Salt Lake City Dog Bite Lawyer
Our lawyers at Handy & Handy, a law firm in Salt Lake City are dedicated to helping victims of dog bites and dog attacks. Our Salt Lake City dog bite attorney understands how serious these injuries are and the financial impact to victims and their families. Our goal is to help you and your family find the best road to recovery.
Dog and animal owners are responsible for injuries and damage caused by their pets. We will fight to help hold the dog owner accountable for the harm their pet caused. These cases often involve negotiating with the defendant’s insurance company, and if necessary, litigating the case in court to obtain the best possible outcome.
Dog Bite Resources
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How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit?
Alarming Statistics On Dog Bites
Why Choose Handy & Handy?
Our Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys only handle personal injury cases. This means we understand the time, energy, and cost associated with handling personal injury claims on behalf of our clients. We work for you against the dog owner, and our Salt Lake City dog bite lawyers will do whatever we can to help maximize the compensation in your case.
Our Results
We are committed to helping victims, and we have a track record of success in representing victims of dog bites in Utah. Our results obtained for our clients include:
- $162,000 dog bite to face around eye
- $135,300 dog bite to minor child resulting in permanent facial scarring
- $100,000 dog bite leaving facial laceration to child
Our Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys understand your life has dramatically changed after an accident. We will guide you through this process against the dog owners and the insurance company and help you explore all of your options to find a better way of life.
Client Testimonials
Not sold on us yet? Here’s what some of our proud clients have to say.
“Garrett and Jill were by far the most helpful, quick and kindest people that you want taking care of you and your case! Highly recommend Handy and Handy for all your cases!”
– Hunter Plott
“Preston and his firm were so professional and handled my situation with ease. I was very impressed with him and his team, it was a very smooth process. I would definitely recommend him and his firm to all!”
– Blake Whiting
Damages in Dog Bite Claims in Utah
Dog bites are serious injuries, with long-term impacts on the victim’s life, including disfiguring scars and soft tissue damage. In some cases, bite injuries become complicated by infection or tetanus. Facial bites may require corrective plastic surgery. Dog bite victims require serious medical care that quickly becomes expensive. A successful claim for damages in a dog bite claim recovers damages including compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses and future medical expenses associated with the injury
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other applicable non-economic damages like compensation for disfigurement, traumatic amputation, emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD
In most cases, the dog owner’s property insurance liability coverage pays out on damages from dog bites.
Learn About Your Options With A Free Consultation
Do not wait to contact our Salt Lake City dog bite lawyer after being injured in a dog attack. We are here to help you protect your rights and learn about your legal options to pursue financial recovery from the insurance company. Call our law firm today at (801) 264-6677 or contact us to arrange a free consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer For a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Salt Lake City?
A dog attack by vicious dogs and other dangerous animals can lead to severe injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and ugly scars. Dog owners who allow their pets to attack people need to be held accountable for their negligence.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Salt Lake City, you need an experienced Salt Lake City dog bite lawyer working for you. Utah dog bite laws are complex, and unless these cases are handled properly, you risk not recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Utah, it’s essential to be aware of the statute of limitations that governs such cases. In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bite injuries, is typically four years from the date of the incident. This means you have a limited timeframe to take legal action and seek compensation for your injuries.
It’s crucial to understand the significance of adhering to this deadline, as failing to file within the stipulated time can result in your case being barred from proceeding. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases can help ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations and that you have the best chance of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Alarming Statistics Surrounding Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries can have severe physical and emotional consequences for victims, and the statistics surrounding dog bites in Utah are concerning.
According to the CDC, there are 4.5 million people who are victims of dog bites in the United States. The majority of the victims suffering severe injuries are children, highlighting the vulnerability of young individuals to such incidents.
Furthermore, dog bite injuries can lead to infections, nerve damage, scarring, and even life-threatening complications. Understanding the gravity of these statistics emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent dog bites and seeking legal recourse if you or a loved one has been a victim of such an incident.
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect Dog Bite Cases?
Utah follows the legal principle of comparative negligence in personal injury cases, including dog bite injuries. Comparative negligence means that the court will consider the actions and responsibility of both the dog owner and the victim in determining liability and awarding damages.
In dog bite cases, comparative negligence can impact the amount of compensation the victim receives. For instance, if the court finds that the victim’s actions contributed to the incident (e.g., provoking the dog or trespassing), their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their level of fault.
It’s important to note that Utah adheres to a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, a victim can only recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the incident. If the court determines that the victim’s fault exceeds 50%, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Understanding how comparative negligence works in dog bite cases underscores the importance of gathering strong evidence and working with a skilled personal injury attorney who can advocate for your rights and ensure that your level of fault, if any, is accurately assessed.
What if a Dog Has No Previous History of Biting?
While there are a handful of states that allow dogs a single biting incident before holding the owner liable for damages—under the premise that an owner would have no way of knowing their dog is capable of attacking until after the first biting incident—Utah has a strict owner-liability law.
