Dogs are often seen as loyal companions, but even a trusted pet can cause serious harm under the wrong circumstances. A sudden bite can leave you dealing with physical scars, emotional trauma, and financial stress you never anticipated.
Your dedicated Orem dog bite lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen has been helping victims like you secure justice and compensation since 1990, recovering over $1.2 billion for personal injury victims.
With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, our team is here to help you address the nuances that come with a dog bite case. Whether you need an Orem personal injury lawyer to hold a negligent dog owner accountable or to secure the resources you need to recover, you can count on our team to advocate for your right to maximum compensation. Contact our office today to request your free consultation.
Dog Bite Victims Are Entitled to Full and Fair Compensation
After a dog bite, you deserve compensation that reflects the true extent of your injuries and losses. From immediate medical expenses to long-term emotional and financial burdens, fair compensation can help you rebuild your life. Your experienced dog bite lawyer in Orem, UT, will exhaust every possible opportunity to recoup your losses.
Insurance companies often cover many of the immediate costs associated with a dog bite injury. These typically include medical bills, property damage, and lost wages resulting from the time you had to take off work. Filing a claim through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance is often the first step toward recovering these damages.
If the insurance coverage is insufficient, filing a lawsuit allows you to recover additional damages. These include non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of severe injury, compensation can also account for future medical care and reduced earning capacity.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Orem, call (801) 266-0999
Utah Dog Bite Laws
Utah follows a strict liability approach for dog bite cases, meaning a dog owner can be held liable for injuries regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. Under Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1, a dog owner is responsible for damages if their pet bites or attacks someone without provocation. This law ensures that victims have a clear path to compensation, even if the owner claims they were unaware of the dog’s potential for harm.
However, Utah’s strict liability law does not automatically apply in every situation. Factors like provocation, trespassing, and shared fault can influence the outcome of a dog bite claim. Understanding these elements is critical if you hope to protect your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Provocation
As explained in Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1, dog owners are not liable for injuries caused by their pet if you provoke the animal. Provocation can include actions such as teasing, hitting, or intentionally aggravating the dog. To pursue a successful claim, you must demonstrate that your behavior did not provoke the dog’s aggressive response.
Courts evaluate provocation based on what a reasonable person would consider harmful or aggravating to an animal. Even seemingly harmless actions, like approaching a dog too quickly, may be considered provocation depending on the circumstances. Consulting with your legal advocate with our firm about Utah dog bites and premises liability can help you understand how provocation might impact your claim.
Trespassing
In Utah, a dog owner may not be liable for injuries you sustain if you are trespassing on their property. Liability generally applies only to lawful visitors, such as guests, delivery workers, or customers. Trespassers, on the other hand, have limited legal protections unless the dog owner acted recklessly or maliciously.
Determining lawful presence on a property is a key factor in dog bite cases involving trespassing. For instance, if you enter a yard uninvited, you would likely be considered a trespasser, while a postal worker would not. In severe cases involving life-altering injuries, your premises liability lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen can help you recognize these distinctions and seek maximum compensation.
Utah Shared Fault Laws
Utah’s comparative negligence laws under Utah Code Ann. § 78B-5-818 allow for liability to be shared between parties in dog bite cases. If you are found partially at fault for your injuries, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. Some common instances of shared fault in dog bite cases could include:
- You ignored warning signs, such as a “Beware of Dog” sign.
- You entered the property unlawfully or without permission.
- Your actions provoked the dog into attacking.
Orem Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
What Legal Options May Be Available to You After a Dog Bite
If you were injured in a dog bite incident, you may have several legal options that would enable you to hold the responsible party accountable. Between filing an insurance claim to pursue a lawsuit and taking the right steps, our team can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries. Here are some of the ways you could seek justice after a dog bite or animal attack:
- File a homeowners insurance claim – Many dog owners have homeowners insurance policies that cover dog bite injuries. Filing a claim through the owner’s insurance can help you recover damages for medical expenses, damaged property, and more. This option is often the first step in seeking compensation.
- Pursue a negligence claim against the dog owner – If the dog owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack, you may file a negligence claim. This could include situations where the owner failed to leash or control their dog. This may also be your only option if the dog’s owner does not have insurance.
- Hold a third party accountable – In some cases, third parties such as landlords or property managers may share liability. For example, if a landlord knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on their property without proper safeguards, they could be held partially responsible. This option often applies when the dog owner lacks sufficient insurance or assets.
Taking legal action after a dog bite requires clear evidence. It is up to us to meet the burden of proof and show that the dog owner or another responsible party acted negligently or violated their duty of care. Otherwise, they may be able to avoid liability for your damages.
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Speak With a Results-Driven Dog Bite Lawyer in Orem, UT, for Help Today
A dog bite is more than a physical injury. It can leave you dealing with lasting emotional scars and financial setbacks. A respected dog bite attorney in Orem, UT, with Siegfried & Jensen, can help you identify the at-fault party and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
For over 30 years, Siegfried & Jensen has been a trusted ally for injury victims and accident survivors across the state. Our team will handle the legal complexities of your case, so you do not have to. Contact us by phone or through our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form