Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite injuries can be disfiguring and lead to serious complications.

If you or your child suffered a severe dog bite injury, please get in touch with our experienced Lafayette dog bite lawyers today. A qualified personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Choosing a Lafayette personal injury lawyer from our firm will help even the playing field when negotiating a settlement with the dog owner or their insurance company. An experienced attorney can help determine your claim’s full value and handle all insurance negotiations and court proceedings on your behalf.

$1 Billion+

Recovered for Louisianians

25+ Attorneys

Collaboration on every case

350+ Years

Combined years of experience

1,700+ Reviews

4.9 Google Rating

Financial Compensation After a Dog Bite Is Based on the Damages You Suffered

Our team determines the fairness of a settlement offer by calculating your total damages. After a dog bite incident, you may receive compensation for multiple economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

Your economic losses may include the following:

Medical expenses
Property damage
Income loss
Reduced earning potential
Travel expenses for doctor’s appointments

Non-Economic Damages

We can also include any non-economic damages you suffered and assign a monetary value to them. These damages may include the following:

Pain and suffering
Emotional anguish
Psychological trauma
Physical disfigurement, such as scarring
Permanent disability

Future Damages

We work with experts to help us understand any related future damages you could face, such as additional medical treatment or ongoing care and support costs.

For example, dog bite victims may require plastic surgery to improve their appearance and increase the functionality of scarred skin. These procedures may not occur immediately after the attack, but your settlement should cover the costs.

If you have lost a loved one because of a dog attack, we will also include damages related to their wrongful death. These damages can include costs for funeral services, loss of society and companionship, loss of financial support, and pain and suffering experienced by the victim and their surviving family.

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Why You Should Consider Hiring a Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyer for Your Case

Our legal team regularly handles dog bite injury cases. When you work with us, we’ll take care to explain the nature of your case, including:

Laws that might affect your case
Who might be held liable for your damages
The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit for your dog bite injuries

Our personal injury attorneys have over 350 years of combined experience representing victims in personal injury cases, including dog bite and attack claims. We work based on a contingency fee, never charging upfront retainers or hourly fees. We only get paid from the compensation we recover on our client’s behalf. Also, our initial consultation is always free.

Liability for Dog Bites

Under CC Art. 2321, dog owners are liable for any damages their pet causes with the stipulation that they knew or should have known that their dog would cause harm. In situations where the owner could have prevented injury and harm by exercising reasonable care and the victim did not provoke the dog, the owner could be liable for the victim’s damages. For example, suppose an individual is at a park, and someone else’s dog suddenly attacks them. The victim and their Lafayette personal injury lawyer could argue that the dog’s owner was negligent for not controlling the dog. They might be liable for even bringing it to the park if it had a known history of bad behavior.

File Your Dog Attack Lawsuit Within the State Deadline

Healing from a dog bite injury can take months or even years. Victims should focus on recovering from their wounds but must also understand that lawsuits are subject to strict filing deadlines.

If plaintiffs do not comply with the deadline for filing their case, they may lose the right to seek compensation. Under CC 3493.1, dog bite victims and other accident victims have two years from their injury to take legal action against the dog’s owner.

Contacting Our Personal Injury Law Firm

Hiring a dog bite lawyer in Lafayette could help potential plaintiffs file their cases before the prescriptive period expires. We understand that you may not know your prognosis or the full cost of your treatment yet, but we want to hear from you now.

It may be possible to investigate what happened and gather the evidence before you reach maximum medical recovery. Your Lafayette dog bite lawyer will not file your personal injury claim and begin settlement negotiations until we understand the value of your economic, intangible, and future damages.

We Aim To Hold Pet Owners Liable for Their Pets’ Actions

Louisiana law states that to prove the dog owner could have prevented the injuries the dog caused, the plaintiff must show the dog presented an unreasonable risk of harm. In most cases, this requires proving that the owner knew the dog had a history of vicious, threatening, or otherwise dangerous behavior. This is sometimes called the “one-bite rule” because dogs can bite one person without consequences, and the owner is only liable for additional incidents. It can be challenging to prove these cases, which could occur at an off-leash dog park, on the owner’s property, or in other locations.

Preventing Dogs from Running Loose

Because of a Lafayette City-Parish law that prevents dogs from “running at large,” the owner might be found negligent regardless of their pet’s past behavior. Owners must keep their pets leashed, contained, or under “voice control” at all times, depending on the setting. Negligence occurs if:

The dog’s owner has a duty to keep their dog under control to protect their pet and others.
They fail to do so, allowing their pet to roam.
The dog bites another party because it is not under the owner’s control.
That party suffers physical and emotional injuries, as well as financial losses.

Dog Attack Injuries

A dog owner can be liable for injuries an out-of-control dog may cause, including puncture wounds, torn skin, and other soft tissue injuries.

For example, suppose a dog attacked someone because it was not under the owner’s control, and the victim fell, leading to a concussion or bone fracture. In that case, the owner may be liable for these injuries because they should have restrained the dog. In most cases, liability for the pet’s actions lies with the owner. Owners are usually held responsible for the consequences when they fail to prevent their pets from harming someone. Our Lafayette dog attack lawyers know how to develop these arguments and get maximum compensation for victims.

Dog Bites & How We Can Help

When Might Lafayette Dog Owners Escape Liability?

Dog owners may be able to avoid liability for the injuries their dog causes in some situations. Some of these may include instances of trespassing and provocation.

Trespassing

Suppose the injured victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or committing a crime at the time of the incident. In that case, the victim may find it more difficult to go after the dog’s owner for their damages.

Dog owners must protect invited guests and patrons from their dogs when on their property. However, if you were trespassing, the dog’s owner has no obligation to protect you from their pet.

Provocation

Provocation is a common defense in dog bite claims. If an injury victim provoked a dog to bite, they could find it more difficult or impossible to win a civil claim against the dog’s owner. Some examples of actions that may be considered provocation include:

Hitting, kicking, or punching the dog
Throwing objects at the animal
Screaming or yelling at the dog
Acting aggressively toward the dog

Claims

Establishing Liability

Filing A Claim

What To Expect

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Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Shared Fault in Dog Bite Cases

Although the dog owner is ultimately responsible for their pet’s actions, the dog owner likely won’t be liable for all damages if the plaintiff provoked their dog into aggressive or violent behavior. This is considered a** shared fault**. Sharing fault in a Lafayette dog bite case is fairly common.

Louisiana operates under a pure comparative negligence system (CC Art. 2323 ); therefore, sharing fault will not bar you from financial recovery. However, you may be limited in the amount of compensation you receive. If you share liability, your injury settlement will be reduced to account for your portion of the fault.

Example of Comparative Negligence

For example, if you were throwing things at the dog before the attack, the judge might find you 25% responsible for causing your injuries. If the court awarded you $250,000 in damages, your settlement would be lowered by 25%, leaving you with an overall injury settlement of $187,500.

This is just one example of how Louisiana’s comparative negligence laws could influence the outcome of your case. These laws are known for being complicated. Make sure you understand the implications of the state’s shared fault laws on your case. Find out more by contacting your Lafayette dog bite attorney to discuss the specific details of the incident.

What To Expect From Your Dog Attack Insurance Claim

The insurance company may fight back when you file a claim for a dog bite. The insurer doesn’t want to lose money by paying your claim, so they may look for opportunities to reduce their financial liability.

Protect your compensation by allowing an experienced attorney to build a strong case and use the evidence to negotiate with the insurer.

Start Working With a Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyer Today

You shouldn’t have to pay for injuries caused by someone else’s dog. Instead, you can pursue a monetary compensation claim against the negligent pet owner if their animal bit or injures you. We can assess your case and discuss your legal options for free.

Call us today or complete our online contact form to start working with a Lafayette dog bite lawyer from Laborde Earles.

Our Legal Team We fight for our own.

Meet Our Team

Digger Earles

Founding Partner

Hunter, fisherman, and aggressive trial attorney, most recently securing a historic $5 million bad faith excess verdict.

Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

David Laborde

Founding Partner

In addition to owning a ranch and hunting on the weekends, David is recognized as a top trial lawyer in Louisiana, most recently winning a $7.2 million settlement.

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Multi–Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Alexis Davis

Attorney

Personal injury attorney at Laborde Earles, Alexis combines award-winning legal writing with diligent advocacy, focusing on protecting clients’ interests throughout Louisiana.

Best Case Note
Law Review award winner

Aaron Bergeron

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Aaron Bergeron brings a client-first approach shaped by courtroom and judicial experience.

Law Clerk, 27th Judicial District Court
Graduated cum laude, Southern University Law Center

Ben Alexander

Attorney

Litigation attorney Ben leverages years of experience defending catastrophic, maritime, and insurance cases, including those involving the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Deepwater Horizon MDL
Rising Star 2013–2018
Top 100 honoree

Cade Melancon

Attorney

Cade brings judicial and court experience, as well as catastrophic injury litigation skills developed from pre-suit preparation through trial support and appeals.

Federal court internship
District staff attorney

Carolina De La Pena Rogers

Attorney

Carolina represents motor-vehicle crash victims, applying nationwide immigration litigation experience with a proactive strategy, clear communication, and client-focused guidance.

