Newport Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog bite can leave you or your child dealing with pain, medical treatment, fear, and a lot of uncertainty about what comes next. These injuries can be far more serious than they first appear, especially when they lead to infection, scarring, emotional trauma, or lasting complications. If the bite happened because a dog owner failed to keep others safe, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
At Rob Levine Law, we understand how upsetting these cases can be for victims and their families. We help people after dog attacks understand their legal options, investigate what happened, and pursue the compensation they may be entitled to. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Find out what your case is worth.
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Last Updated:
May 26, 2026
Table of Contents
- How Can the Newport Dog Bite Lawyers at Rob Levine Law Help?
- Immediate Steps You Need to Take Following a Dog Bite In Newport
- What Injuries Are Commonly Seen as a Result of a Dog Bite?
- How Is Fault Assigned in Newport Dog Bite Accidents?
- Why Choose Our Newport Dog Bite Accident Lawyers?
- Dog Bite FAQs
How Can the Newport Dog Bite Lawyers at Rob Levine Law Help?
Navigating the legal aftermath of a dog attack is a heavy burden, particularly if you are focused on caring for an injured child. An attorney provides essential legal support by investigating the circumstances of the attack, identifying all liable parties, and handling the complex negotiations required to maximize your compensation. Whether you were the victim or you are a parent seeking justice for your child, a dog bite attorney lifts the legal weight from your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
At Rob Levine Law, we make that support easier to access during a difficult time. We can meet remotely, in the office, or, when needed, at your home or hospital so you can get legal help in the way that works best for you. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our team is also available to answer questions and guide you through the process so you are not left trying to handle everything on your own.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Professional and Caring Legal Assistance for Personal Injury Cases
I’m so grateful for Maria Virginia Gorobat, Delaney Grune, and their team for the care and dedication they’ve shown while handling my son’s dog bite case. From the very first conversation, they made sure we felt supported and informed every step of the way. As a mom, it brought me so much peace knowing my child’s case was in good hands. They were patient, understanding, and always took the time to explain everything clearly. The communication and follow-up emails, texts, and calls made me feel like I picked the right law firm to handle my son’s case. I truly appreciate their professionalism and compassion throughout this process. I highly recommend Maria and Delaney to anyone looking for an attorney who genuinely cares and fights for their clients.
Yalixia F.
Grateful for Compassionate Legal Representation
I just want to say thank you to Rob Levine Law Firm for being very kind and understanding. Nick, Felix, and Chris were so kind to me, very patient with answering all of my questions, and helped me resolve my case. Thank you for believing in me and helping me get through this difficult time, and for taking my case seriously. I appreciate you guys. Happy holidays and God bless you all.
Jessenia M.
Exceptional Communication and Support
Mr. Gardiner went way above and beyond what I expected. He kept me informed every step of the way and made sure I knew where we were at with the case. Mr. Gardiner made me feel at ease with the whole process from start to finish! I would recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer. Michael Gardiner is a real asset to the law firm. Again, thank you for all that you have done.
Dana C.
Immediate Steps You Need to Take Following a Dog Bite In Newport
The moments following an attack are chaotic, but taking specific actions can protect both your health and your legal rights.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: This is the most vital step for preventing infection and documenting the severity of the wounds.
- Report the Bite: Contact Newport Animal Control or the local police department to create an official record.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if possible.
- Obtain Witness Statements: If anyone saw the attack near busy areas like Bowen’s Wharf or Easton’s Beach, ask for their contact information.
- Avoid Direct Contact with the Dog: Do not attempt to interact with the dog or the owner in a confrontational way after the bite occurs.
- Seek Legal Consultation: Reach out to a lawyer before speaking in depth with the insurance company or accepting any settlement, so you understand your rights and the full extent of your damages.
What Injuries Are Commonly Seen as a Result of a Dog Bite?
Although dog bite injuries are often visible and severe, the emotional and psychological impact can continue long after the physical wounds begin to heal. This is particularly true for children, who may develop a lifelong fear of animals or suffer from night terrors and anxiety following an attack in their own neighborhood.
Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Dog teeth can tear through skin, muscle, and tendons with ease. These wounds often require stitches or even reconstructive surgery to repair the damage and minimize scarring.
Infections: Canine mouths harbor significant bacteria. Common complications include cellulitis, a painful skin infection, and sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection. Some bites can even transmit Capnocytophaga, a germ that can cause serious illness in humans. Seeking immediate medical care is the best way to monitor for these risks.
Nerve Damage: Deep puncture wounds can sever or crush nerves. This often leads to chronic pain, numbness, or a loss of mobility in the affected limb, which may require long-term physical therapy.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The powerful jaw pressure of certain dogs can snap smaller bones, especially in the hands or feet. For example, a large dog lunging at a cyclist on Cliff Walk can knock them to the ground, causing secondary injuries like broken ribs or wrists.
