DogBiteAccidentLawyer.com

Police Liability for Dog Bites

While police dogs are to be commended for the valuable work that they do in helping police officers to keep the peace, if you have been attacked or mauled by a police dog, you have rights.  Police dogs are often involved in helping police to deter crime, control crowds, gather evidence, detect drugs, and make arrests.  And there are laws on the books that afford protection to police officers when the dogs in their control inflict injuries on persons during the course of an arrest.

Nonetheless, these police officers and K-9 command units are not protected in instances where the suspect’s civil rights are violated, or when they use excessive force or cause injuries or bodily harm that are outside the scope of appropriate activities in law enforcement.  Simply put, if you have been bitten by a police dog, you may have a right to collect compensation for your injuries.  A competent dog bite lawyer can help determine the validity of your case and help you to document your injuries and damages.  Just because the dog attack occurred in the presence of the police doesn’t mean that it was justified.  Know your rights and stand up for them.  DogBiteAccidentLawyer.Com has represented many dog bite victims who were bitten by a police dog that was just a vicious dog with a badge. 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Police Dog Bite Injuries

Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, police are forbidden from using excessive force when they arrest you.  If they do use excessive or unreasonable force, they can be held accountable.  The officer using excessive force can be subjected to paying punitive damages to the victim whose civil rights were violated.  In the case of a police dog, the officer exercising control over the dog, or even the police department itself, can be sued. In dog bite cases involving a police dog, a competent dog bite lawyer can help you to collect damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, diminished capacity to earn a living, mental anguish, and more. 

Choosing a Dog Bite Lawyer with Experience

While any instance of dog bite requires the expertise of an experienced dog bite accident lawyer, it is particularly important that victims of police dog bites contact a competent lawyer right away.  Choose a lawyer who has experience in representing dog bite victims of this nature.  The attorney will be instrumental in determining and proving wrong-doing on the part of the police officer involved.  Your dog bite lawyer can produce expert witnesses, if need be, who can attest to whether the dog was used appropriately and according to typically established police procedure.