Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Louisiana?

People don’t normally think of dogs as vicious creatures until they get bitten. Their teeth are so strong that they can easily break skin and damage the body. After a bite, many people ask, “Can I sue for a dog bite in Louisiana?” Louisiana dog bite laws enable victims to seek compensation for these issues through a personal injury claim.

Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Louisiana

Some of our clients come to the Cox Law Firm because they believe that their case is impossible. Our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to secure full compensation for a dog bite injury. Our experienced legal team can build your claim while you recover from a traumatic experience like a dog bite.

Are Dog Bites Covered Under Insurance?

Most dog bite cases are addressed in a home insurance policy. They are also included in many renters’ insurance plans. These claims usually have a limit that only pays out a certain amount, regardless of the extent of the injuries.

Insurance companies can be difficult when paying out for dog bites. Some dog breeds are known to be more aggressive than others. They might refuse to honor their commitment to the at-fault party if they find the breed too dangerous.

Dogs with a history of being violent might also make the insurance company hesitant to pay out. It might be necessary in these cases to compel the owner to directly cover some of the damages.

Dog bite claims can be much more difficult than they initially appear. It sounds easy because there are usually only two parties involved. However, the amount of coverage an insurance company is willing to provide has a large role in these situations.

An attorney can work with insurance adjusters directly to increase the available settlement amount. Their involvement can make the case fairer for you.

How Do I File a Dog Bite Claim in Louisiana?

Filing a dog bite claim can help you get your life back to normal. However, a lot of steps are needed to start the process. The most important ones include:

• Medical help. Seeing a doctor after a dog bite can help document the injury on paper. Their documentation can demonstrate how bad an injury is and what it might cost for it to fully heal.
• Report the accident. Sometimes, the animal control department might need to know about the dog bite, especially if the dog has a history of aggression. Contacting the police can get them to file a report, which is even more evidence for you to use.
• Collect evidence. The evidence for a dog bite claim can be a bit different, depending on the individual situation. Take photos of wherever the injuries are on your body. Get the owner’s contact information as well as that of any witnesses.
• Keep your bills. Records and bills start to appear quickly after the accident takes place. Keep these in a designated location so you can use them later as evidence.
• Work with a dog bite lawyer. A skilled lawyer can hear your whole case to see if you can file a claim against the owner. If you’re looking for a settlement, they can work to determine how much to ask for.

Your attorney can review the documents and figure out which ones are the most relevant for your case.

Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Insurance companies rely on paying people less than what their claim is worth to make money. If you don’t work with a lawyer, you can end up with less money than you need to make a full recovery.

A dog bite attorney can evaluate how much you might need based on the details of your injury. This can prevent you from accepting a lower offer.

An attorney can also address the more abstract forms of damages that come with dog bites. Their emotional impact should not be understated. These issues can also be compensated for with legal representation.

Why Choose Us?

The Cox Law Firm has been around for over five decades. This means we have access to resources that newer firms don’t. Our professional connections give us more assets to help our clients.

FAQs

What Is the Dog Bite Rule in Louisiana?

The dog bite rule in Louisiana is also referred to as strict liability. This means owners are usually to blame if their dog bites someone. There are a few exceptions, including if someone made the dog angry before the bite. There are also exceptions to those circumstances, but they often include lots of unique details that make the case difficult to interpret.

How Much Compensation Would You Get for a Dog Bite?

The amount of compensation you would get for a dog bite depends on the extent of your injuries. The more serious your injuries are, the more disruptive they are to your life. That means you would normally obtain more in compensation. The annual cost for dog bite victims is around $400 million in total.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for a Dog Bite?

It can be worth filing a claim for a dog bite. These injuries can cost a substantial amount of money for medical care. About 337,103 people go to the emergency room for a dog bite each year. At the very least, filing a claim might recover the money needed to pay for medical bills.

What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite?

To prove a dog bite, you must show how you experienced injuries directly from the dog bite. You also need to prove that the owner did not do enough to prevent their dog from biting you. The evidence can come in different physical forms, but it must prove these two main elements.

Receive an Educated Opinion

It’s difficult to estimate the outcome of an individual dog bite claim. There are so many different factors involved, like the details of the dog, the owner, and the extent of your injuries. Either way, it’s worth having a legal professional review your claim. Schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm for more information.