Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets do not harm their neighbors. If you suffered a dog bite injury, our Coteau Holmes dog bite lawyers could help you seek damages.
Our dog bite lawyers understand the dog bite laws in effect in Louisiana. Many injured parties miss out on getting compensated because they have no experience dealing with dog bite injury claims. We will support you in building your claim and navigating any challenges.
Who is Responsible for Injuries Caused by a Dog in Louisiana?
Dog owners are responsible for any damages or injuries caused by their pets. LA Civ Code Art. 2321 makes dog owners answerable for any damages caused by animals under their care.
Dog Owners Might Argue That They Are Not At-Fault for Their Pets’ Bites
Dog owners often have two defenses if their dogs cause injuries to people. The first defense might be that the injured party was trespassing. If you were trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time of the dog bite, you might not be able to recover damages.
The dog owner’s second defense to avoid bearing responsibility might be arguing that you provoked the dog. You have to show that the dog owner knew or should have known that the dog’s behavior was dangerous.
We can help you prove that the dog owner was negligent. Your personal injury lawyer can also help you hold the dog owner responsible for the actions of their pets.
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.
ClientSteps You Should Take After Suffering a Dog Bite in Coteau Holmes
The risk of a dog bite getting infected is quite high. This is because a dog may not have received a rabies shot, and the presence of bacteria increases the risk that your wound may worsen if left untreated. The first step you should take is to visit the emergency room at your local hospital.
Secure Medical Treatment for Your Dog Bite Injuries
Getting treated makes it easy to prove your injuries were due to a dog’s bite rather than something else. Do not avoid seeking medical attention if you do not have health insurance, as the dog owner’s coverage would likely cover the cost of your medical bills. Medical practitioners can determine the total costs that you will incur (currently and in the future).
Consider Retaining a Coteau Holmes Lawyer Taking Dog Bite Cases
After seeking medical attention, you could retain our lawyers. We will help you begin preparing your claim against the liable party and:
- Help you prove you did not provoke the dog before their attack
- Gather evidence
- Detail and document evidence showing the severity of your injuries
- Reach out to witnesses and collect their statements
Your lawyer can contact the dog owner and begin negotiations to get you compensated as soon as possible. The dog owner might refuse to meet your demands. At this point, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
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 | ClientDamages You Could Recover for Your Dog Bite-Related Losses
Economic and non-economic damages are the categories of damages you could recover if you have suffered a dog attack or bite.
Economic Losses You Might Face After a Dog Bite
Medical expenses are the primary type of economic damages you could recover. The medical expenses you can get compensated for are:
- Hospital or doctor’s visits
- Cost of medication
- Cost of physical therapy and any medical device you may need
- Cost of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery
- Wages you lose due to your recovery
- The money you expected to earn, but no longer can collect, because of your injuries
Non-Economic Losses You Might Face After a Dog Bite
The non-economic damages you could recover will consider your pain and suffering and mental anguish. The nature of non-economic damages changes if the injured party succumbs to their injuries.
A wrongful death lawyer can help you determine the worth of your claim. The damages the immediate family, such as the surviving spouse or parents, can recover in a wrongful death claim includes:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Burial and funeral costs
The damages you can recover will help you recover financially from any incurred costs from your injuries. Avoid negotiating or communicating directly with the liable party. The responsible party’s insurer may make a poor offer and sound great if you do not have legal representation.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow You Can Afford a Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Case
Contingency fees allow us to represent our clients free of any upfront charges. Thus, you do not need to think about how you will afford your dog bite lawyer. Our attorneys will work on your Coteau Holmes claim and use every legal avenue available to help you get compensated.
The contingency-fee policy we operate on means that our law firm only recovers any legal fees if we help you recover compensation.
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.
ClientDog Bite Victims Must File Lawsuits Within a Specific Timeline
You have a limited window to file a dog bite lawsuit under Louisiana’s statute of limitations imposed by LA Civ Code Art. 3492. The time limit for personal injury lawsuits is one year. Thus, the best time to speak with your dog bite lawyer is immediately after you have suffered injuries.
We will help you pursue damages against the responsible party without missing the deadline. Your attorney can help you understand if your case meets the criteria for tolling the statute of limitations. This may help you pursue damages even if the period has ended.
Call a Legal Team Serving Dog Bite Victims in Coteau Holmes Today
Our lawyers will begin the process of gathering evidence to support your claim immediately after you have hired us. Our attorneys will negotiate with the liable party or take them to court if it helps you get fairly compensated.
Talk to a Coteau Holmes dog bite legal team by calling Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today.
