Phenix City Dog Bite Lawyer

Getting bitten by a dog could be one of the most traumatic events you will ever experience. Injuries from a dog attack can have long-lasting and life-changing impacts.

If someone else’s dog bit you, you may be entitled to compensation. In many cases, homeowners’ insurance will pay expenses related to a dog bite.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to contact a Phenix City dog bite lawyer right away. At the Bence Law Firm LLC, we understand how traumatic this experience can be. We have years of experience handling dog bite cases in Alabama. Let our skilled personal injury attorneys protect your rights and fight to seek the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury?

The owner of the dog may be legally responsible for your injuries, provided you were legally on the dog owner’s property at the time you were bitten. The owner can still be held responsible if their dog chased you and the bite took place off the property.

A dog owner is most likely not liable if you were trespassing or provoked the animal and it bit you. Be advised that dog owners can try to use a defense claiming they had no knowledge that their dog was dangerous, vicious, or mischievous. If the owner can prove they were not aware, your damages may be limited.

In situations where the dog owner is not the property owner, liability may fall onto the part of the landlord through premises liability. Property owners have a legal duty to prevent and correct any dangerous conditions on their property that can cause someone to be injured. Prohibiting dangerous animals on the property could fall under this rule. A seasoned Phenix City dog bite attorney like David Bence could thoroughly investigate a case to determine who was at fault and hold the responsible party accountable for all of an injured person’s losses.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Alabama

Compensation for a dog bite injury typically comes from homeowners’ insurance coverage. This means that you should not have to worry if the dog is owned by a friend, neighbor, relative, or acquaintance. Your compensation most likely will not come out of their pocket. Instead, it will come from an insurance company.

Victims can seek recovery for their medical expenses, loss of earnings, as well as future medical expenses, and expected time off work. Victims can also look to recover general damages, which are to compensate for their pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and scars or disfigurement. In select cases, the jury may opt to award punitive damages against the dog owner as a way to punish them. A dog bite lawyer in Phenix City could discuss all of the possible recoverable damages for a specific case during an initial consultation.

What to Do If You Have Been Bitten by a Dog

If you have been bitten by a dog, you need to get medical treatment right away. Delaying treatment could lead to complications. Be sure to notify animal control or the local police about the attack. It is important to determine whether the dog’s rabies shots are up to date.

If you have visible injuries, be sure to get photos as soon as possible after the attack.

Call a Phenix City Dog Bite Attorney Now

When it comes to the litigation portion of a dog bite, you need to start by seeking out the right legal counsel to handle your case. A Phenix City dog bite lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC can determine who owned the dog and who should be held liable, as well as seeking out all potential sources of insurance coverage.

Most cases are resolved through negotiations without going to court, but your attorney will still prepare evidence to support your side in case it doesn’t settle. Call today to schedule a free consultation.