTM#:~:text=Limitation%20of%20actions%20for%20words,words%20spoken%2C%20and%20not%20after. Accessed on February 7, 2024.
  5. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. “Title 4: Animals and Animal Husbandry.” Retrieved from: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title4/4-13/4-13-16.htm. Accessed on February 7, 2024.
  6. Tableau Public. “Dog Bite Data by State, 2020.” Retrieved from: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/insuranceinformationinstitute/viz/DogBitesByState/Dashboard1. Accessed on February 7, 2024.
  7. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers. “Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Dog Bite Scale.” Retrieved from: https://apdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ian-dunbar-dog-bite-scale.pdf. Accessed on February 7, 2024.