If you or a loved one suffer a dog bite without provoking the animal, you can hold the dog owner liable for your injuries and damages. Taking on liable parties is never easy, and you should expect that they will fight off your claim. A Broussard dog bite lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the monetary compensation you ought to receive from the liable party.
Connecting with our firm should be the first step after suffering a dog bite or attack in either Lafayette Parish or St. Martin Parish. A team member will give you a free consultation and develop a course of action to help you through the legal process of holding the liable party accountable.
Steps You Should Take After a Dog Bite or Attack
You should make a hospital visit immediately after the dog attack. Even if the dog bite does not look serious, seeking medical attention is the best way to ensure that the wound does not get infected and fester. Also, not getting treated negatively affects your claim as you may lack medical records showing proof of injury.
It also becomes difficult for you to estimate the damages you have suffered without adequate documentation of the severity of the injury. Getting medical attention also allows you to increase the chances of a full recovery. Some dog bites are so severe that you may need physical therapy or cosmetic surgery to recover fully. After suffering a dog bite, the second step you should take is to communicate your injuries with the dog owner.
But you should not contact the dog owners directly. Let your dog bite lawyer handle all communications with the liable party and their insurer. Your dog bite lawyer can also ask the dog owner if the dog has received its rabies shot. Your lawyer will also do the following:
- Investigate the dog owner’s history to determine if they have faced similar claims before
- Take pictures of the injury
- Ensure that you have kept all medical records
- Give you legal counsel on how to build your claim
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientHow Our Broussard Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim
Our dog bite lawyers understand the laws governing how claims for animal attacks in Louisiana work. For instance, Louisiana applies the “one-bite rule” to dog bite injuries. But it is often difficult for injured parties to prove that the dog owner knew or should have known that the dog’s behavior could have resulted in injuries.
A dog bite attorney from our firm has a better social network with law enforcement and other fellow attorneys. This makes it easier for us to investigate the liable party in your claim and establish whether they have been liable for a dog bite injury caused by their pets. Our lawyers also understand how you can use legal procedures to build your claim.
For instance, your lawyer may file a motion for discovery for evidence if the liable party is withholding evidence that could help your claim. They will also help build your claim by:
- Determining the amount of damages you should settle for
- Negotiating with the liable party and their insurer outside court
- Speaking to witnesses and recording their statements
- Help you file a dog bite injury lawsuit in court
We’ve Got You Covered in Court
If necessary, your lawyer will represent you in court. Litigation is often a time-consuming process that requires a lot of attention and efficiency, which you may not be able to achieve on your own. Having us by your side makes it easier to utilize every legal option to recover damages.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientThe Damages You Can Recover After Filing Your Dog Bite Claim
The damages you recover will mainly get based on the cost of medical treatment. But the compensation you will receive in total will be for:
- Cost of physical therapy or counseling
- Lost earnings
- Reduced earning capacity
- Cost of buying medical devices
- Cost of property damages
- And more if you qualify
The damages you recover will change based on the nature of your injuries. If the dog bite or attack results in the death of an immediate family member, you may be able to recover:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical costs incurred by the deceased before their death
The event of wrongful death is not uncommon when dog injuries occur. If you have lost a loved one due to a dog bite injury or attack they suffered, our wrongful death lawyers can help you seek damages.
You can only recover damages in a dog bite injury claim if you did not provoke the dog initially or you were not trespassing. Your dog bite lawyer will help you gather sufficient evidence to meet the demands of the claims process or a lawsuit.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow Much Time Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
You have only one year from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit for monetary damages. The time limit may not allow you to entirely recover and build your case. Having your Broussard dog bite lawyer represent you makes it easier for you to meet the one-year deadline set by the state.
You do not have to pay any upfront fees by having our dog bite lawyer represent you. Our firm will work towards helping you get compensated, and we will only get paid if you get awarded damages.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientConnect With Our Broussard Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have suffered a dog bite or sustained damages due to a dog attack, you should speak with our firm. We understand how to build a successful claim, gathering the evidence you need to win in court.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today and get a free consultation.
