DeRidder Dog Bite Lawyer

DeRidder Dog Bite Attorney

Most people think of dog bites as flukes that are usually not preventable. However, there’s a surprising number of instances where visitors are not kept safe from dogs. A DeRidder dog bite lawyer can prove that the owner knew their dog was potentially dangerous.

Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in DeRidder

There are a lot of benefits to working with the Cox Law Firm. Our size gives us the advantage of treating each client individually. At the same time, we are large enough that our resources can strongly support our clients. We’ve been in operation for over five decades and work hard to help victims recover from their injuries.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

It’s important to accomplish certain tasks after a dog bite happens. These can keep your possibilities open when you try to file a claim.

First, seek medical attention right after the bite happens. A healthcare provider can determine whether anything is broken or needs surgery. These records also show the money you paid for diagnosis and treatment.

Most dog bites should be reported to the DeRidder Police Department. Some might also need to be reported to the City of DeRidder Animal Control Department, depending on the nature of the dog. This will create more useful documentation about the accident.

Collecting evidence is also important. Take photos of your injuries after they happen but before they start healing. If anyone saw the bite happen, record their contact information as well as that of the owner.

Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help you with the paperwork associated with filing a claim. They can also use the records you’ve gathered to argue for more compensation.

Damages in a Dog Bite Claim

Some injuries are healed with basic first aid. More severe dog bites require a hospital visit. The total annual cost for dog bites that require medical attention is $400 million annually. This figure includes:

• Medical treatment. It costs money for a healthcare professional to evaluate the scope of your injuries. It also usually requires additional payments for treatments like antibiotics or painkillers.
• Future care. Some dog bites are so damaging that they require surgery to repair. A bite might also require physical therapy depending on what location on the body the bite took place.
• Lost income. If a dog bite is severe enough, it can limit your ability to return to work. The pay you lose can also be included in a legal claim.
• Pain and suffering. The emotional toll and pain of a dog bite can also be compensated. Pain and suffering are included in most forms of personal injury cases.
• Emotional distress. Some people experience PTSD or a fear of dogs after a bite. The emotional distress associated with the injury can be included in the claim.

An attorney knows which damages are more relevant to your claim. They can calculate a concrete number to negotiate for.

Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

There are very specific Louisiana and DeRidder dog bite laws that govern these situations. They can be hard to understand. Even if you have a good case, the details of it can be ambiguous.

A successful claim involves building a strong case against the other party. This includes gathering evidence to prove that they were negligent in preventing their dog from harming other people.

Another important part of a dog bite claim is gathering evidence of how much you have suffered. Medical bills are important records of what you’ve gone through.

Many dog bite cases settle out of court. A dog bite attorney can work with the opposing side to negotiate a fair deal that supports your recovery.

If the claim does go to trial, the attorney can then prepare your claim for the courtroom. Your attorney’s exact activities are determined by the details of your case.

Why Choose Us?

The Cox Law Firm has earned hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We have experience in a wide range of personal injury claims, including car accidents, workplace injuries, and other types of injuries. Our firm prides itself on working with individuals to stand up to large companies. We can investigate your situation, collect evidence, and pursue all that you deserve.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim for a Dog Bite in Louisiana?

You can file a claim for a dog bite in Louisiana. Most dog bite cases result in the owner being liable if the exceptions aren’t met. The results of the case are not predetermined, but many laws dictate how dog bites are treated in court. Talk to a lawyer to figure out if your situation could result in a claim.

What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite?

The proof needed for a dog bite includes evidence that the dog owner did not prevent the dog from being violent. This could involve eyewitness testimony if it happened in an area with other people around. Evidence from photos or videos can establish the dog’s living conditions. If possible, document the area around the accident to show this.

Does a Dog Bite Claim Have to Go to Court?

A dog bite does not have to go to court. Many cases settle before they get to trial. This can resolve the case faster. If you do not feel like you are being properly compensated by the other party, you might have to go to trial. An attorney can tell you how much a claim is worth and when to settle or go to court.

When Is a Dog Owner Not Negligent If Their Dog Bites Someone?

Sometimes, a dog owner is not negligent if their dog bites someone. This is the case if the dog was provoked. If someone does something to agitate the dog and they bite someone, then the owner is not held liable. A claim could also be invalid if the victim was on the property when they were not allowed to be there.

Learn the Details About Your Dog Bite Claim

There is an average of 337,103 visits to the emergency room for dog bites each year. These injuries cause serious issues, both physically and financially. Schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm to figure out what your next steps should be.