Spanish speaker
Immigration courts admitted
Louisiana Association for Justice

Daniel Snellings

Attorney

With more than 30 years in complex litigation, Daniel represents injured victims in auto, maritime, product liability, toxic tort, and class matters.

Martindale-Hubbell rated
Best Maritime Attorneys 2022
NITA skills certificate

David Charles Laborde Jr.

Attorney

DC handles diverse injury matters, using prior insurance-defense and entertainment-law experience to anticipate tactics, strengthen claims, and guide clients through every step.

Former defense attorney
Louisiana Bar admitted
Tulane football letterman

Derek B. Hebert

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Derek Hebert takes a proactive, detail-driven approach, building cases early to apply pressure and pursue strong results.

Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship Recipient
Certificate in Civil Law Studies

Frances Gossen O'Neal

Attorney

Fran is an experienced litigator with strong research roots, clerkship experience, and broad court admissions, providing thoughtful, steady representation for injured clients.

23rd JDC clerkships
LSU Law J.D.

Jeanne Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Jeanne has spent decades guiding clients through treatment, billing, and insurance issues with diligence, clarity, and compassion.

Bilingual English/Spanish
20+ years serving clients

Jennifer Coussan

Attorney

Lafayette native Jennifer brings sharp judicial perspective from federal and appellate clerkships, strengthening litigation strategy, motion practice, and outcomes for clients.

Federal law clerk
Third Circuit attorney

Jonathan Chatwin

Attorney

Jonathan focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury, combining accounting training and Army service with practical, disciplined advocacy for Louisiana clients daily.

U.S. Army veteran
Fifth Circuit admitted

Kade Stutes

Attorney

Storm claim attorney Kade serves Acadiana homeowners with local roots, judicial-clerkship experience, and a steady, responsive approach to complex insurance disputes.

27th JDC judicial clerk
Society VP
Louisiana Bar 2023

Kelby Rasmussen

Attorney

Kelby practices personal injury law, drawing on courtroom insight from district-judge clerkships, to provide clear answers and steady guidance to clients following serious accidents.

36th JDC law clerk
LAJ member

Kristen Broussard Guidry

Attorney

Kristen brings more than 25 years of experience and deep insurance-defense insight, now using industry knowledge to zealously advocate for injury clients.

Top 15% LSU
Outstanding Young Lawyer
Past YLA President

Mary Cryar

Attorney

Mary turns two decades of insurance and injury defense experience into advocacy for people facing serious injuries or denied insurance claims today.

NITA instructor
Taught LSU trial advocacy
Multi-state bar admissions

Nicholas R. Rockforte

Attorney

Nicholas represents clients in injury, complex litigation, and class actions, bringing a first-in-class mindset and underdog focus to every case for clients.

Top 40 Under 40
Levee counsel

Paul Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Paul Laborde brings a thorough, disciplined approach shaped by strong legal training and a deep respect for the profession.

LSU Law Graduate
Judicial & Legislative Experience

Robert (“Rob”) Marionneaux Jr

Attorney

Trial lawyer Rob focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death, delivering proven courtroom results while supporting families through life-changing tragedies today.

$20.6M verdict
Million Dollar Advocates
Hall of Fame inductee

Ryan Saunders

Attorney

Ryan brings first-responder experience and trial-driven precision to complex matters, dedicated to helping clients who need a prepared, strategic advocate always today.

First responder 10+ years
Felony defense
Patent bar passed

Scott Higgins

Attorney

Scott is a seasoned injury litigator handling wrongful death, maritime, and complex multi-party cases, valuing client relationships as much as results always.

AV Preeminent rated
Licensed in Louisiana/Texas

Shawn Bordelon

Attorney

Shawn is a personal injury litigator with defense-side insight, representing clients through trial and appeals, including matters that reach the Louisiana Supreme Court level.

Former defense counsel
Louisiana Supreme Court experience

Victor Rushing

Attorney

Victor is a pre-litigation attorney who guides injured clients through early case strategy, providing clear communication and responsive, detail-oriented representation.

Western District admitted
Knights of Columbus

Wesley Elmer

Attorney

Wesley evaluates claims from both sides, helping clients understand strengths and risks while pursuing fair outcomes in personal injury matters statewide fully.

Dual-perspective counsel
Fifth Circuit admitted
Former parish bar president

Will Casanova

Attorney

Will devotes his practice to Louisiana workers’ compensation, providing injured workers with steady, informed guidance to navigate benefits, treatment, and claims.

Past Acadia Bar President
Southern graduate

Amit Gulati

Attorney

Attorney Amit Gulati brings courtroom-tested advocacy and a trial-first mindset to personal injury and criminal defense cases.

Former Orleans Public Defenders Attorney
Extensive Felony Trial Experience

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