If a dog attack happened because of the dog owner’s negligence, you have a right to recover compensation. Compensation can cover damages such as treatment costs, scarring, and disfigurement.
But, claiming damages from the other party is not always a smooth process. The dog owner’s insurance provider may attempt to deny your claims. But, you can get help with financial recovery from a Grand Coteau dog bite lawyer. We understand all the different aspects of a dog bite case.
Your Legal Rights Following a Dog Bite in Grand Coteau
According to LA Civ Code Art. 2321, the dog owner whose animal bit you is responsible for the damages. But a couple of things will have to be proven if you are to hold the owner responsible. The first is that the dog owner knew or should have known the dog’s behavior is dangerous.
Then, you (or your personal injury lawyer) must also have to prove that the owner had the chance to prevent the damages by practicing reasonable care. You must also show that they did not practice said due care. For example, if the owner did not appropriately supervise their pet. To hold the dog owner responsible, you must not have provoked the dog.
Many dog bite victims are usually attacked by a dog they know. It might be a neighbor’s or friend’s dog. Thus, you may be reluctant to pursue financial recovery. But, you should know that your claim won’t be against the dog owner. Instead, it will be against their insurance provider under the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy.
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Illnesses Caused by Dog Bites That Could Qualify for Damages
Whether a dog bite is minor or severe, it can have repercussions on your physical and mental health. One of the most common physical impacts is an infection of your wound. Some of the more severe infections caused by a dog bite include rabies and tetanus.
Rabies is a viral infection that, when left untreated, progresses to the central nervous system and affects your brain and spinal cord. Rabies can even result in fatalities. Dog bite injuries may also lead to permanent disability.
When children suffer dog bite injuries, it can have serious consequences. This is because dog bites in children often occur on their necks and heads. Dog bites can also have mental health impacts such as anxiety and PTSD. You could recover damages for your physical injuries and emotional losses. Our lawyers can pursue these damages for you.
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How Our Grand Coteau Lawyers Can Help With Your Dog Bite Case
You can reap many benefits by hiring our Grand Coteau lawyers. We can show that the dog owner acted negligently, leading to the attack and your injuries. To prove negligence, we will investigate to gather quality evidence.
Your lawyer can find evidence of previous attacks by the dog. Records by the local animal control might contain information on a prior incident. Your attorney can also talk to eyewitnesses and get their statements.
Apart from investigating your case, your lawyer can also:
- Review your case
- Get the help of experts to build your case
- Provide answers to any of your questions
- Help you understand the laws around dog bites in Louisiana
- Have your best interest at heart when fighting for your rights
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Damages Available in a Grand Coteau Dog Bite Claim
Your lawyer can analyze your case and explain which damages you can recover. Generally, you can claim economic and non-economic damages in a dog bite case.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses – Covers the cost of medical care for your dog bite injury
- Lost income – Covers what you lose in wages when you have to stay home from work to recover
- Lost earning potential – Covers the income you lose if you cannot work in the same capacity in the future due to your injuries.
Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible losses resulting from your injuries. You can recover damages for scarring and disfigurement, and emotional anguish. Pain and suffering are also covered under non-economic damages.
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What to Do After Suffering a Dog Bite in Grand Coteau
Following a dog bite, you must gather as much information as possible about the canine’s owner. This might include their contact and insurance information. Also, take note of the dog’s identifying features, such as its breed and size. This will help your claim for financial recovery.
Take photos and/or videos of the scene of the attack, the dog, and your injuries. These will help prove your claims. Then, seek medical care as soon as possible to prevent the risk of complications from the bite. A doctor will note the severity of your injuries in a report, which will help during investigations.
Report the attack to the police or animal control. The official report will help build your case. After you have done all the above, you could seek the help of a dog bite lawyer in Grand Coteau. We can work on obtaining compensation for you.
Time Limits Can Affect Your Dog Bite Lawsuit in Louisiana
Did you know that Louisiana’s laws place a time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit? Under LA Civ Code Art. 3492, this time limit is one year from the day of the incident.
If you fail to observe the one-year limit, you risk losing your chance of obtaining compensation. When you hire our dog bite attorneys, they will work on your case to make sure you meet the one-year deadline.
Consult a Grand Coteau Dog Bite Legal Firm Today
Dog bites are painful, create high medical bills, and cause psychological anguish. We can help you bring a claim or lawsuit against the dog owner to obtain the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our team today.
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