Dog bites and attacks can turn victims’ lives upside down. If you or your child was attacked and suffered serious injuries, you may be anxious to hold the dog’s owner accountable.
You can seek compensation to cover your costs and move forward with your life by pursuing an insurance or civil claim against those responsible for your injuries. Schedule your free consultation today and learn how an Erath dog bite lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help with your case.
Injuries from a Dog Bite in Erath
Many dog bite victims are concerned their injuries may not be severe enough to warrant filing a dog bite lawsuit. However, if your dog bite injuries have substantially impacted your life, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
The type of injury you are diagnosed with will not be the deciding factor when analyzing your right to financial compensation. Instead, what matters is how your injuries have affected your life. Although not a complete list of possible injuries, dog bite victims may experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Organ failure
- Internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions
If you have suffered another injury not listed above, you may still have grounds for a claim. The best way to learn what legal options are available is to contact our office to discuss your case’s details.
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.
ClientWhen to File a Claim for an Erath Dog Bite
Filing a dog bite claim can seem intimidating. You may be unsure whether you have the right to move forward with a case. You know your injuries have been difficult to deal with, but is that all it takes to file a lawsuit?
Unfortunately, no. Your attorney will need to prove that another party’s negligence or misconduct caused your injuries for your personal injury claim to be successful.
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 | ClientLouisiana Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws vary by state. Louisiana has a “one bite rule.” According to CC Art. 2321, a dog’s owner is only responsible for any injuries their animal causes if they knew or reasonably should have known their dog could cause such damages.
In other words, if the dog previously bit or attacked someone else, that is adequate evidence that the dog is capable of vicious behavior. Therefore, the dog’s owner is responsible for restraining or controlling the dog and preventing it from attacking again.
Owners of dangerous dogs (as defined in RS 14:102.14) are expected to maintain control of their pets at all times. Failure to do so is considered negligence and could result in liability.
Potential Exceptions to Liability
Although dog owners are generally liable for their pet’s behavior, they may be able to escape liability in some situations. For example, if someone trespasses on a dog owner’s property and the dog attacks, the owner may not be liable for injuries.
Similarly, anyone who provokes a dog into attacking them may not be able to hold the dog’s owner liable for their injuries and other losses. Some examples of behaviors that may be considered provoking include:
- Kicking, hitting, or otherwise physically harming the dog before the attack
- Yelling, taunting, or similar behaviors that intimidated the dog before the attack
How to Prove Liability in Erath Dog Bites
Your Erath dog bite attorney must prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence. This means your attorney will need to introduce compelling evidence to support your case. Some of the types of evidence your lawyer may use to prove fault include:
- Records of the dog’s previous vicious behavior
- Video of the incident
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the incident scene
- Veterinarian records
- Witness statements
Don’t worry about gathering this evidence on your own; let our firm help you during this difficult time.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat to Expect From Your Insurance Claim in a Dog Bite Case
Many dog owners have homeowner’s insurance, renters insurance, general liability insurance, or another insurance policy covering animal attacks. When their dog bites, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance company to recover your damages.
However, an insurance policy may not cover all of your expenses. Your injuries and losses may require more than the policy covers or more than an insurer is willing to cover. Some dog owners may not even have a policy that covers dog bites.
Even if an applicable policy exists, the insurance company must only pay damages up to the policy limits. Dog bite victims may have long-term or permanent injuries that require extensive (and expensive) medical care. Fortunately, you may be able to file a dog bite lawsuit to recover your remaining losses.
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.
ClientCompensation for Erath Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims in Erath have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses sustained in a dog bite accident, including both economic and non-economic damages. We can help you pursue damages like:
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished earning capacity and lost income
- Medical expenses and equipment fees
- Disfigurement, skin scarring, and dismemberment
You may have additional losses, and we can fight for those, too. Determining the cost of your losses, especially the intangible losses, can be difficult to do on your own. Your Erath dog bite attorney can handle this task while you focus on recovering.
Get Help From a Dog Bite Lawyer in Erath
If you are ready to take legal action against the dog’s owner, but you do not know how to get started with your case, reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers.
Our firm proudly offers no-cost, risk-free consultations to dog bite victims across Erath and nearby cities. Claim yours by filling out our online contact form or calling our office. We can answer your questions and explain how an Erath dog bite lawyer from our team can help you with your case.
