A dog bite can turn your life upside down in seconds. One moment you’re walking down the street or visiting a friend’s home, and the next you’re in the emergency room, facing not only physical pain but also mounting medical bills and emotional distress. For many people, the challenges don’t end there. As dog bite victims try to return to work or apply for new jobs, they may feel uncertain about how their legal activity could be perceived during employment background checks.
Dog-Bite Victims Facing Employment Checks: When to Lawyer Up is more than just a legal question it’s a critical turning point. The decision often hinges on how severely the dog bite injuries have affected your daily life, income, and future prospects.
This article explores what happens after a dog attack, how it might show up during an employment check, and when seeking legal representation becomes essential to protect your rights and long-term stability. For legal advice specific to your case, get in touch with a dog bite attorney or an employment attorney at Bourassa Law Group.
Understanding the Impact of a Dog Bite on Employment
A dog bite incident doesn’t just cause physical injuries; it can also trigger long-term consequences like emotional trauma, chronic pain, and missed work. Some dog attack victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and require extended psychological support or physical therapy.
When a dog bite occurs, medical professionals usually document the injuries in great detail. If you had emergency room visits, surgeries, or ongoing medical care, those records may form part of your employment or insurance file. While a dog bite is a personal injury matter and not a criminal offense, in rare cases, civil lawsuits may appear in extended background searches conducted by certain employers or third-party screening agencies, especially for roles involving sensitive financial or legal responsibilities.
If you filed a dog bite claim or had legal proceedings with the dog owner’s insurance company, the civil records related to personal injury lawsuits generally do not appear on standard employment checks, but applicants sometimes worry about how any legal proceedings might be interpreted. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney who understands both dog bite cases and the legal system can help protect your reputation and rights.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Why Prompt Medical Attention Matters
Dog bite injuries can range from minor punctures to life-altering trauma. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical treatment. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Broken bones or deep lacerations.
- Infections like rabies or tetanus.
- Nerve damage.
- Facial disfigurement.
- Emotional trauma and anxiety.
In cases of fatal dog attacks, surviving family members often deal with grief compounded by financial devastation.
It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after any dog attack. Prompt medical care not only prevents complications but also strengthens your dog bite claim. Medical records from doctors, emergency personnel, or therapists provide evidence of the victim’s injuries and the harm caused. Delaying medical treatment can make it harder to prove negligence or justify medical costs during the legal process.
How Dog Bite Laws Vary by State
State laws vary significantly when determining liability in dog bite cases. For example, dog bite laws in California, Nevada, and Colorado each follow distinct legal standards:
California:
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of aggression. Victims don’t need to prove the dog was previously dangerous.
This law applies if the bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, including the owner’s premises, whether by invitation or while performing legal duties like mail delivery.
Nevada:
Nevada does not follow strict liability for dog bites. Under NRS 202.500, owners may face legal consequences once their dog is declared “dangerous”, particularly if it continues to show aggression or causes injury. In such cases, proving the dog’s prior unprovoked, menacing behavior becomes key to establishing liability.
If the dog inflicts substantial harm after being declared vicious, the owner may face misdemeanor or even felony charges.
Colorado:
Under C.R.S. § 13-21-124, Colorado imposes strict liability on dog owners only if the bite results in serious bodily injury or death. In such cases, victims can recover economic damages without proving the dog was previously aggressive or that the owner was aware of any danger.
For less serious injuries, victims must prove negligence, such as a failure to leash the dog or comply with local animal control laws.
Understanding local laws and how they define liability helps dog bite victims build a stronger case from a legal standpoint.
Why Employment Background Checks May Raise Issues
Many job seekers don’t realize that civil lawsuits can appear on employment background checks. If you filed a dog bite lawsuit or pursued a claim for medical expenses, pain and suffering, or lost wages, even as the injured person and not the defendant, your involvement in a personal injury lawsuit could be listed as part of public court records, although this is not standard in most employment checks.
Employers may misunderstand or misinterpret civil court records, especially when unfamiliar with personal injury law. They may incorrectly assume a lawsuit reflects negatively on your professionalism or reliability. This bias, although unfair, highlights why dog bite victims facing employment checks need to know when to lawyer up.
If your personal injury claim involves large medical bills, psychological trauma, or long-term disability, your employment lawyer can help clarify how those issues relate to your background and protect your interests if your ability to work is questioned.
When to Lawyer Up: Key Indicators
You may need legal help if:
- Your dog bite injuries resulted in lost wages or ongoing medical treatment.
- You filed a dog bite claim and worry about how it affects your job prospects.
- Your emotional distress or PTSD limits your work ability.
- The dog owner’s insurance company tries to deny or reduce your compensation.
- You face questions about the dog bite incident in job interviews or onboarding.
A qualified dog bite lawyer can help you prove negligence, handle renters’ insurance policies, and deal with insurance companies trying to minimize your payout. If the attack occurred on someone else’s property or in a public space, determining the responsible party becomes critical.
Holding Dog Owners Legally Accountable
In dog bite cases, proving that the dog owner should be held liable is key to receiving fair compensation. A dog owner may be considered negligent if they:
- Ignored leash laws or local ordinances.
- Knew the dog had aggressive behavior, but failed to act.
- Allowed the dog to roam freely.
- Owned certain breeds that require responsible handling, but failed to maintain proper control.
Even in states with one-bite rules, courts will consider whether the dog displayed past signs of aggression or if the owner acted irresponsibly. A personal injury lawyer can help victims gather evidence, such as:
- Medical records.
- Witness testimony.
- Surveillance footage.
- Animal control reports.
This evidence can be critical in proving the extent of the injuries and the dog owner’s negligence.
Dealing with Financial Burden After a Dog Attack
Dog bite victims often struggle with a combination of:
- Medical bills.
- Physical therapy expenses.
- Missed income from time off work.
- Chronic pain.
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or depression.
The financial burden of such incidents can last for years. Many victims hesitate to pursue legal action due to fear of being seen as “difficult” or “litigious.” However, seeking compensation through a personal injury claim is not just about money; it’s about justice, recovery, and holding the responsible party accountable.
Legal representation ensures you don’t shoulder the consequences of an animal attack alone.
Guiding You Through Recovery and Legal Clarity
A dog attack can leave more than scars; it can impact your health, your career, and your peace of mind. If you’re one of the many dog bite victims facing employment checks, knowing when to lawyer up can make all the difference in protecting your future.
At Bourassa Law Group, we understand the intersection between personal injury law and employment concerns. We help dog attack victims handle the legal system, pursue rightful compensation, and regain control over their lives. Whether you’re dealing with physical pain, psychological trauma, or legal challenges from a dog bite incident, our law firm is here to help you take informed steps toward protecting your future.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you assess your situation, clarify your legal options, and take the steps needed to secure justice and healing.
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