In Utah, a dog owner takes responsibility for their dog’s actions from the moment they buy or adopt the dog. The owner is liable for damages even if the dog had no history of biting and the owner had no way of knowing the dog might bite.
Are There Exceptions to Owner Liability in Utah Dog Bites?
While Utah has a strict liability law to hold dog owners accountable for damages, there are specific exceptions to the law. These include:
- When the dog-bite victim was engaging in a crime on the property
- If the dog is a trained police dog who bites a suspect in the process of committing a crime or fleeing from law enforcement
- If the bite victim was deliberately provoking or antagonizing the dog
While these are common exceptions to the dog-owner liability law in Utah, it’s important to note that Utah’s strict laws mean even a trespasser on the property would have a strong claim for damages if they weren’t in the process of a crime. Their compensation in this case may be minus their percentage of fault.
Courts never consider children to be trespassers, since dog owners should reasonably expect that children could enter their property and take measures to prevent injury, including from a dog bite. Also, because children don’t have an adult’s judgment, a dog owner is still liable for damages even if they believe the child provoked the dog.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Utah
Dogs may be man’s best friends, but they’re still animals. A dog’s sharp, jagged teeth and powerful jaws can cause significant damage in an attack. Common dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations (cuts)
- Punctures
- Bruises
- Avulsion (Tearing skin and muscle away from bones)
- Degloving (Skin pulled from hands)
- Broken bones
- Scalp injuries
- Eye injuries
- Facial disfigurement
- Head injuries
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputation
- Back and neck injuries (from falling to the ground during a dog attack)
Dog bites may have complications beyond the initial injuries. These include serious infections, tetanus, rabies, or the need for the victim to undergo a series of rabies shots. In some cases, disfiguring injuries from dog bites may require corrective plastic surgery.
Dog attacks also cause trauma and PTSD in many victims.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury in Salt Lake City
If you or a loved one is attacked by a dog and suffers an injury due to the negligence of dog owners, there are several things you should do. What you do immediately after the dog bite could have a huge impact on your medical, physical, and financial recovery.
Depending upon the severity of the dog bite attack and the resulting dog bite injuries, the most important steps you should take after a dog bite in Salt Lake City are as follows:
- Call 911 for immediate medical attention from your dog bite, and so an investigation can be commenced and a police report made.
- Make sure the police or dog warden is contacted, so the proper paperwork can be completed to document the attack and determine if the dog has received all of its shots, including the rabies vaccine.
- Clean the wound site immediately with antibacterial soap because infections can develop given the nature of the dog bite injury.
- Seek medical attention, especially when the skin has been broken.
- Determine who witnessed the attack and get their names, addresses, and contact information. Also, have them tell you what they saw.
- Start a photographic journal of all the issues that are important to the case. This includes taking photos of the wound or injury site right after the attack and how it progresses over time. Also, take photographs of any scars that develop as a result of the dog bite attack.
- Refrain from speaking with any insurance adjuster until you have consulted with a qualified attorney. You could say something to the insurance company that might harm your case.
- Contact an experienced Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer who has handled dog bite cases, so that they can explain to you the following:
- Your rights
- How dog bite cases are handled due to the negligence of a dog owner
- What you should and should not be doing
- How to handle the insurance company
- What types of monetary damages you might be entitled to receive as a result of your injuries
An experienced Salt Lake City dog bite lawyer will also be able to explain the types of medical care and medical treatment you might need to receive for your personal injury and dog bite, and what medical professional you might need to consult. These doctors could include orthopedics, neurologists, plastic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, psychologists, and other health care professionals.
Contact an Experienced Salt Lake City Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or someone you care about was bitten by a dog in Salt Lake City, call Handy & Handy, or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Salt Lake City dog bite lawyer. We offer legal advice and a free consultation and charge no fee unless we recover damages on your behalf from your dog bite injury.
Locations We Serve
We serve all of Salt Lake City, including:
Downtown | Sugar House | The Avenues | Capitol Hill | Central City | East Central | Liberty Wells | Rose Park | Glendale | Poplar Grove | Fairpark | Westpointe | Bonneville Hills | Millcreek | Holladay | Marmalade| Cottonwood Heights | Mount Olympus | Yalecrest | Highland Park | Federal Heights | Gilmer Park | Wasatch Hollow | North Temple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
Am I Entitled To Compensation If I’ve Been Bitten By A Dog?
Yes, if you’ve been bitten by a dog in Salt Lake City and the dog’s owner was negligent, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation could cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Is There A Time Limit For Filing A Dog Bite Lawsuit In Salt Lake City?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Salt Lake City. Generally, you have four years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to consult a lawyer early to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate time frame.
How Can A Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me Gather Evidence?
A dog bite lawyer can help gather evidence by obtaining witness statements, medical records, photographs of injuries and the scene, consulting experts, and researching any history of the dog’s behavior.
What If The Dog Bite Happened on Private Property?
If the dog bite occurred on the owner’s property, you may still have a valid claim. Utah’s strict liability law applies regardless of where the incident took place.