Animal Owners Can be Held Liable for Damages, Regardless of Negligence
Animal bites, particularly dog bites, can be a traumatic ordeal for a young victim. Statistics reveal that the most common victims of animal bites are children under 11 years old. Every year in the United States, more than 4.7 million people suffer dog bites. The aftermath of a dog bite can leave victims with scarring, disfigurement, and terror of dogs that lasts their lifetime.
At Minias Law, our New Orleans dog bite lawyers focus on providing our case with the personal attention it deserves. We highly value our connections with our clients and know that our approach will benefit you, as well as your claim.
Louisiana Dog Bite Law
Louisiana has its own specific laws regarding liability for dog bites and when a bite victim can be compensated for their injuries.
In order for a victim to financially recover, a dog owner has to have been negligent in some way that led to the dog attack. Specifically, the following must be true:
- The dog owner knew or should have known that there was a risk the dog would cause harm.
- The owner could have taken reasonable care to prevent the dog bite.
- The owner failed to do so and the dog bite caused harm to another person.
Your rights as a victim
If found responsible, the dog owner could be held liable for your:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Lost wages (and the inability to earn future wages)
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dogs are strong animals, using their teeth and jaws to rip apart food and flesh. This can cause severe injuries, significant blood loss, and nerve damage. Dogs are prone to bite children because of their small size, and will often attack a child’s face, neck, and head.
Injuries could include:
- Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fractures and broken bones
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in the New Orleans area, please call or email the personal injury attorneys at Minias Law. We offer free consultations and charge no fee unless we collect money for you.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
When you or a loved one suffers a dog bite, there are steps you will need to take to ensure your physical safety and protect your rights. Tending to the wound immediately is often necessary to stop bleeding.
When possible, you should also try to:
- Get the contact information of any witnesses
- Contact animal control to report the incident
- Take pictures of the wounds
- Get the name, address, and phone number of the animal’s owner
If your dog bite is serious or life-threatening, you need to contact 911 for emergency medical assistance.
As soon as possible after a dog bite, you will want to see a doctor. There are pathogens in animal saliva that can lead to infection and some dogs are actively carrying diseases, such as rabies. You may require shots or other medical treatment to help guard against serious injury or even death.
Once you have taken care of the bite itself, you will need a dog bite lawyer on your side.
You Need a New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have been injured by a dog, it does not mean that compensation is guaranteed. In fact, even though a dog’s owner can be held liable for your injuries, it is unlikely that you will ever receive compensation without the help of an injury attorney.
Dog bite lawsuits are often touchy for victims as they involve neighbors, friends, or even relatives. Insurance companies that cover dog bites know this and are not above exploiting your vulnerability to cheat you out of what you are due. Our attorneys know the tricks insurance companies will use to minimize settlements. We can deal with these companies, fight for your rights, and help you get proper compensation.