How Our Salt Lake City Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help You
We understand the complex nature of dog bite cases and the physical, emotional, and financial toll that they can take on victims and their families. Our experienced Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys are here to help you in every aspect of your case which includes the following:
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Calculation of the total costs of your injuries
Our team of Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys will carefully calculate the total costs of your dog bite injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and future medical expenses. We work with medical experts and other professionals to ensure that all of your losses are accounted for, and you receive the compensation you deserve
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Thorough investigation of the dog and owner’s liability
At Harris, Preston, an Chambers, we conduct a comprehensive investigation of the dog and its owner to determine liability in your dog bite case. Our attorneys will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the circumstances surrounding the incident to build a strong case on your behalf
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Identification of the dog owner’s insurance coverage
We will also identify the dog owner’s insurance provider and coverage to maximize your compensation. Our team will explore all available insurance options, including homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, and commercial insurance, to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries
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Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
We understand that insurance companies are often more focused on their bottom line than fairly compensating victims. That’s why our attorneys fight aggressively to protect your rights and interests when negotiating with the insurance company. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement for your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process.
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Compassionate and personalized legal representation
We strive to provide compassionate and personalized legal representation to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We understand that dealing with a dog bite incident can be overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Most Common Injuries From Dog Attacks
Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, and unfortunately, they aren’t uncommon in Utah. When a dog attacks, it can cause a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring hospitalization. Let’s go over the most common injuries that result from dog bite attacks in Utah
- Puncture Wounds: Puncture wounds are the most common injury from dog bites. These wounds are caused by the dog’s teeth penetrating the skin, and they can be quite deep. Puncture wounds can cause significant bleeding and increase the risk ok infection.
- Tissue Damage:: Dog bites can cause severe tissue damage, including lacerations, contusions, and crush injuries. These injuries can cause long-term damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves and may require surgery to repai.
3 Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections. The most common infection associated with dog bites is rabies. Rabies is a potentially fatal disease that can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. While the vast majority of domestic dogs in Utah are vaccinated against rabies, there is always a risk of infection if a dog is not up-to-date on their vaccinations. Other infections such as tetanus, cellulitis, and sepsis can also occur.
4.Broken Bones: When a dog bites down with enough force, it can cause broken bones. This is especially true if the bite occurs on a limb, such as an arm or leg.
5. Emotional Trauma: A dog bite can cause emotional trauma, especially in children. Children who are bitten by a dog may develop a fear of dogs that can last into adulthood.
Utah Dog Bite Laws
Utah has specific laws that govern dog bite incidents, which are designed to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets. Under Utah law, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous
In addition to strict liability, Utah also has a “one-bite” rule, which means that if a dog has previously shown aggression or bitten someone, the owner may be liable for any subsequent bites or injuries caused by the dog. This rule also applies if the owner had reason to know that the dog was dangerous, such as if the dog had been trained for fighting or had a history of aggression
Utah law also requires dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times. This means that owners must keep their dogs on a leash or in a secure enclosure to prevent them from escaping and causing harm toothers. If an owner fails to take reasonable steps to control their dog and it causes injury to someone, the owner may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.
Compensation for Dog Bite Cases in Salt Lake City
Compensation for dog bite cases typically covers a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced Salt Lake City dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages. Below is a list of the damages you may be able to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses –including hospitalization, surgery, medication physical therapy, and other related costs.
- Lost wages – if you have had to take time off work to recover from your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income.
- Future medical expenses – if your injuries require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation, you may be entitled to compensation for your future medical expenses.
- Property damage – if the dog attack caused damage to your personal property, such as clothing or a cell phone, you may be entitled to compensation for those damages.
- Pain and suffering – compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress that you have experienced as a result of the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement – if the dog bite caused scarring or other visible injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the disfigurement.
- Emotional distress – if the attack caused post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other emotional distress, you may be entitled to compensation for those damages.
