Suffering a dog bite injury can lead to devastating consequences for victims and their families. For example, maybe your child was playing in a neighbor’s yard and suffered deep puncture wounds after being attacked by an unrestrained dog, or you are a delivery driver who sustained permanent scarring from a sudden attack while making a delivery. These incidents often lead to costly medical expenses, loss of income, and extreme emotional distress.
Your trusted St. George dog bite lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen has decades of trial experience and is available 24/7 to provide a free case review. As your knowledgeable St. George personal injury lawyer, our team is dedicated to helping dog bite victims pursue justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a 100% free consultation and learn how we can help you get the most out of your claim.
Utah Dog Bite Liability Laws
Dog bite cases in Utah adhere to Utah Code § 18-1-1, which holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means that victims do not need to prove the owner was negligent to seek compensation for their injuries. However, certain exceptions to this rule may limit an owner’s liability, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Law Enforcement Animals Performing Official Duties
Utah law excludes liability for injuries caused by police or military dogs while performing official duties. These duties may include apprehending suspects, detecting drugs or explosives, or protecting officers during dangerous situations. Victims generally cannot recover damages in these cases unless it can be proven that the animal was used improperly or with excessive force.
Courts consider whether the dog’s actions were reasonable and necessary based on the circumstances of the incident. This exception is designed to protect law enforcement agencies from liability when using dogs to enforce the law. It may be in your best interest to consult with a legal advocate to evaluate the specific details of your case and determine whether this exception applies.
Provocation or Trespassing
Dog owners may not be liable if you provoked the dog in some way, such as teasing, hitting, or otherwise threatening the animal. Additionally, individuals who are trespassing on private property may be barred from recovering damages for dog bite injuries. These exceptions protect dog owners when the victim’s actions directly contributed to the incident.
Determining whether provocation or trespassing applies often requires careful analysis of the evidence, including witness statements and video footage. In some cases, the dog owner may claim provocation or trespassing as a defense to avoid liability. Our team may be able to help challenge these claims and advocate for your right to maximum compensation.
Criminal Activity
Utah law also exempts dog owners from liability if the victim was engaged in criminal activity, such as burglary or assault, at the time of the incident. This exception is intended to protect property owners from liability when dogs are used to deter unlawful actions. Victims involved in illegal activity are generally unable to seek compensation for their injuries.
Proving criminal activity as a defense requires substantial evidence, such as police reports or video recordings. Legal disputes may arise over whether the victim’s actions constituted a crime or justified the dog’s response. Our team can evaluate the specifics of your case and address any claims that your actions were unlawful.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving St. George, call (801) 266-0999
Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites
Victims may seek compensation for their injuries with the assistance of an experienced dog bite lawyer in St. George, UT, with Siegfried & Jensen. These injuries often require extensive medical care, prolonged recovery periods, and significant financial expenses. Dog bite injuries can range from minor wounds to life-altering physical and emotional damage, including:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Fractures
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological trauma
Victims of dog bite attacks often require extensive medical treatments, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. The physical and emotional toll of these injuries can last for years and significantly affect your quality of life. Pursuing compensation can help cover the costs of your care and provide the resources you will need throughout your recovery.
St. George Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Damages Dog Bite Victims Can Recover
You may also be entitled to compensatory damages, which are designed to address both economic and non-economic losses caused by their injuries. Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. Examples of potentially recoverable damages after a dog bite or animal attack include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Lost wages due to time missed from work
- Loss of earning capacity for victims unable to return to their previous employment
- Counseling or therapy for emotional trauma, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional injuries
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly in visible areas such as the face or hands
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to long-term or permanent injuries
- Cost of assistive devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs
- Property damage, including torn clothing or personal items damaged during the attack
- Travel expenses for medical appointments or rehabilitation sessions
- Caregiver expenses for individuals requiring assistance during recovery
In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious misconduct or negligence by the dog owner. Under Utah Code § 78B-8-201, punitive damages may be awarded if the owner acted recklessly, intentionally disregarded safety, or allowed a dangerous animal to roam freely. These damages are meant to serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of responsible pet ownership.
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Turn To a Premier Dog Bite Lawyer in St. George, UT, for Help Today
After suffering a critical injury associated with an animal attack or dog bite, you are going to need a reputable dog bite attorney in St. George, UT, to help you hold the dog’s owner accountable. Our client reviews detail our dedication to our clients and our commitment to client advocacy. You can also learn more about what to expect after we take on your case when you visit our about us page.
Whether you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog or injured while visiting someone’s property, you deserve justice and fair compensation. Contact Siegfried & Jensen now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation through our confidential contact form or by calling our office to get started on your insurance and civil claims as soon as today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form