How is Fault Assigned in Newport Dog Bite Accidents?
Rhode Island laws are designed to protect victims of dog attacks, but determining exactly who is responsible can involve several different legal theories. Our team at Rob Levine Law uses our knowledge of local liability laws to help you build a clear case based on the specific facts of the incident. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-13-16, Rhode Island follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites that occur outside of the dog owner’s enclosure. This means that if a guest at a hotel near Thames Street is bitten by another guest’s dog in the lobby, the owner is generally held responsible regardless of whether the dog had ever been aggressive in the past.
Liability can also be based on negligence if an owner fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent an attack. For example, if an unleashed dog bites a child near Easton’s Beach Park, the owner may be held liable for failing to follow local leash laws. In some cases, the city of Newport might even be held partially liable if they failed to maintain clear signage or enforce rules in public park areas. There are also situations involving third-party liability, where a person or business other than the dog owner bears responsibility. In an incident at a Bowen’s Wharf store, the shop owner might be partially liable for failing to enforce their own pet policy or neglecting to ask an owner to remove an animal that was clearly acting in an aggressive manner.
Can a Child Be Liable for a Dog Biting Them in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, children under the age of 7 are protected by a rebuttable presumption that they are incapable of the legal conduct, such as provocation or trespassing, that would otherwise protect a dog owner from liability. Essentially, the law recognizes that young children do not fully understand the consequences of their actions. While an older child might be scrutinized if they intentionally provoked a dog, a young child playing on Spring Street or Bellevue Avenue is generally not held legally responsible for an attack. If a child’s actions are brought into question by the defense, the burden of proof is on the dog owner to show the child was capable of knowing their behavior was wrong.
What Types of Compensation Can Be Won in a Dog Bite Claim?
A successful claim provides the financial resources necessary to cover both the immediate and long-term costs associated with an attack. Because no two incidents are identical, the specific value of a dog bite claim is determined by several unique factors, including the severity of the injury, the necessity of future medical treatments, and the overall impact on the victim’s daily life. While every situation is different, an experienced attorney works to advocate for a settlement that accurately reflects the full scope of economic and non-economic damages you need to recover.
Economic Damages for Dog Bite Claims
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses resulting from the attack. In a localized example, if a child is bitten in a residential neighborhood on Bellevue Avenue, these damages would cover the cost of their ambulance ride, emergency room stitches, and necessary rabies treatments. For adults, economic damages also include lost wages if the injury or the need to care for an injured child prevents them from returning to work.
Non-Economic Damages for Dog Bite Claims
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible, yet very real, impacts of an injury. This includes compensation for physical pain and suffering as well as emotional distress. This is a very prevalent factor in cases where children are bit, such as the child bit while trick-or-treating on Spring Street. The psychological trauma, including night terrors or a new, paralyzing fear of animals, is a significant part of the claim that Rob Levine Law works to address.
Punitive Damages for Dog Bite Claims
Punitive damages only occur in certain cases involving extreme negligence or malicious behavior. These are not meant to compensate the victim, but rather to punish the defendant and deter others from similar conduct. An example might be a situation where a dog owner knew their dog was dangerous due to prior attacks, yet they intentionally allowed the animal to roam freely in a public Newport area.
Calculate the Value of Your Case
Use our free personal injury settlement calculator to determine how much your case may be worth. This calculator is designed to give you a value with a range based on thousands of case we have settled.
Why Choose Our Newport Dog Bite Accident Lawyers to Represent Your Claim?
Rob Levine Law has over 25 years of experience helping people navigate the difficult path following a serious injury. We maintain high ethical standards and prioritize fee transparency so you always know exactly what to expect. Over the decades, our firm has helped over 50,000 people and has recovered over $2 billion in disability benefits and injury compensation.
Our fee structure is straightforward and designed to be accessible. We charge a standard .33 fee for all personal injury cases. Because we value the service of those in our community, we are proud to offer a discounted rate of 25 percent instead of a third for first responders, police, fire, rescue, and military members. With our Fee Free Guarantee ® and 24/7 availability, we make it as easy as possible for you to get the legal support you need. As a parent, your primary focus is on protecting you and your child’s health and future. You do not have to face the legal system alone. The lawyers at Rob Levine Law are just a phone call (888) 791-9135 or a form submission away to help you start the process.
Dog Bite FAQs
Do I need to file a report with the police or animal control to pursue a dog bite claim?
Yes, filing a report is a critical step. It creates an official, unbiased record of the event and ensures that animal control can investigate whether the dog has a history of aggression or is up to date on its vaccinations.
What evidence should I gather after being bitten by a dog?
