Dog bite injuries can be incredibly traumatic, leading to severe injuries and emotional scars that may last for a lifetime. While many dog bite incidents are thought to happen with stray or aggressive animals, most actually involve a familiar dog in a familiar place.
Whether it's a family pet or a dog that is being cared for, the consequences of a dog attack can range from minor scratches to life-altering injuries. At Lance Bingham, P.C., our West Valley City dog bite lawyer understands the complexity of these situations and the legal nuances involved.
If you've been injured in a dog bite attack in West Valley City or Salt Lake County, we are here to fight for your rights. We will help you recover fair financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
At Lance Bingham, P.C., our experienced dog bite lawyer is dedicated to fighting for Utah dog bite victims who have been severely injured by dangerous dogs. We understand that a dog bite can cause severe physical injuries and emotional scars that can change the victim's life forever.
We thoroughly investigate each case, identify responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance providers to secure fair compensation. If necessary, we will pursue your case in court to ensure full financial restitution for medical bills, future medical expenses, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma.
Under Utah’s strict liability rule, dog owners are held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before. This law can help dog bite victims recover damages for the injuries they sustained.
Our law firm is experienced in injury law and knows how to handle cases involving both current and future loss, including the need for rabies shots after an attack. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Under Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1, Utah is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means that a dog owner is held liable for any injuries caused by their dog biting a person who is in a public place or is lawfully on private property. In these cases, the victim does not have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog might bite. The law holds the owner accountable for their dog's actions.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if the victim was trespassing or had provoked the dog, they might not be entitled to compensation. It's essential to understand these exceptions because they can significantly impact the outcome of a claim. An experienced Utah dog bite attorney can help determine if your case meets the criteria for strict liability and advise you on the best course of action.
A dog bite can cause serious injuries, from minor wounds to severe harm needing extensive medical care. Beyond the physical scars, injured victims, especially children, often suffer lasting emotional trauma. The pain of an attack affects both the body and the mind. Common injuries resulting from dog attacks include:
If a dog has bitten you, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and consult with a qualified attorney to protect your legal rights.
While many assume dog bites happen with stray dogs, most actually involve a familiar animal in a familiar place. Often, the victim knows the dog, whether it’s a family pet or one they care for. The location of the bite is important in determining liability and how your dog bite claim will proceed.
The most common location for a dog bite is at the dog owner’s home. This can include visitors, service workers, or delivery personnel. Dogs are protective of their territory, and unfamiliar people may trigger aggressive behavior. In these cases, the dog owner is generally liable under Utah law.
Dog bites also frequently occur in public spaces, such as parks or sidewalks, especially when the dog is not leashed. If a dog breaks free and attacks, it can cause serious injuries. These types of incidents may complicate your claim, especially if the dog’s owner failed to control their animal. If you’ve been injured in a public space, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and dog-caused expenses.
Sometimes, a dog bite happens at the victim’s own home, involving either a family pet or one they were caring for. Even in these cases, if the dog acted aggressively, the pet owners can still be held liable. Always seek medical attention and consider contacting a Utah dog bite attorney to explore your legal options.
In a West Valley City dog bite case, the dog owner is usually the primary party held liable. However, other entities may also share responsibility depending on the situation. Understanding who is accountable is crucial for pursuing a strong personal injury case and seeking compensation.
Under Utah's strict liability rule, the dog bite statute, the dog owner is typically held liable for injuries caused by their pet. Even if the owner wasn’t aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior, they can still be held responsible. If you’ve been attacked by a dog in Salt Lake City or West Valley City, a Utah dog bite lawyer can help you build a strong claim.
In certain cases, property owners or landlords can be held liable if they are aware of a dangerous dog and fail to take action. If a tenant’s dog is known to be aggressive and the landlord fails to take appropriate action, the landlord may be held responsible for any resulting injuries. Gather evidence to strengthen your claim, especially if the bite happened in a rental property.
In some cases, property managers or HOAs may be held accountable if a dangerous dog is allowed on the property. If you were attacked in a residential area, evidence showing that the property manager failed to act can strengthen your case.
If the animal owner is a minor, the parents or guardians may be financially responsible for the injuries caused. This can be another reason to consult with a West Valley City dog bite lawyer.
If a dog has bitten you, seek immediate medical attention and file a police report. Gather evidence from the scene, including photos and witness info. Don’t speak to the insurance provider before consulting an attorney. Acting quickly maximizes your chances of securing compensation for your injuries.
