Dog Bite Cases
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that in the United States, as many as 44.6% of households own dogs as pets. Compared to the other popular domesticated animal, the cat, the AVMA indicates that only 26% of homeowners have cats. Dogs are truly America’s most beloved pets.
Because of their popularity and numbers, dog bites are very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that every year, as many as 4.5 million dog bites are reported across the United States. Dog bites can be very serious, which is why approximately 800,000 of these dog bite victims will require medical treatment. As a result, to account for damages that dog bite victims suffer, dog bite injury claims pay around $1.2 million annually.
Philip B. Adams is a Louisiana dog bite injury attorney who can speak with you about your Louisiana dog bite injury incident and discuss your legal options for recovering compensation. When a dog attacks, taking legal action for compensation can be very challenging and complicated, especially when you are suffering from painful injuries or if you tragically lost a loved one.
Attorney Adams can investigate dog bite incidents and fight on behalf of victims to secure the total compensation they are entitled to from all liable parties.
Contact Attorney Adams for a complimentary initial meeting for your injury case.
Recoverable Damages from Your Louisiana Dog Bite Injury Incidident
Dog bite victims can suffer severe injuries, and tragically, some of these are fatal. When a dog bites, it is imperative to seek medical treatment and be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. A dog bite can cause any of the following injuries to a victim:
Broken bones
Soft tissue destruction, tearing of the skin and muscles
Life-threatening bacterial infections
Bruising
Severe injuries to vital structures like one’s esophagus
Nerve damage
Attorney Adams is devoted to fighting for fair compensation for dog bite victims. This includes all of their current and future economic and non-economic losses.
Some of the most common damages that can be recovered in a dog bite injury case include
The cost of medical treatment and care in the past and present
The cost of medical treatment and care that may be necessary in the future
Lost income from time away from work
Property damage repairs and replacements
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Reduced earning capacity after disabling injuries
Wrongful death benefits
Miscellaneous intangible losses
Liability for a Dog Bite Incident
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. While we love our furry companions, sometimes their behavior can get them (and you) into trouble! So, what happens if your pet causes damage or injures someone?
In most places, the law says that pet owners are responsible for any damage their animal causes. However, there are a few important things that need to be proven for you to be held liable:
You were aware (or should have been aware) of the potential danger: Did your pet have a history of aggression? Was its behavior unpredictable? A responsible owner needs to be mindful of their pet's tendencies.
Preventable damage: Could the incident have been avoided with reasonable precautions, like keeping your dog on a leash, or your cat properly contained?
You didn't take those precautions: If you knew of the risk and didn't take action to prevent the damage from happening, you might be held responsible.
With dogs, the rules are a bit tougher. Many places, including Louisiana, have "strict liability" for dog bites. This means that even if your dog has never shown aggression before, you could be responsible for any injuries it causes. The only exception to this is if the person who was injured provoked your dog.
You might see the phrase "res ipsa loquitur" in legal stuff about animal liability. This is a Latin term that basically means "the thing speaks for itself." It allows the person who was hurt to argue that the fact your animal caused damage is enough to assume you were negligent.
It's crucial to be a responsible pet owner. This means understanding your pet's behavior, taking necessary precautions to prevent accidents, and being prepared for potential consequences if something does happen.
Statute of Limitations for a Louisiana Dog Bite Injury Case
To be successful with a dog bite claim, it is imperative to file an injury suit by the statute of limitations. This is the amount of time a dog bite victim has to take legal action, and it is not long. Louisiana’s statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims is only one year. Failing to start the claims process early can lead to a forfeiture of rights to financial compensation. Due to the many steps involved in the claims process, victims should consider consulting with an attorney as soon as possible.
Our Louisiana dog bite injury attorney at the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams offers complimentary initial consultations to assist you. After the signing of a contract, attorney Adams can begin gathering evidence to quickly build your case.
Speak to a Louisiana Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today
Attorney Adams is prepared and ready to assess your case and protect your rights to compensation. If you have questions about your legal options after a Louisiana dog bite injury incident, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams today for a free case evaluation.