In Louisiana, pet owners are typically accountable for damages caused by their dogs. If you or a loved one sustained significant injuries or other losses due to a dog attack, the dog bite lawyers at Morris Bart can help you construct a strong case and pursue rightful compensation from the owner’s insurance company. We are dedicated to aiding victims of dog bites in overcoming these distressing experiences, and we are here to support you in seeking justice and financial compensation from the dog owner or other liable parties.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
If you or your child has suffered a dog bite, a Gretna personal injury attorney can offer invaluable legal guidance and support tailored to your circumstances. You can rely on your lawyer to safeguard your interests throughout the legal proceedings. They will handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair treatment and pursue maximum compensation, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Throughout your dog bite case, your attorney will have access to resources, including expert witnesses, to strengthen your claim against the dog owner or other parties involved. The law firm can dispatch investigators to the incident site, interview witnesses, gather pertinent records, and take other necessary steps to gather evidence supporting your case. Your dog bite lawyer will tirelessly advocate on your behalf to hold those responsible for your injuries and losses accountable.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bite lawyer serving Gretna, call 800-537-8185
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Gretna
If you experience a dog attack in Gretna, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about protecting yourself and your legal rights. Here are the crucial steps you should take if a dog has bitten you:
- Seek medical attention: Dog bites have a high infection risk and complications. Get your wound examined and treated promptly by a medical professional.
- Document the incident: Record essential details such as the dog owner’s name, breed and vaccination history, contact information of any witnesses, and specifics about the attack.
- Report the incident: Notify your local animal control authority to document the attack in city records officially.
- Obtain records: Request a copy of the police report if you filed one. Gather your medical records and any other relevant documents related to the incident.
- Take photographs: Document your injuries on the day of the incident and throughout your recovery. These photos can be valuable evidence for a future dog bite injury claim.
- Notify the dog owner’s insurance: If the dog owner has homeowners insurance, inform the insurance company about the bite and initiate a claim. Refrain from accepting any settlements until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
If you’re contemplating legal action or need help securing fair compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, seek advice from a dog bite injury attorney in Gretna at Morris Bart. Our legal team can provide guidance on liability and assist you in navigating the next steps.
What Happens After You Report a Dog Attack?
When a dog attack or bite incident is reported to a Louisiana animal control facility, a mandatory animal quarantine period of at least 10 days is enforced to test for rabies and other diseases. This quarantine can occur at a dog shelter or the owner’s home provided the animal remains confined. If the dog is deemed too aggressive for observation, humane euthanasia may be considered. Additionally, if the dog bites the victim’s head or neck, it may be euthanized to expedite rabies testing.
During the investigation, animal control or law enforcement officials will assess whether the dog should be classified as a “dangerous dog” under Louisiana law, specifically, Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 14:102.13. A dog may receive this designation if, on two separate occasions within three years, it exhibits behavior that necessitates defensive action by a person to prevent bodily harm. Owners of dogs classified as dangerous must comply with specific legal requirements, such as adequately restraining the animal.
Should a dog designated as dangerous subsequently inflict serious injury on another individual, the courts may upgrade its classification to “vicious.” In such cases, the court may order the dog to be humanely euthanizedin the interest of public safety. Dog owners have the right to appeal the determination that their dog is dangerous or vicious. Grounds for appeals often include claims that the victim provoked the dog, teased or tormented it, or was trespassing on private property during the incident.
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Are Pet Owners Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a stringent dog bite law governed by Louisiana Civil Code 2321. This law imposes strict liability on dog owners for damages caused by their pets. Unlike similar laws in other states, Louisiana requires victims to demonstrate the following criteria:
- The dog owner knew or should have known, through reasonable care, that the dog’s behavior could lead to harm.
- The harm caused by the dog could likely have been prevented with reasonable care.
- The dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the dog from attacking and causing harm.
Meeting these conditions establishes liability for dog owners regarding damages and injuries inflicted upon victims or property. Louisiana’s strict liability approach resembles a one-bite law, requiring evidence that the owner was aware of the dog’s propensity for aggressive behavior and neglected to prevent a foreseeable attack.
Common Injuries Suffered by Dog Bite Victims
Dog attacks are profoundly violent and can leave victims with severe physical and emotional trauma. When a dog bites, its jaws, claws, and teeth can cause extensive damage, often resulting in long-lasting effects. At Morris Bart’s law office, our personal injury lawyers have successfully represented clients who have suffered a wide range of injuries due to dog bites.
