According to a report from WBOC-TV, a man required emergency medical care after a serious attack by a dog. Three escaped dogs attacked a man in Seaford in Sussex County, near the Maryland border. Here, our Wilmington dog bite attorney provides a more detailed overview of what we know and discusses dog liability laws in Delaware.
Report: Escaped Dogs Attack, Injure Neighbor in Sussex County
In March of 2024, reports indicate that a man was attacked near the front yard of his own property in Seaford, Delaware. Three mixed-breed dogs escaped from a nearby residence. When attempting to help a young neighbor corral the dogs, the man was attacked. Unfortunately, he was seriously injured—suffering a bite to the head and devastating bites to the lower legs. He was hospitalized. He was reportedly admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severity of his injuries. Emergency crews responded to the initial incident, and one of the dogs was shot. The other dogs are currently in state custody.
Note: Alarmingly, WBOC-TV reports that other neighbors in the area say that these dogs have previously caused problems.
What to Know About Dog Bite Liability in Delaware
Our state recognizes that dogs are inherently dangerous. In Delaware, dog owners can be held strictly liable for any injuries if their dog bites an innocent person. In other words, the owner can be held responsible regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any potential aggression. Negligence is not required in these cases. Dog owners in Delaware have a proactive responsibility to protect the public—including their neighbors—from the risk posed by their animals.
Legal Tip: A non-dog owner—such as a property owner or other party—may also be held legally liable for a dog bite. However, claims against non-owners are not strictly liability claims. Instead, they are negligence cases.
Dog Bite Victims Deserve the Maximum Financial Compensation
An attack by a dangerous dog can cause terrible trauma. Given the risk, it is imperative that dog bite victims are able to access immediate medical attention and the proper ongoing care. Unfortunately, the property insurance companies that typically defend these claims make it hard for people to secure the settlement/verdict that they deserve. Our Wilmington, DE, dog attack lawyers are committed to helping victims and families fight for the maximum financial recovery, including for:
- Emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Mental health support;
- Loss of wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional anguish;
- Disability
- Scarring/disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top-Tier Wilmington Dog Bite Lawyer Today
At Freibott Law Firm, our Wilmington dog bite attorneys provide justice-focused legal guidance and support to injured victims. If you, your child, or any other family member was attacked by a dangerous dog, we are here to help. Reach out to us by phone or connect with us online for your free, no-commitment case review. We handle dog bite injury claims throughout Delaware.