Dogs can be pleasant companions but can also cause significant injuries when they bite someone. Unfortunately, around 4.5 million dog bites happen annually in the United States, with the victims often being children.
Dog bites can be traumatizing. The severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the dog attack itself may impact your physical and emotional well-being for the foreseeable future. If you or a loved one was harmed by someone else’s dog, a legal claim or lawsuit enables you to recover compensation for the losses you have endured.
At Siegfried & Jensen, we recognize that you may be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of taking legal action after a dog bite incident. With decades of combined experience in fighting for Utah personal injury victims, we can take on this burden for you so that you can focus on your recovery. We believe you deserve restitution for the suffering you have experienced.
Contact the experienced dog bite injury lawyers of Siegfried & Jensen today. Complete our online form or call (801) 845-9000 to schedule a free consultation. Our representatives are standing by 24/7 to help.
Dog Bite Lawsuits in Utah
A dog bite lawsuit is a legal claim brought against the animal owner or others when his or her dog causes harm in an attack. Dog bite lawsuits allow injury victims to recover compensation by holding owners responsible for their animal’s behavior.
Utah is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bite incidents. This means that the dog owner is automatically responsible when his or her dog bites someone. The law applies regardless of whether the dog had bitten someone before, was well-trained, or felt scared.
If you wish to pursue a lawsuit after a dog bite in Utah, you must prove that the dog hurt you without provocation and that you suffered tangible damages as a result.
Who to Hold Accountable in a Dog Bite Lawsuit
In most cases, you pursue a claim against the dog’s owner in a bite lawsuit. However, in some circumstances, other parties may be responsible.
In addition to the animal’s owner, you may be able to pursue compensation from:
- The keeper or handler: Anyone responsible for the care of an animal may be held accountable if the dog attacks someone
- The property owner: If the owner of the property has a dangerous animal on the premises, he or she may be held liable for injuries the animal causes
- The landlord: If a landlord is aware that a tenant owns a dangerous dog and the dog attacks someone, he or she may be found responsible for the victim’s losses
- The parents of a minor: If a dog owned by someone under the age of 18 attacks someone, the minor’s parents may be held accountable for the attack
Generally, the insurance policy of the dog’s owner or other liable party will pay for your damages. Insurance policies that cover dog bites include renters insurance, landlord insurance, homeowners insurance, or an umbrella policy.
If a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached with the insurance company, you can pursue your dog bite injury claim in court. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can help you evaluate the full circumstances of your attack and hold all responsible parties accountable for what you have gone through.
Factors That Impact the Value of Your Dog Bite Injury Claim
A serious dog bite injury should not be taken lightly. The long-term effects of the incident on your life need to be fully evaluated. The goal in pursuing a lawsuit is to seek enough compensation to make your life whole again after the attack.
The value of your dog bite claim can vary, and factors that may impact your compensation include:
- Your age
- The extent of your medical bills and treatment
- Any infections or complications after the bite
- The extent and size of your scarring
- The location and nature of your scarring
- Lost wages as a result of the incident
- Reduced work capacity
- The length of the dog attack
- The number of dogs attacking you
- The breed and size of the dog that bit you
- The need for psychological counseling after the attack
- Loss of enjoyment of life, activities, or hobbies
Such injuries and losses can wreak havoc on your life. It is not advisable to go it alone after suffering these kinds of losses. It is in your best interest to consult with a well-practiced dog bite injury lawyer who can assess the full weight of your damages and help you pursue maximum compensation for what has occurred.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Support You After a Dog Bite Attack
Dog bite attacks tend to catch you off guard and leave you reeling. In the wake of such a distressing incident, your personal injury lawyer will focus on protecting your legal rights so you can focus on healing physically and emotionally.
A dog bite attorney can assist you in several important ways:
- Explaining your rights: A personal injury lawyer knows the state’s dog bite statutes and how these pertain to your situation. He or she can help establish the facts of your case and clarify what kind of compensation you are entitled to by law.
- Offering direction: Your attorney can give you knowledgeable and objective advice on how to best proceed with your lawsuit. Resolving a dog bite claim is not always straightforward and may involve multiple parties, including lawyers, doctors, and insurance negotiators. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to interact with all involved parties and can negotiate with them on your behalf.
- Navigating the legal system: Dog bite claims generally involve filing a considerable amount of paperwork. Your attorney will help you do this in an organized and timely manner, ensuring that no important deadlines are missed. Additionally, your dog bite lawyer will prepare you for any mediation or arbitration hearings that may be necessary in the process of resolving your case.
- Assessing damages: Your lawyer can help you assess your past and current damages as well as evaluate your future financial needs. This is critical in pursuing rightful and fair compensation after an animal attack.
- Representing you in court if necessary: Although most dog bite lawsuits are settled out of court, having a personal injury lawyer familiar with your case is invaluable in the event your case goes to trial. Skilled court representation can ensure a more favorable outcome for injury victims.
It is advantageous to hire a personal injury lawyer in the event of a dog bite injury. Having an expert legal professional on your side will give you the confidence needed to pursue a lawsuit against those responsible for your pain and suffering.
Contact the Legal Team at Siegfried & Jensen for Advice
A serious dog bite attack can leave you injured and rattled to your core. Such a traumatic event can change your life forever. In many such cases, filing a lawsuit is a key step in getting your life back on track after the unfortunate incident.
Understandably, the idea of pursuing a dog bite lawsuit may feel like too heavy of an undertaking. The injury lawyers at Siegfried & Jensen are here for you during this stressful time. We are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the claims process from beginning to end.
In practice since 1990, we pride ourselves on helping Utah residents who have suffered needless injuries get the justice they deserve. Further, we believe that holding an animal owner responsible when his or her dog causes harm in a bite attack can help keep Utah families and communities safer in the long run.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, please reach out to a lawyer at Siegfried & Jensen today. Call us at (801) 845-9000 or complete our online form for a free case review. Every injury victim deserves a voice.
