If a dog bite in Iota results from the owner’s recklessness, the law is on your side. You can file a claim or lawsuit against the dog owner to recover damages.
Our Iota dog bite lawyers can take care of the legal proceedings. Hiring your lawyer can be helpful. Keep reading to learn about dog bite laws in Louisiana and how hiring an Iota dog bite lawyer can be beneficial.
When To Take Legal Action for a Dog Bite in Iota
Dog bites can be so severe that they injure your bones and muscles. Other severe possible injuries from a dog bite include tetanus and rabies. Tetanus can affect your respiratory system and cause pain. Rabies can eventually cause death. Such serious impacts of a dog bite often come with high medical bills and lost income.
Thus, it may be worthwhile to take legal action to recover damages for such costs. But, even when the dog bite causes minor physical injuries, it can leave you with serious psychological impacts. For example, you might develop anxiety when you think about going outside and encountering a dog. Thus, you could file for compensation for the medical costs and psychological trauma you sustained.
Plus, there is a two-year deadline to file a lawsuit for the dog bite in Louisiana imposed by Louisiana Civ Code Art. 3492. If this time limit lapses, there is an increased chance that the court will dismiss your case. Your personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit whenever you choose to take the step.
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.
ClientWhat the Law Says About Liability for a Dog Bite in Louisiana
The laws governing dog bites in Louisiana aim to protect those who suffer animal attacks because of carelessness by the owner. According to Louisiana Civ Code Art. 2321, the owner of the dog that bit you is responsible for paying for the damages caused by their pet.
But, to get compensation, certain factors must be true. The first is that the owner knew or should have had knowledge that the dog’s behavior would lead to harm. The second is that the defendant could have prevented the damage had they demonstrated reasonable care.
The third condition is that the defendant did not demonstrate said reasonable care. The last condition is that the damage to the injured individual must not have resulted from their provocation of the dog. Your lawyer can explain these laws in more detail to help you understand them.
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 | ClientUnderstanding the Damages You Could Recover After a Dog Bite
A major portion of the compensation sought for dog bites is used to cover medical costs. Treatment expenses may include doctor’s fees, the cost of medication, and physical therapy. Sometimes, you might need reconstructive surgery if the bite is severe. This will be covered in damages for medical costs.
Your dog bite lawyer can ensure that you include current and future medical costs as you seek compensation. As you take time to recover, you may lose out on income from your job in Iota. So, you can pursue compensation for these lost wages. There are non-economic damages that you could recover for a dog bite in Iota. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental distress (e.g. anxiety and PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your dog bite attorney can valuate your losses to help you determine the damages you could claim. They can also help you estimate the value of your dog bite claim.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientGetting a Settlement From the Insurance Company
Once you file a case against the dog owner for your injuries and resulting damages, their insurer will likely be responsible for covering the costs. Only when your compensation goes beyond the defendant’s policy will they have to cover the costs.
The insurance company might not make it easy for you to recover a fair settlement. This is because their main concern is maintaining profitability by paying as little as possible for claims. To achieve their goal, the insurer might use some tactics to deny or devalue your claim.
Your lawyer can protect your interests by dealing with the insurance company. They can hold negotiations with the insurer to get a favorable settlement.
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.
ClientYour Dog Attack Lawyer Can Prove Your Case To Secure Compensation
Presenting strong evidence can help prove your case and secure compensation. Your dog bite lawyer can collect evidence to support your claims and recover damages. Some of the evidence they can collect includes witness statements, reports on the attack, and medical records.
After carrying out investigations, they can use that evidence to determine who was at fault.
Obtaining Legal Help for Your Iota Dog Bite Case
Hiring a dog bite lawyer is beneficial in many ways. The most significant benefit may be that lawyers safeguard your right to compensation. They do this by defending your claims with the insurer or in court. If a settlement agreement proves impossible, you can sue for your dog bite injuries.
You can obtain such benefits at no cost when you work with us until we settle your claim. This payment structure is called the contingency-fee arrangement. Our team has years of experience helping injured Louisiana residents. Allow us to utilize our network of resources, knowledge, and well-staffed firm to your benefit.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Can Fight for Your Dog Bite Damages
The law allows you to hold a dog owner responsible for the injuries their dog caused. We can help you navigate the complex process involved in getting compensation. Reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for legal assistance. We can discuss how our lawyers can tackle your dog bite case and lend a hand to your Iota family. Our team can’t get started until we hear from you, so reach out today.
