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Rhode Island Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

For many Americans, life is not complete without a dog or a cat, but pet ownership is not without its risks. Sometimes our domestic animals bite or attack other people. While virtually any animal can cause injury to humans, dog bites are the most common type of animal attack.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year, resulting in an estimated 800,000 injuries that require medical attention. Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, likely because they spend more time playing with dogs and are inexperienced in reading canine behavior.

Regardless of its size or breed, any dog is capable of biting if provoked, threatened, or scared. Ultimately, the responsibility for properly training and controlling a dog rests with the owner or keeper.

Depending on the circumstances, an individual who is bitten by a dog may be entitled to receive damages from the dog’s owner or the owner’s insurance company.

aggressive dog shows its teeth

The Insurance Information Institute estimates that dog bites cost insurance companies $881.9 million in 2021, with the average dog bite claim totaling $49,025.

Some homeowner and renter insurance policies now limit exposure by providing liability coverage up to a certain amount, leaving the dog owner responsible for all damages above that limit.

Dog Bite Cases in Rhode Island: Providence Dog Bite Lawyers

There are several legal avenues for establishing liability in dog bite cases.

  1. Common law. Traditionally, many states followed the “one-bite rule,” which was derived from court decisions rather than explicit laws. Under common law principles, a dog owner is responsible for a bite or attack if the owner had reason to believe that the dog was likely to cause that type of injury. Basically, the rule allows “one bite” before a dog owner is expected to know that the dog is potentially dangerous.
  2. Dog bite statutes. Many states, including Rhode Island, have replaced the common law with statutes that address dog bites. Rhode Island’s dog bite law, G.L. § 4 13 16, holds dog owners strictly liable for any injury — including a bite or other wound — that occurs outside the dog’s enclosure. Under that law, the dog’s owner or keeper may be held liable for any injuries even though he or she is not at fault for the incident. The Rhode Island law also requires the dog owner to pay double damages — and put the animal down — when a second attack occurs outside the dog’s pen or enclosure.
  3. Negligence theory. Even when the statute does not apply, a dog owner may be responsible for a dog bite or attack that occurs because the owner was unreasonably careless or negligent in controlling the dog.

Gemma Law Associates: Rhode Island Dog Bite Lawyers

Rhode Island dog shows its teeth

The Rhode Island dog bite lawyers of Gemma Law Associates, Inc., know that being bitten or attacked by a dog can be a traumatic and life-changing event. It can cause physical injuries, emotional scarring, and lasting fear. If you or a loved one has been bitten by another person’s dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. This can include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Do not let an irresponsible dog owner take advantage of you. We serve clients throughout Rhode Island, and we can help you. Contact us today.


Serving the Greater Providence metro area, including Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, North Providence, South Kingston, Coventry, Cumberland, Woonsocket, and East Providence.

Gemma law is the best and helped and guided me threw everything … highly recommended thank you so much
ellen almgren
ellen almgren
2023-02-09
5 stars all the way. They did exactly what was expected. Good Job
Keith Ruggiero
Keith Ruggiero
2023-02-04
Very efficient and very good with communicating with me. I received updates about my case without having to call and request them. Very good law office! Very satisfied.
Bethania Herrera
Bethania Herrera
2023-01-19
Mark Gemma has been absolutely amazing. He was helpful and answered all concerns and questions I’ve had. Him and his team are beyond incredible, supportive, and sweet. I would like to thank them all for everything they’ve done.
Samantha Argus
Samantha Argus
2023-01-19
very professional and honest, what I liked the most is whenever you call the lawyer returns your call with every concern I had. It was my first time and I would not hesitate to trust them again.
Diana Palacio
Diana Palacio
2023-01-17
This team is extremely helpful and kind. Mark Gemma was a great help in guiding me through this whole process and was a huge help. I would recommend this team to anyone seeking legal counsel
Zachary Dustin
Zachary Dustin
2023-01-16
I am so happy with the turnout of my case. Both Sarah and Peter kept me up to date on everything and worked very hard on my case. The whole staff is friendly and diligent with their work. 100% recommend!
Chelsie Abatiello
Chelsie Abatiello
2022-12-28
Managed to get my money before Christmas...in just days after settling! Great communication and always helped with my needs, and always gave good advice. Would definitely recommend.
Trini Luckey
Trini Luckey
2022-12-23
Always professional and always checking in on their clients. Excellent atmosphere.
Susan Hallam
Susan Hallam
2022-12-17
After spending 8 hours in a hospital overnight to get stitches in my lip because of a drunk driver’s negligent decision to get behind the wheel, the last thing I wanted to do was think about it all. I sent an email to Gemma Law, and Mark Gemma quickly called me back with an empathetic approach to listening to my story and helping me figure out the next steps. When he told me I wouldn’t have to have any contact with the insurance companies, I was HOOKED! When he pointed out how unfortunate it was I might have to miss out on a lip modeling career from a potential scar from the stitches, I was SOLD! And when I finally received my settlement check after letting him do all the leg work while I just focused on recovering, I was and am eternally GRATEFUL! Mark Gemma helped me turn a near death experience into a new start in life and I highly recommend him to anybody needing a personal injury lawyer.
Angie Sherman
Angie Sherman
2022-12-07
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