What Are Your Legal Options After Sustaining A Dog Bite Injury?

Dog bites rarely occur without warning signs. Reasons for biting include fear, startle, protection of possessions, frustration, pain, and play. Fear is often the underlying cause, prompting dogs to bite to create distance from perceived threats. Startling a dog awake or intruding on their possessions can also trigger biting. Frustration arises from feeling trapped or unable to access desired objects. Dogs may bite when in pain or discomfort.

In this article, we’ll explain your legal options to obtain maximum compensation when sustaining this type of injury.

Table of Contents

First and Foremost, Stay Calm

If attacked by a dog, first, seek medical help and remain calm. The timeline of a dog bite case usually starts with immediate reporting to authorities like animal control or law enforcement. Report a dog bite claim in Utah or in your area. An investigation follows to ascertain the attack’s circumstances, which includes identifying the dog’s owner, gathering witness statements, and evaluating injury severity.

Avoid private agreements with the owner and refrain from signing documents without legal consultation. Notify the store manager or landlord if attacked on their premises. Gather the dog owner’s details and witness information, photograph injuries and the scene, and report the incident to local animal control.

If unable to take these steps, seek legal assistance. Attorneys address obstacles, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation for clients affected by dog attacks.

Know When to Seek Compensation

Individuals may seek financial compensation in various circumstances. If a dog escapes and injures someone or their pet due to negligence, compensation may be pursued. Liability also falls on property managers if they’re aware of a dog’s history of attacks yet fail to prevent future incidents.

Liability may extend beyond dog bites to other injuries caused by the animal. State laws dictate liability, requiring consultation with a knowledgeable attorney to navigate legal complexities.

Determine Who Is Responsible

States mandate owner compensation for dog-inflicted injuries, with exceptions for trespassing or provocation. Some follow the one-bite rule, absolving owners of initial liability unless they knew of the dog’s danger.

Identifying the owner as a renter or homeowner is crucial for potential insurance coverage. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers dog bites, barring certain excluded breeds, even off-property.

Renters insurance may also cover bites in rental properties. Property owners might be responsible for attacks on private property, and the dog owner may hold a separate liability insurance policy.

Legal Options to Consider

Below are the legal options to consider after a dog bite injury:

Settlement

Dog bite settlements vary widely and are influenced by factors such as state laws, insurance coverage, and individual circumstances. In some states, owners may only be held liable if they are aware of their dog’s aggression, while others impose strict liability regardless of negligence. Settlements are commonly reached out of court, with insurance typically covering damages if the owner has liability coverage.

Many victims opt for settlements to avoid the stress and uncertainty of court, while insurers prefer them to control costs. Therefore, while average settlement amounts offer some insight, each case is unique and should be approached accordingly.

On average, dog bite cases take around 18 months to settle. Settlement times can vary greatly, from one month to six years, depending on various factors, as each case is unique.

File A Lawsuit

In dog bite cases, negligence is central, as owners must exercise reasonable care to prevent harm. Negligence occurs if they fail in this duty, leading to foreseeable dog attacks causing injury. Negligent actions include walking dogs without leashes or failing to secure them adequately.

Deciding between settling a dog bite case or pursuing a lawsuit hinges on injury severity, liability, negotiation willingness, and potential litigation outcomes. Settlement offers swift resolution but may not suffice if disputed liability or inadequate compensation. Lawsuits may be necessary for fair compensation but entail uncertainties and costs. Expert legal advice can help determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

You’re now fully equipped with the relevant information about the different legal options available when dealing with a dog bite injury. Keep the steps and tips in mind above and seek legal help from a reputable personal injury lawyer. Lawyers usually have free consultation, and you can speak to one for personalized assistance. Furthermore, understanding the statute of limitations is crucial, setting a time limit for filing a lawsuit after the incident. Typically starting from the date of the incident, it’s essential to be aware of these regulations and how they apply.