Dog ownership comes with significant responsibility. Dogs, including little ones, can cause serious damage when they bite someone. The pressure of a dog’s jaw can bruise or crush. Sharp teeth can puncture and tear. Even a dog’s saliva is dangerous, presenting risks for infection. When owners fail to keep their pets from causing harm, a Draper personal injury lawyer can help victims get justice.
Siegfried & Jensen has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Our integrity, service, and top-quality representation have earned this acknowledgment and are available to you. You can get fairly compensated for your injuries and suffering with help from an experienced dog bite lawyer in Draper.
Partner With a Dog Bite Attorney in Draper Promptly
There are serious consequences to a dog bite. Medical professionals can address your physical injuries. An experienced attorney can explain what to do legally if a dog bites you. You should not have to bear the financial burdens that come with medical costs, lost income, and other injury-related expenses.
Unless you need emergency care, you can take steps to support your legal effort right away. Get contact and insurance details from the dog’s owner. Ask witnesses for their contact information as well. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and other relevant details. For example, the dog may have escaped an enclosure to attack you. Capture the broken leash, hole in the fence, or other weaknesses.
Avoid discussing the incident with the dog’s owner. Get to a doctor to ensure proper treatment of your injuries, and then connect with a Draper dog bite lawyer. If the insurance representatives for the dog’s owner reach out to you, refer them to us, so you don’t say anything they can use to compromise your injury claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Draper, call (801) 266-0999
Finding Evidence and Meeting Legal Deadlines
With quick access to your situation, our team can gather evidence while it’s still available. For example, a security camera may have recorded the incident. We can acquire the footage before it’s erased. We can photograph the scene before the owner makes changes and talk to witnesses while their memories remain intact. Siegfried & Jensen will pursue all sources of information that support your claim.
Your injury claim may resolve through negotiations with the other side’s representatives. Our team will work to secure a fair settlement that way, so you don’t have to go through a trial. Still, a trial may become necessary because of the other side’s lack of cooperation, and we will be ready to fight for you before a judge. We don’t encourage settling for less just to stay out of court.
To preserve your right to battle for justice in court, you must file your lawsuit within the personal injury statute of limitations in Utah. The State imposes a four-year deadline for most injury claims. Partner with a dog bite attorney in Draper to avoid missing this deadline.
Draper Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
How Utah’s Dog Bite Laws Work
There are some states with a one-bite rule and mixed dog bite statutes. These laws are not as victim-friendly as the strict liability laws. In one-bite states, dog owners essentially get “one free bite.” They are not automatically held liable when their dog bites a victim for the first time.
Strict liability states, like Utah, don’t offer that leeway. Usually, the dog’s owner is liable for injuries resulting from a dog bite, even if the animal hadn’t shown previous signs of aggression. The law applies if the bite occurs on public or private property, provided the victim was on the property lawfully.
Dog owners may try to reduce their culpability by claiming you provoked the dog. Their insurance companies could try to minimize your injuries. These are reasons compiling evidence and getting medical care and documentation are so important to your claim.
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Injuries and Illnesses a Dog Bite Can Cause
Some dogs’ jaws are powerful enough to break bones. Canine teeth can tear skin, muscles, nerves, and tendons. Victims can be left with permanent injuries and disfiguring scars. The face is a common site for dog bites, especially among children, according to research included in the National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Infections and illnesses are other concerns. Dog saliva contains germs and bacteria that can lead to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes one potential infection, Capnocytophaga, as deadly if not treated. Contracting rabies is another frightening possibility.
The research review, “Psychological Sequelae of Dog Bites in Children,” highlights the psychological trauma caused by dog bites. Children are particularly vulnerable to experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, social withdrawal, and other effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Collecting Compensation for Your Bite-Related Costs and Losses
Utah Code § 18-1-1 establishes the State’s strict-liability law and makes dog owners liable for “such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten…” Throughout our firm’s history, our attorneys have won over $1.2 billion for deserving clients. A Draper dog bite attorney can fight to get you the most serious economic and non-economic damages possible.
Economic damages cover the financial losses related to the dog bite. These typically include medical costs and income loss. You may need continuing medical care or psychological counseling. Your injuries could prevent you from returning to work. If so, we will demand compensation for future care needs and lost earnings.
Non-economic damages acknowledge your physical pain, emotional trauma, and quality of life losses. Though these consequences don’t come with a bill attached, they hold great value. We know how to assign dollar amounts to these losses and how to present evidence supporting the demand.
We Know What It Takes to Get Justice
Siegfried & Jensen has been fighting for injury victims since 1990. We have taken all kinds of claims through the process and know what it takes to get justice. Connect with us for a free case consultation. A dog bite lawyer in Draper is ready to listen to your story, present you with your options, and help you find a way forward.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form