If you are able, take clear photos of the wound, any torn clothing, and the location where the attack happened. Collecting the contact information of any witnesses and keeping the medical records from your initial treatment are also essential pieces of evidence.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, starting the process early allows your legal team to gather fresh evidence and speak to witnesses while their memories are still vivid.
How long will it take to resolve my dog bite claim, and when can I expect compensation?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the length of your medical recovery. It is important not to rush a settlement until the full extent of the physical and psychological damage is known, as once you settle, you cannot ask for more money later.
Can I still pursue a claim if my child was bitten by a service dog or therapy dog?
Yes. While service dogs are highly trained, they are still animals, and their owners are responsible for their behavior. If a service dog bites a child, the same liability rules generally apply as they would for any other dog bite incident.
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Notable Case Results
$250,000
Automobile struck minor client who was skateboarding on Americas Cup Avenue in Newport resulting in his head leaving a dent in the vehicle’s hood. Client suffered multiple abrasions and a concussion resulting in his admission to the hospital for observation. Client lost time from school due to his injuries, but was able to catch back up and graduate on time. The settlement is providing him with critical funds to invest in a new life ahead.
$100,000
Client was a passanger traveling on Coddington Highway in Newport. Car came to stop at intersection, other car did not see the car our client was in and hit them head on. The impact was so hard it caused our client to fracture their pelvis in two places which required surgery.
$500,000
A semi truck began backing on to Davisville Road in North Kingstown, it did not stop for traffic and backed into our clients vehicle. Our client was rushed to South County Hosptial with body pain and facial stitches.
$500,000
We represented two clients that were jetskiing in Newport. Another jetski hit them causing severe injuries, as they were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. Each had fractures to their extremities. We were able to settle for defendants policy limits.
$100,000
Client was at Gurney’s in Newport. The stairs that lead to the clients room were poorly lit, as many lights had not been replaced. The client fell, tearing the quad muscle and needing surgery.
$150,000
Client was visiting a nursing home in Middletown RI. While bringing flowers to her family member she slipped and fell in a puddle of water. Long term pain management and pain injections.
$24,716
Client was living in Jamestown RI suffering from Deep vein thrombosis, Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety leaving him unable to work.
$180,000
Veteran living in Portsmouth RI had suffered hearing loss, PTSD and HTN from his time in the Army we were able to get him nearly $200,000 in back benefits.
$261,000
Secured for a client who was riding his motorcycle from Middletown to Newport. As he navigated the rotary, a car failed to yield to him, knocking him off his motorcycle and causing a fractured ankle. The settlement covered the client’s medical expenses and damages resulting from the accident.
$129,000
Secured for a client who was rear-ended while slowing down on the Pell Bridge in Newport. The severe impact forced the client’s car into the vehicle in front of him. As a result, the client suffered neck, back, and shoulder injuries. Our team worked diligently to recover the compensation our client deserved for their damages.
$235,000
for a client who was rear-ended by a large truck while driving his company vehicle in Newport. The client required several months of treatment for his injuries and lost time from work as a result of the crash.
Exceptional Service and Advocacy for Veterans
Rob Levine Law has been very helpful in my request to receive compensation benefits for injuries I incurred while in service. I’ve suggested their services to a number of veterans seeking legal assistance. I highly recommend them and will continue to seek their services and advice.
Sandyabdullah M.
Above and Beyond Client Care
They have been very responsive to me, even after my disability case was approved and settled. I can still call them anytime with questions and always get a response. Daniela has been great. If you’re lucky enough to work with her, you will enjoy her helpfulness as well as her ability to go above and beyond for her clients.
Carmen T.
Great Results with Fast, Reliable Communication
I am beyond satisfied with how Attorney Daniel LeClair handled my case, and the end result was beyond anything I could have expected. He kept me updated throughout the process and was very fast in replying to any questions I had. Hopefully, I won’t need his services again, but if I do, I won’t hesitate to reach out to him and his office again.
Christopher H.
Helping Veterans Navigate the VA with Expertise
After all these years and all this time, finally, a person and a firm that will stand by me. Jairo Manchola was a complete professional and answered all my questions. I feel like I have a coach in my corner to take on the monster known as Veterans Affairs. I look forward to working with Rob Levine Law in the near future to help me get the compensation I deserve and fought for. Once again, thank you, Jairo, for making this very easy and drama-free. I think every veteran should work with this firm.
Edward C.
Great Service with Compassionate Support
They are very good at what they do and are very understanding and patient. I would recommend them to everyone I know who needs help. Thank you so much.
Tabitha W.
Fast and Effective Legal Assistance
I was afraid of using an out-of-state attorney, but I’m so glad I did! They got right down to business and settled my case swiftly.
Robin H.
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