Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pet does not harm others, whether on their property or in public. If a dog bites you because the owner was reckless, you could recover compensation. You will have to file a claim against them to recover damages.
Various elements are involved in filing a dog bite claim on Jefferson Island. Thus, handling the process alone may be difficult. Our Jefferson Island dog bite lawyers can represent your case to help you recover the damages you need.
Risks Posed by a Dog Bite From a Dog in Henry
Dog bites are common all around the world and can have severe health and emotional consequences. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million individuals suffer dog bites annually in America. Out of this number, approximately 30,000 require reconstruction to fix the damage. Some victims develop infections following a severe dog bite. Though rare, you can get tetanus from the bite.
A bacterial infection can lead to pain and trouble breathing. You might also get rabies from the bite. A viral infection that affects the brain can lead to fatalities if you do not get medical care. Dog bites can also cause injuries to your muscles and bones. If your child gets bitten by a dog, the outcome will likely be more severe than if the adult was the victim.
That is because, in children, dog bites are often to the head and neck. Apart from physical impacts, dog bites can affect you emotionally. Victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You could recover compensation for the medical bills and pain and suffering that results from dog bites. Your personal injury lawyer can help you present a strong case to recover damages.
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How Louisiana’s Laws Protect You After a Dog Bite
The law in Louisiana on dog bites places responsibility for the harm caused by the animal on the owner. Thus, as a dog bite victim, you can seek compensation from the owner. Louisiana Civ Code Art. 2321 outlines what the law says about dog bites in the state.
The statute provides circumstances under which the dog’s owner can be held responsible for the harm caused by their pet. These circumstances are:
- If the owner of the dog knew or should have been aware that their pet would cause harm
- If the damage could have been prevented had the owner exercised reasonable care
- If the owner did not carry out reasonable care to avoid the harm
- If the injured party did not provoke the dog
Our dog bite lawyers understand Louisiana laws. So, if you have questions about how the law applies to your specific case, our attorneys serving Jefferson Island could provide answers.
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Protect Your Chance to Recover Damages After a Dog Bite
You can take some steps to protect your ability to get compensation after a dog bite.
Get Contact Information From All Involved Parties
Ask the dog owner for their contact information to help track them down at a later time.
If there are witnesses to the dog bite, also obtain their contact information. This will help in reaching them for a testimony. Statements by witnesses can help validate your claims and thus recover compensation.
Get As Much Evidence as Possible of the Dog Bite
Take photos and/or videos of the dog, the wound, and the scene where it happened. These will serve as evidence in the compensation process. You should also report the incident. The documentation can serve as a significant piece of evidence for your claims. Strong evidence plays a huge role in helping you recover damages.
Get Treatment for Your Dog Bite-Related Injuries
Be sure to seek medical care. As discussed above, dog bites can have severe physical impacts. The doctor will document your injuries, and this will help prove your case. You can then consult a dog bite attorney from Jefferson Island to provide guidance as you seek compensation.
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Dog Bites Cases in Louisiana Have a Time Limit
For all personal injury cases, plaintiffs usually have a prescribed time limit to bring legal action. This timeline, called the statute of limitations, is different across states.
Under Louisiana Civ Code Art. 3492, you generally have one year to pursue a lawsuit against the owner of the dog that bit you. The timeline begins on the date of the bite. If you do not honor this deadline and it passes, the court might throw your case out.
So, you could lose your chance to recover damages for the losses you endured. Our Jefferson Island legal team can make sure you do not miss such an important deadline.
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What a Jefferson Island Dog Bite Lawyer Can Do to Help Your Case
Your dog bite attorney can carry out extensive investigations into your case. This can help unearth crucial evidence to support your case and help you get compensation. An investigation may include:
- Reviewing photos and videos of the incident
- Assessing medical records
- Talking to witnesses
- Getting the opinion of experts
Most times, personal injury cases resolve by settling with the defendant’s insurer. Your dog bite attorney can negotiate with the insurer to help you get a favorable settlement. If attempts to settle fail, you could file a suit in a civil court. Your lawyer can help you file a civil suit while avoiding errors that can harm your case.
Securing Compensation After Your Dog Bite Injury
Damages in a dog bite case are not limited to monetary costs. You can also get compensation for the emotional costs of the dog bite injury.
Thus, damages in a Jefferson Island dog bite case include pain and suffering and lost wages during recovery. Compensation also includes mental distress such as PTSD from the incident and medical expenses.
This could include the cost of reconstruction procedures, physical therapy, and medication. Your attorney can examine your case details to determine which damages you can claim and their value.
Consult a Jefferson Island Dog Bite Firm Today
You could hold a negligent dog owner responsible for the injuries their dog inflicted on you. Our lawyers can handle the legal process for you as you focus on healing. Reach out to our Jefferson Island legal team today for guidance. You get a free consultation!
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