What to do Right After Your Dog Bite Attack in Salt Lake City
A dog bite attack can be a frightening and traumatic experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. It’s essential to take immediate action to ensure your safety and wellbeing. Here are some steps you should take right after a dog bite attack in Salt Lake City.
- Seek Medical Attention: The first and most important step after a dog bite attack is to seek medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to have it evaluated by a medical professional. They can assess the extent of the injury, provide any necessary treatment, and help prevent infections.
- Identify the Dog: If possible, try to identify the dog that bit you. Get the owner’s name and contact information, as well as any witnesses to the attack. If the dog is a stray, report the incident to animal control, and provide as much information as possible about the dog’s description and location.
3. Report the Incident: Report the dog bite attack to the local authorities, such as the Salt Lake City Police Department and Salt Lake County Animal Services. This step is crucial to ensure the safety of the community and prevent future incidents.
4. Keep Records: Keep a record of all medical treatment, including doctor’s visits, medications, and any other treatments you receive. Additionally, keep a record of any time you miss work or other activities due to the injury.
5 Contact a Lawyer: If the injury is severe or if you’ve incurred significant medical expenses or lost wages, consider contacting a lawyer
How Long Do You Have to File a Salt Lake City Dog Bite Claim?
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite claims, is four years from the date of the incident. This means that you
have four years from the date of the dog bite attack to file a claim for compensation. If you don’t file a claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
It’s important to note that while you have up to four years to file a claim, it’s always best to take action as soon as possible. This is because evidence can deteriorate over time, witnesses can forget details, and the dog owner may move away or become harder to locate.
Additionally, seeking medical attention immediately after the dog bite attack can help strengthen your claim. Medical records can provide evidence of
the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received, which can be helpful in pursuing compensation.
Can You Sue if you were bit while trespassing?
In the state of Utah, dog owners are generally held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the victim was trespassing or had permission to be on the property. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Under Utah law, if the dog owner can show that the victim was provoking the dog or committing a criminal act at the time of the attack, they may not be held liable for the injuries. For example, if you were trespassing on someone’s property with the intent to steal something, and the dog bit you while you were attempting to break into the home, the dog owner may not
be held liable for your injuries.
Additionally, if the dog was properly restrained or confined at the time of the attack, the owner may not be held liable. For example, if you climbed over a fence to enter someone’s property, and the dog bit you while you were on the other side of the fence, the dog owner may argue that the dog was properly restrained at the time of the attack.
What if I was Partly Liable? Can I Still Get Compensation?
The state of Utah follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that a victim’s compensation can be reduced in proportion to their
level of fault for the incident. This means that if you were partly liable for the dog bite incident, you may still be able to recover compensation, but the amount of compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if it’s determined that you were 25% at fault for the dog bite incident, your compensation may be reduced by 25%. This means that if you were entitled to $10,000 compensation, your award may be reduced to $7,500.
It’s important to note that if you were found to be more than 50% at fault for the incident, you may not be able to recover any compensation. This is known as the “50% bar rule.”
Get a Free Consultation
We offer a free consultation to help you understand the legal process and determine the best course of action for your case.
We offer a free consultation to help you understand the legal process and determine the best course of action for your case.
The purpose of the free consultation is to help you understand your rights and options, and to determine if pursuing a legal claim is in your best interests. If you choose to move forward with your case, we will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries
Why Choose Harris Preston and Chambers for your SLC Lawyer?
At Harris, Preston, and Chambers, we are dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation to our clients in Salt Lake City and Northern Utah. Our experienced attorneys understand that dealing with a dog bite incident can be overwhelming and stressful, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process with compassion and care. With a proven track record of success in dog bite cases, we have the knowledge and skills to pursue the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages. We pride ourselves on our personalized approach to every case, taking the time to get to know our clients and develop a strategy that is tailored to their individual needs. If you’re looking for a law firm that is committed to exceptional service, communication, and transparency, contact our office today