We assist individuals who have experienced any of the following dog bite injuries:
- Bone fractures
- Bruising or contusions
- Crush injuries
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Infections
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Puncture wounds
- Rabies and other dog-borne diseases
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Soft-tissue damage
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Tragically, many dog attack victims do not survive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2011 to 2021, 468 individuals lost their lives due to dog attacks, averaging 43 deaths per year. Children and the elderly face the highest risk of fatal injuries from dog bites. Our attorneys are committed to assisting grieving family members in Louisiana with wrongful death claims during this difficult time.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in Gretna
Seeking accountability for a dog attack in Gretna can benefit a victim in several ways. Holding a pet owner responsible for failing to prevent a foreseeable attack not only safeguards the community but also provides a sense of justice and closure to the victim and their family. Moreover, pursuing legal action can lead to financial compensation, which can cover various damages incurred:
- Medical expenses: reimbursement for necessary medical costs such as surgeries, skin grafts, intensive care, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: compensation for income, earnings, and employment benefits lost during recovery from the dog attack, including any future earning potential affected by long-term disability.
- Pain and suffering: compensation for intangible harm such as physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of enjoyment of life, and development of new phobias related to dogs.
- Permanent disfigurement: additional payment for significant scarring or disfigurement resulting from the dog attack, including compensation for reconstructive surgery and associated pain and suffering.
- Property damage: reimbursement for costs incurred to repair or replace property damaged or destroyed in the attack by the dog.
In cases where a dog attack results in wrongful death, family members may also seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings and benefits of the deceased, and their grief and anguish as survivors. Our Gretna personal injury attorneys are here to evaluate your dog bite claim, help you understand its potential value, and tirelessly advocate on your behalf to secure fair and comprehensive compensation for all your losses.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury That Occurs at Work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana recorded 19 fatalities from “injuries by persons or animals” in 2021. If a dog attack occurs in a Gretna workplace, there are legal avenues beyond pursuing the pet owner. For instance, if the incident happens while working on someone else’s premises (like a construction site on private property), you might have grounds to file claims against both the dog owner and property owner, in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.
A workers’ compensation claim could cover medical expenses, partial lost wages, and disability benefits. These benefits are available to eligible employees in Louisiana without requiring proof of negligence if the employer carries this insurance. If negligence on the part of the employer contributed to the incident — such as failing to safeguard workers from a known dangerous dog on site — you might also pursue a personal injury claim against the employer directly.
In most cases involving dog bites in New Orleans, dog owners bear legal responsibility for bites, attacks, and related injuries caused by their pets. Typically, homeowners insurance policies cover such claims. Without homeowners insurance, a renter’s insurance policy may step in to compensate the victim for injuries. The victim’s health insurance and other coverage options may also contribute to covering injury-related expenses. For a comprehensive review of your financial recovery options, consult with our experienced attorneys.
Time Limits on Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Louisiana
Statutes of limitations exist in all 50 states, imposing deadlines for filing personal injury claims. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations is generally one year from the date of injury. This means you must initiate legal action within one year of a dog attack in Gretna to pursue financial compensation. Waiting beyond this timeframe typically results in the courts barring your claim for recovery.
Exceptions to this rule apply in specific circumstances. For instance, if the injured party is a minor under 18, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until the child reaches 18. This extension grants them until age 19 to file a dog bite injury claim. Additionally, if there is a police investigation related to the incident, the deadline may be tolled until the conclusion of the criminal case. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet your filing deadline and preserve your legal rights.
Contact Our Gretna Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in or near Gretna, the personal injury attorneys at Morris Bart are here to support you in rebuilding your life. We are well-versed in Louisiana’s dog bite laws as outlined in the Civil Code and can navigate you through the legal complexities of holding accountable a pet owner or another responsible party.
With extensive experience handling serious and catastrophic injury cases, including wrongful death claims, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you pursue rightful compensation for your injuries and losses following a traumatic dog attack. Discover more about your legal options by scheduling a complimentary consultation with our skilled Gretna dog bite lawyers.
Contact Morris Bart today at (800) 537-8185 or reach out to us online via our contact form for a thorough review of your dog bite case at no cost to you.
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