Your Dog Bit Someone—Now What Happens? With Attorney Heidi Meinzer

The unpredictable nature of dog bites creates a legal labyrinth that can overwhelm even the most responsible owners and professionals. Attorney and dog trainer Heidi Meinzer pulls back the curtain on what really happens when teeth meet skin, revealing critical insights that could save your dog's life and protect your financial future.

From the moment a bite occurs, you're facing a cascade of legal consequences few people truly understand. Animal control's immediate focus on rabies verification is just the beginning. The parallel tracks of dangerous dog proceedings and potential civil liability cases unfold with dramatically different timelines, procedures, and outcomes depending on your jurisdiction. Meinzer expertly guides us through the stark differences between states like Virginia, where a court must deem a dog dangerous, and Maryland, where animal control makes this determination subject to appeal.

The financial stakes have never been higher. With average dog bite settlements skyrocketing from $18,000 to over $54,000 in recent years, insurance companies often choose to settle quickly rather than fight—even in questionable cases. For professionals working with dogs, Meinzer outlines three essential protective layers: forming a separate business entity, securing appropriate insurance from providers who understand the industry, and implementing comprehensive contracts that clearly define responsibilities and limitations.

About Heidi:

https://apdt.com/about/board-and-staff/

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