Unfortunate and uncertain incidents like dog bites can be troublesome. Whether a dog bites another person or another dog, dog bites can cause serious injuries and leave lasting emotional scars. If a dog in Utah has bitten you or a loved one, you must recognize your rights and seek the help of a skilled Orem dog bite lawyer.
Understanding the role of the dog’s owner is crucial, as their actions or negligence can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
Good Guys Injury Law is committed to helping dog bite victims recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical costs, and emotional trauma. Our legal team is here to facilitate your legal process and ensure you get fair compensation.
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Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can end in many injuries, from minor puncture wounds to serious infections and broken bones. In some cases, dog bite victims may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other forms of emotional trauma.
The physical and emotional pain of a dog bite can be devastating. You should get medical attention after an animal attack.
Victims of dog bites often face significant injuries that require extensive medical treatment. These injuries can include:
- Puncture wounds could become infected if not properly treated.
- The force of the dog’s bite results in broken bones.
- Serious infections such as rabies or other diseases are transmitted through the dog’s saliva.
- Emotional scars and PTSD result from the trauma of the dog attack.
If a dog has bitten you, document your injuries with medical records and follow up with a medical professional to ensure proper care. Your dog bite injury claim will rely on the documentation of your medical expenses and the extent of your injuries.
Utah’s Dog Bite Laws
The relevant statute that governs dog bites in Utah is Utah Code § 18-1-1.
Utah’s dog bite laws are particularly stringent, as the state adheres to a strict liability rule for dog bites. The strict rule means that dog owners are liable for any injuries their dogs cause, no matter if the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior or whether the owner was negligent in controlling the dog.
Liability of Dog Owners
Under Utah Code § 18-1-1, the law establishes that if a dog causes injury, the pet owner is liable for the damages, even if the dog has never bitten anyone or shown any signs of aggression.
Proving the dog’s owner and their actions or negligence is critical for victims seeking compensation under this statute.
The key aspect of this statute is that it eliminates the need for the victim to show that the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a predisposition for violence. The simple fact that the dog caused the injury is sufficient to hold the owner accountable.
Exceptions to Strict Liability
While Utah’s strict liability statute is comprehensive, there are certain exceptions where the dog owner may not be held liable:
- Provocation: The owner is not necessarily liable if the dog bite happened because of the victim’s provocation. Provocation can include teasing, hitting, or otherwise tormenting the dog.
- Trespassing: If the dog bite victim was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the incident, the owner might not be liable. The law typically protects dog owners from liability if their dog bites someone who is unlawfully on their property.
- Government or military dogs: Under this statute, dogs owned by the military or law enforcement that were carrying out official duties at the time of the bite are typically exempt from strict liability.
Why You Need an Orem Dog Bite Lawyer
If one or more dogs attacked you, you are entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
However, dealing with insurance companies and going after a dog bite lawsuit can be astounding, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries. That’s where an Orem dog bite lawyer comes in.
Good Guys Injury Law has a team of experienced dog bite attorneys who are experts at helping you recover the compensation you deserve. We know the dog bite victims’ difficulties and are here to fight for your rights.
Our legal team will handle your dog bite case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
The Legal Process for Dog Bite Cases
The first step in pursuing a dog bite claim is to seek a free consultation with a skilled dog bite attorney. During this consultation, we will review the specifics of your case and help you know your legal options. If you decide to proceed with your claim, our legal team will gather evidence to support your case.
Evidence in dog bite cases may include:
- Medical records documenting your injuries and medical treatment.
- Photos of your injuries and the dog owner’s property where the attack occurred.
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the dog’s attack.
- Records of any previous complaints against the dog or its owner.
Once we have gathered the relevant evidence, we will file a dog bite injury claim on your behalf. The claim will have a detailed account of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages you have suffered due to the dog attack. We aim to help you gain fair compensation for your current and future losses.
Sometimes, we can settle your claim out of court by negotiating with the insurance company. However, we will take your case to court if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will strive to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites in Utah may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: They include the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing care you may need due to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries do not allow you to work, you are entitled to compensation for your lost income. It also includes any future earnings you may miss out on.
- Pain and Suffering: Dog bite victims could be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain endured as a result of the attack.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, the court could grant punitive damages to punish the dog owner for negligence or recklessness.
Our Utah dog bite lawyers commit to helping you regain compensation for all the damages you have suffered. We know the effect a dog bite injury can have on your life. Let our law firm help you get back on your feet.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If a dog has bitten you, take the following steps to protect your rights:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem small, see a medical professional to assess them and prevent serious infections.
2. Document Your Injuries
Take pictures of your injuries and keep a record of your medical treatment. This documentation will be important for your dog bite injury claim.
3. Report the Attack
Contact local authorities or animal control to report the dog attack. Reporting the attack can help prevent future attacks and may provide valuable evidence for your case.
4. Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
A lawyer can help you handle the legalities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Good Guys Injury Law Can Help
At Good Guys Injury Law, we know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take on your life. Our team of experienced Utah dog bite attorneys is here to support you every step of the way. We provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case and help you know your legal options.
We are dedicated to providing personalized legal advice to each of our clients. We aim to help you recover your payback to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We know every dog bite case is unique, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Do not hesitate to contact Good Guys Injury Law if a dog bites you in Orem or elsewhere in Utah. Our experienced dog bite attorneys can help you seek fair compensation and hold the dog’s owner accountable.
We are familiar with the challenges that dog bite victims face, and we’re here to assist you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
Contact Good Guys Injury Law for a Dog Bite Injury Defense
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Good Guys Injury Law, we are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve and ensure that justice is served. Whether you are dealing with medical costs, lost wages, or emotional trauma, our experienced dog bite attorneys are here to support you.
Contact us for a free-of-charge consultation and take the first step to recovering the compensation you deserve. With our help, you can focus on healing while we care for the legal process. Let a Utah dog bite lawyer help you move forward after a dog attack.