New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer

New Orleans Dog Bite Attorney

Most people regularly encounter dogs and have enjoyable experiences, but it is also possible for a dog to bite or otherwise hurt someone unexpectedly. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is natural to wonder whether you have grounds for legal recourse and, if so, how to hold the dog owner accountable for the harm their pet caused. A New Orleans dog bite lawyer is an invaluable asset in this situation.

You may find it helpful to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney in New Orleans who has experience handling dog bite cases and understands the laws that apply. The Blake Jones Law Firm has extensive experience representing injured clients in New Orleans and surrounding communities of Louisiana in all types of personal injury cases, including those pertaining to dog bites. We understand the challenges you are likely to encounter with this type of case and how to help you overcome them. Our goal in every dog bite claim we accept is to maximize our client’s recovery as efficiently as possible.

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Building Your Dog Bite Case in New Orleans

If you believe a local dog owner is responsible for your recent dog bite, it is important that you consult a New Orleans dog bite lawyer as quickly as possible. They can help you gather the evidence you may need to prove liability for the incident and hold the appropriate party responsible for the damages you suffered. It’s important to act quickly as there is a time limit for filing any type of personal injury case in the state that starts the date the injury occurred.

Dog attacks may not only entail biting, which can cause puncture wounds, crushing injuries, lacerations, or even amputating injuries, but it is also possible for a dog to knock the victim to the ground. This can cause a traumatic head injury, broken bones, or damage to internal organs. The experience of a dog attack can also be highly traumatic, and many victims of these incidents suffer long-term psychological distress in the aftermath.

Your New Orleans dog bite lawyer can help you understand the state laws that will apply to your specific case. In most dog bite cases, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant dog owner knew or reasonably should have known their dog was a safety risk, and they should have taken appropriate steps to prevent their dog from harming anyone.

If they failed in this responsibility or were negligent, which allowed the attack to happen, then they are likely to be found liable for resulting damages.

It is also possible that the dog owner knew their dog had a history of aggression or past attacks and failed to follow previously instated requirements for preventing further harm to others. If this is the case, the dog owner is not only likely to face full liability for the damages their pet caused, but they may also face other penalties as dictated by the court. Once a dog is deemed dangerous, the owner will be required to follow strict rules to maintain ownership of the dog.

These cases are inherently challenging and can be emotionally stressful for everyone involved. The dog owner will naturally want to protect their pet and may claim that the plaintiff acted in a way that provoked the attack. Generally, a plaintiff in a dog bite case will need to prove that they did not provoke the dog to attack and that the plaintiff was legally present at the location where the attack occurred. Once fault is established, they can seek compensation for their damages.

Claiming Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury in New Orleans

If you can prove fault for your dog bite in New Orleans, it is possible to recover several forms of compensation from the dog owner. First, you have the ability to seek compensation for any financial losses you suffered from the incident. These are likely to include medical expenses as well as lost income. The defendant will be responsible for the cost of the medical care you require and the income you cannot earn while you recover.

If the dog also caused any property damage, you can seek compensation for these losses as well. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering can also be claimed with a personal injury suit, and your attorney can help you determine an appropriate amount to include in your claim based on the overall severity of your injuries. Generally, plaintiffs who suffer more extreme injuries receive more pain and suffering compensation than those expected to fully recover.

Resolving Your Dog Bite Injury Case in New Orleans

When it comes to resolving your personal injury case for a dog bite, it is possible that your case could be settled outside of court if the defendant accepts liability and is willing to negotiate. During private settlement, the plaintiff and defendant attempt to reach mutually agreeable terms for resolving the case without the need for litigation. This can be faster than litigation but may also lead to less compensation than the plaintiff could have won at trial.

Some cases cannot be resolved privately, and litigation will be necessary. This can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but the right attorney can make enduring litigation sessions easier and present strong arguments for you before the court. Ultimately, every case is unique, and your attorney will provide helpful guidance so you can make informed decisions concerning the direction of your case proceedings.

The Blake Jones Law Firm has years of experience handling difficult personal injury cases and we have successfully represented many injured dog bite victims in the past. We will leverage our experience in handling your personal injury suit and do everything we can to maximize your recovery as efficiently as possible. You have a short time in which to build and file your case, so it is important that you reach out to us at your first opportunity so we can help you recover.

FAQs About New Orleans,LA Dog Bite Law

Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?

Generally, yes, you can sue for a dog bite in the state. However, the specific laws pertaining to dog bites in the state are confusing, and there are exceptions to the standard rule of strict liability that often applies to these cases. Laws also vary in different areas of the state. If you want to confirm whether you have the right to sue for a dog bite, it is imperative that you consult a New Orleans dog bite lawyer as quickly as possible after the incident.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Dog Bite in New Orleans?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a dog bite in New Orleans will depend on the nature and severity of your damages. If you are able to hold the dog’s owner accountable for the incident, it is possible that you could claim compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and your pain and suffering. An experienced New Orleans dog bite lawyer can accurately assess the total value of your claimable damages.

What Happens to the Dog After It Bites Someone?

After a dog bites someone in the state, the court will typically require a medical quarantine during which the animal will be examined and assessed to determine whether it carries any diseases and whether it poses a health and/or safety risk to the public. Its previous behavior and temperament will also be evaluated. In most cases, the dog is returned to its owner, but the court may order a dog to be euthanized if it is deemed too dangerous to be returned to the owner.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Case in New Orleans?

The time it could take to resolve a personal injury case in New Orleans will depend on several factors. If you work with a seasoned attorney and they help you gather the evidence needed to prove fault for the accident, it is possible to resolve your case relatively quickly. However, many factors can extend the timeline for any given personal injury case in New Orleans, and some of these cases may take several months or longer to resolve.

Will I Win More Compensation if I Hire a New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer?

You are likely to win more compensation if you hire a New Orleans dog bite lawyer than you could otherwise hope to obtain. If you are facing any type of personal injury case, you need legal counsel you trust on your side in order to maximize your chances of success. The right attorney can prove fault for your damages, assist you with calculating your claimable damages, and ultimately guide you to a positive outcome in your case.

The team at the Blake Jones Law Firm has years of experience handling a wide range of complex personal injury cases, and we know the unique challenges that dog bite cases often present to injured victims and their families. With our help, you can approach your case with peace of mind. Contact us today and schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced New Orleans dog bite lawyer to learn more about the legal services we offer that can help you recover.