Auburn Dog Bite Attorney

A dog bite or attack can leave you with severe injuries and damages. If the attack occurred because the animal’s owner was negligent, you may have a right to take legal action.

A dog bite will not only leave you with painful wounds, but it can also cause significant psychological harm. That is especially the case for children. Young people often suffer severe psychological injuries requiring years of therapy to recover following animal attacks.

If you or your child was bitten by an unruly canine, immediately call an Auburn dog bite lawyer. A dedicated personal injury attorney from Bence Law Firm, LLC could help you file a lawsuit against the negligent owner and recover the compensation you deserve.

The Most Common Dog Bite Injuries

While many animal bites do not cause serious injuries, that is not always the case. Some of the most common severe dog bite injuries include:

• Severely punctured skin
• Broken bones
• Face and eye injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Severe nerve damage
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological injuries

A child’s small stature and inexperience with dogs makes them particularly vulnerable to animal attacks, often resulting in severe damages. A skilled Auburn dog bite attorney like David Bence could thoroughly investigate and help collect the evidence necessary to prove a dog owner’s liability for a specific case.

Strict Liability for Dog Bite Injuries in Auburn

According to the Code of Alabama § 3-1-3, pet owners are strictly liable for any injuries their dogs cause to others in this state. That means that the owner is responsible for whether the dog was previously aggressive to others in the past. Alabama also follows a one bite or vicious animal law, meaning that if there is proof the dog was ever aggressive in the past, the court could require the pet owner to pay significant damages.

A seasoned dog bite lawyer in Auburn like David Bence could answer questions on the statute and help navigate the process to collect compensation. If the court determines the animal caused severe injuries or death, they may order that an authorized animal control official humanely euthanize the dog.

Animal control shall hold the dog in impound until the pet owner complies with the court’s orders. If the court determines the dog is a danger to the public but did not cause severe physical injuries or death, they may order the pet owner to keep the animal locked up and away from people at all times. However, if the owner fails to comply with all court orders within 30 days, the judge could order the dog to be put down.

Damage Recovery After a Dog Bite or Attack

After proving that a dog owner is liable for a victim’s injuries, an Auburn court could award damages within two categories. Economic damages cover out-of-pocket monetary expenses such as medical care and missed time from work. Noneconomic damages cover more subjective losses such as mental anguish, psychological harm, and pain and suffering.

Contact an Auburn Dog Bite Attorney Immediately After an Attack

If a careless dog owner allowed their pet to harm you or someone you love, you have the legal right to hold them accountable. A settlement or lawsuit award could cover all physical and psychological medical expenses, lost salary, and more.

For help with your claim, reach out to an experienced Auburn dog bite lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC.