If a dog bites and injures you, the owner, and not the animal itself, can be held accountable for the harm that you’ve suffered. Talk with a dog bite lawyer in West Jordan, and you can get information about what a claim or lawsuit against the dog’s owner can entail.
Siegfried & Jensen is a Utah personal injury law firm that’s recovered over $1.2 billion in compensation for our clients. We encourage you to speak with a personal injury lawyer in West Jordan from our team. This is an opportunity to assess your legal options with an attorney. Contact us today.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File a Dog Bite Claim in West Jordan, Utah
Your dog bite attorney in West Jordan can fight for you to be compensated for your injury-related losses. To do that, they can help you file an insurance claim. If your claim is successful, you can receive compensation that serves you well during your injury recovery. Plus, your claim can deter a dog owner from acting negligently in the future.
The medical expenses and other losses that you incur from a dog bite can be significant. If you submit an insurance claim for your dog bite and have an attorney on your side throughout this process, you can minimize your risk of mistakes that cost you money. On top of that, you will be well-equipped to get compensation within a reasonable time frame.
Siegfried & Jensen offers FAQs and other resources to those interested in filing dog bite injury claims. If you decide to request compensation from a liable party’s insurance company, we can assist you at each stage of the dog bite injury claims process. For more information, request a free case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving West Jordan, call (801) 266-0999
What Can Happen After You File a Claim for a Dog Bite Injury
Even if you feel your dog bite injury claim is valid, an at-fault party’s insurance company can contest it. The insurance company can say that you were aggressive with the dog or did something else that led the animal to bite you. Alternatively, the insurer may offer a settlement that covers only a portion of your losses.
Your West Jordan dog bite lawyer wants you to receive adequate compensation through an insurance claim. They can keep you informed about settlement negotiations and whether any offers are made. However, if you don’t get an offer that you feel is sufficient, your lawyer will advise you to sue for a dog bite.
According to Utah Code § 78B-2-307, you generally have four years to sue a dog owner if their pet bites and injures you. Your attorney can detail the statute of limitations relative to your case. If you file a dog bite injury lawsuit, they want you to recover economic and non-economic damages from the liable party.
West Jordan Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
How Much Money Can You Get in a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit
Your personal injury attorney can provide insights into what you can do legally if a dog bites you. If you exercise your right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner, your lawyer can help you obtain compensatory damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
There are times when a dog bite proves to be fatal. In these cases, the families of those who died in tragic dog attacks sometimes can file wrongful death lawsuits.
A wrongful death attorney can examine your situation and explain if you have grounds for this type of lawsuit. If so, they can help you recover damages for your loved one’s burial and funeral costs and other losses.
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Evidence That You Can Use in a Dog Bite Case
Your collection of evidence can make a difference in your dog bite case. Because of this, your attorney can search extensively for proof to use when they argue your case to a liable party’s insurance company or in court. Below are examples of evidence that can be helpful to your case:
- Injury photos
- Scene photos
- Video footage from security, doorbell, or traffic cameras
- Medical treatment notes and bills
- Police or animal control reports
- Witness statements
- Pay stubs
If your lawyer has a comprehensive body of proof, an at-fault party or their insurance will consider this as they weigh different options. Either party can be increasingly likely to offer a settlement in the hopes of resolving your case promptly. On the other hand, if a trial is needed, your attorney is prepared to argue your case to a judge or jury and prove negligence.
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How to Establish Liability in a Dog Bite Case
Your personal injury attorney wants a judge or jury to see that the defendant breached their duty of care to you, as they did not take reasonable measures to keep their dog from biting you. They can use a wide range of evidence to highlight how this duty was violated and, as a result, you were injured.
Expect the defendant to look for ways to dispute your lawyer’s argument. The defendant can say that you trespassed on their property or did other things that contributed to your dog bite and injuries.
Regardless, your attorney will remain focused on negligence and detail to the court why the defendant was negligent and should cover your losses.
Per Utah Code § 78B-5-818, you are subject to modified comparative negligence in Utah personal injury lawsuits. If you sue a pet owner after their dog bites and injures you and are found to be 1% to 49% liable, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Or, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering damages.
Let Our Attorneys Handle Your Dog Bite Claim or Lawsuit
Work with a West Jordan dog bite attorney from Siegfried & Jensen. Our lawyers want you to prioritize your recovery from your dog bite injuries.
Meanwhile, we will work hard to get you compensation for your quantifiable and subjective injury-related losses. To learn more, schedule a free case evaluation.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form