Dog bite lawsuits are at an all-time high in America, and in many cases it is not the animals fault. Unfortunately, in this day and age, you can still find run-down puppy mills filled with dogs bred specifically for fighting. Animal neglect is at an all-time high, and there are millions of homeless animals roaming the streets of America. This is not only a scary situation for the animals who are trying to protect themselves, but there are also numerous safety concerns for the individuals who may find themselves in the path of an abused or angry animal that attacks.

Currently, there are nearly 5 million animal attacks yearly in America – ranging from minor bites and scratches to vicious attacks that could result in death. While death occurs in less than 100 of the reported dog bites or attacks that occur across America annually, dog bites that require hospitalization are common.

To avoid an animal attack, it is important to look out for tell-tale signs such as chains around the animals neck, foaming at the mouth, an unkempt appearance, aggressive behavior, and growling. If you have done everything you can to avoid being bitten by an dog, and you become the victim of an animal bite or attack, seek medical help immediately. In some cases, you will have to hire a personal injury attorney if you sustain significant injuries that result in medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.

A personal injury attorney or lawyer will be well-versed in your state and local dog-bite laws, and they will have the ability to argue your dog-bite case, on your behalf, in order to recover the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to under your states law.

While each state has its own special dog-bite laws, there are some common themes across the board with regard to compensation.

For instance, according to most state statutes, a dog owner is responsible for all bites, even if the dog never bit anyone before. In every state, however, a victim can recover compensation from a person whose negligence caused the attack, a person who violated a leash law or a dog bite law prohibiting dogs from "running at large," and a person who kept a dog with the knowledge that the dog had a history of injuring people.