Even a small bite can lead to serious infections. A medical professional will evaluate your injuries, clean the wound, and prescribe necessary treatment. Seeking medical attention not only protects your health but also creates an official record of your injuries, which is essential for your dog bite injury claim.
Try to get the dog’s owner’s name, address, and phone number. If the owner is unknown, try to safely take a photo of the dog to assist with identification later. Having this information is crucial for your dog bite lawsuit and insurance claim.
Report the incident to West Valley City Animal Services. This will create an official record of the bite and may trigger an investigation into whether the dog has a history of dangerous behavior. It’s essential to report the bite as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure the dog is quarantined for rabies control if necessary.
Take photos of your injuries, the scene of the attack, and any torn clothing. Record the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the attack occur. A detailed written account of the event, along with these pieces of evidence, will strengthen your dog bite injury claim.
If your clothing or belongings were damaged during the attack, please do not discard them. Keep any torn or bloodied items as evidence. These items can serve as valuable proof of the severity of the attack in your dog bite lawsuit.
Do not give a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance provider before consulting with an attorney. Insurers often try to reduce payouts, and anything you say may be used against you. Speak with a West Valley City dog bite lawyer before talking to insurance representatives.
Contact Lance Bingham, P.C. as soon as possible to start the process of investigating your dog bite case. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the process. We will protect your rights and work to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Although Utah has a strict liability statute for dog bites, there are a few exceptions where the owner may not be fully liable. Understanding these defenses is important for determining if you have a valid dog bite injury claim.
If the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property when the attack occurred, the owner may not be liable. This is an important defense to consider if the bite happened on private property where you had no legal right to be.
If the victim provoked the dog in some way, such as by teasing, taunting, or physically harming the dog, the owner may not be held liable. Provocation could reduce or eliminate the dog bite claim, so it’s important to understand how this might affect your case.
Professionals who work with animals, such as veterinarians, groomers, or animal control officers, may face difficulties recovering compensation if they are bitten. Their work involves inherent risks, and the court may take this into consideration when evaluating liability.
A dog bite injury claim aims to make the victim whole by covering both economic and non-economic losses resulting from the attack. The types of compensation available will depend on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the bite.
Economic damages cover tangible, out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the dog bite. This includes emergency room bills, surgery costs, antibiotics, rabies prophylaxis, therapy, lost wages, and future reconstructive surgery. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may also be entitled to wage and pain compensation. These damages are easily calculated and will be part of your dog bite injury claim.
Non-economic damages encompass the intangible impacts of the dog bite, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Victims of severe dog bite attacks may experience emotional trauma and permanent scarring that affects their quality of life. These damages are harder to quantify, but an experienced Utah dog bite lawyer can help ensure that you are compensated fairly for the emotional and physical impact of the attack. This includes punitive damages if the dog has a history of attacking, being aggressive, or biting.
Dealing with a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially after a traumatic attack. Our experienced Salt Lake City dog bite lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. We have the skill to accurately value your claim accurately, ensuring that it accounts for:
Without a lawyer, it’s easy to overlook long-term medical treatment and emotional suffering from severe injuries. Insurance companies, particularly those offering homeowners' insurance, often attempt to minimize payouts, making negotiations challenging. Our experienced attorney will fight for you. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full financial compensation to which you are entitled.
At Lance Bingham, P.C., we offer a compassionate approach, especially when dealing with children who may have suffered from police dog bites or other traumatic incidents. We will guide you through this difficult process while protecting your legal rights.
The statute of limitations for personal injury is four yearsfrom the date of the bite. It’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence.
It doesn’t matter. Utah is a strict liability state. The owner is liable for the first bite even without a prior history of aggression.
A civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation, not to euthanize the dog. That is a separate decision made by animal control authorities.
The claim is typically against their homeowner’s insurance policy, not them personally. This allows you to get compensated without straining the relationship.
Value depends on the severity of the injury, scarring, and the emotional impact it has on the individual. We consult medical and cosmetic experts to calculate a full and fair value.
We thoroughly investigate to prove that you were lawfully on the property, for example, as a guest or performing a duty, such as making a delivery.
If you have been the victim of a dog bite attack, we understand the physical and emotional toll it can take. At Lance Bingham, P.C., we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. The sooner you act, the better we can preserve crucial evidence and protect your rights. Don’t let the dog owner’s insurance company minimize your claim.
You should not suffer due to an owner’s negligence. Let us fight for the compensation you need to recover and heal. Call us today.
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