Service dogs are making the world much more accessible and manageable for people with various disabilities. With over half a million service dogs actively working in the country, it is not unusual to see them in many public places, including airports. For example, California permits a trained service dog to accompany its companion in most public areas. So it is not hard to imagine that some of these highly trained animals will be boarding airplanes to provide services while their companion travels.
But it can be challenging to train any dog for every situation that might occur, especially those that happen only on an airplane flight. So there is always the potential for a service dog to become uncomfortable, agitated, or scared and do what all dogs do, lash out, growl, and bite anyone too close to it. If a service dog has bitten you while on a flight, it is vital to understand your rights as a dog bite victim and how to secure any compensation owed to you.
The expert dog bite lawyers at Normandie Law Firm are here to answer your questions 24/7. We want all dog bite victims to know there are valuable and reliable resources to answer their legal questions related to dog bites, what to do after suffering a dog bite, and who is to be held liable for their injuries. Please contact the Normandie Law Firm as soon as possible after any dog bite to request your free consultation with a California dog bite lawyer. The choices you make today related to your dog bite injuries could significantly impact your health and long-term financial stability.
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Service And Support Dogs
It is essential to understand that service and support dogs are different. A Service dog is typically wearing a vest or other identification. The program began in an effort to assist the blind in navigating public areas and increase their ability to navigate independently. Now, these animals are trained to provide many services to their owners, including assistance with mobility and alerts when the owner is about to have a seizure or a blood sugar-related incident. A certified service dog receives training from a young age and has met all the criteria and training of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The other dogs often seen in public areas with their owner are called emotional support dogs. These animals might also be wearing something to denote their title. However, it is vital for the public to understand that these dogs are not trained in any way and have not been certified for the work they are doing. These dogs are simply tools that provide their owners with an added level of comfort. And their actions could be far less predictable than those of a legitimate service dog.
It is always best for members of the public to refrain from approaching any service or support animal they encounter in an airport or on an airplane. These unusual surroundings can be stressful for any dog, much like for people. And the potential for a dog bite injury is always higher in these new and more challenging settings, even for a fully trained service dog.
All Dog Bites Can Become Life-Threatening
Being confined in an aircraft with a service dog can lead to issues, including a dog bite. And in these settings, it is vital to remain calm. Cleaning the wound might not be possible, but it is best to cover it to keep it as clean as possible and stop any bleeding. Then seek a medical evaluation of the bite as soon as possible. The most significant concern with any dog bite is an infection.
Even the healthiest dogs carry many germs and bacteria in their saliva and mouths. All it takes is a small puncture wound to break the surface of your skin to introduce those germs into your body. In some cases, your immune system will defeat the bacteria, and the wound will heal quickly. However, in other cases, the infection will grow rapidly, creating swelling and soreness around the injury within 24 hours. So it is always best to have the bite cleaned and evaluated by a medical professional.
While rabies is very uncommon in healthy dogs, several other infections can result from their bite, including staph, strep, cellulitis, bone, and blood infections. These can all become very severe and require surgery or other costly treatment to avoid a loss of life. So no matter who owns the dog or what training it has had, always get the dog owner’s contact information and the dog’s vet information and seek medical care immediately after suffering a dog bite injury.
Can I Sue The Airline?
California is a strict liability state related to dog bites. If the dog bite occurs in the state, the only party typically liable for the damage caused by the dog is its owner. So dog bite victims cannot sue the airport, airline, or other entity because of a dog bite on an airplane, even if the dog is a working service dog. The only responsible person is the owner of the dog. The expert dog bite lawyers at Normandie Law Firm are here to help you understand your right to seek compensation for your injuries and protect your rights as a personal injury victim.
How Long Does A Service Dog Bite Lawsuit Take?
There are two pieces of important time-related information for any dog bite lawsuit. The first is that you have only two years from the date of the injury to file your claim with the court system. If you wait longer than two years, your claim will be denied. Second, there is no way to estimate the time needed to complete the lawsuit. So the sooner you contact the Normandie Law Firm, the sooner the case will reach the court, and you can get the compensation you need to pay bills and other living expenses.
What Is The Value Of A Service Dog Bite Lawsuit?
The value of your service dog bite lawsuit will be based on the expenses you incur due to the injuries you suffered and your losses. The staff at Normandie Law Firm will assist you in gathering the information needed to request full compensation for all your losses, including:
- All medical bills related to the dog bite injuries
- The cost of your legal services for the lawsuit
- Any lost wages if you were unable to work while healing and time taken for medical appointments
- A dollar amount can also be added for the pain and suffering you endured due to the injuries
Why Choose Normandie Law Firm
The staff at Normandie Law Firm is here to ensure that all dog bite victims get the justice they deserve for their injuries. The consultation to evaluate your case is free, and if you move forward with a lawsuit, we take your case with no upfront fees. Our policy is never to get paid until we have secured a settlement or verdict for our client. And you owe us nothing if we fail to win your case. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Normandie Law Form today to learn more about protecting your rights as a service dog bite victim.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
I Was Attacked By A Dog But Not Bitten, Can I Sue?
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