Baton Rouge Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Baton Rouge Dog Bite Attorney

Louisiana has strict dog bite laws that aim to hold negligent parties accountable for the animals under their care. That said, it’s still up to you to prove that you have valid grounds to file a claim if a dog bites you and you wish to recover damages for your injuries. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you contact a Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer who has experience with these types of cases.

Your Local Baton Rouge Personal Injury Lawyers

As a local law firm, Knightshead Law Firm is prepared to advocate for injured Louisianans throughout the Capital Region in and out of the courtroom. Our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers are familiar with Louisiana’s dog bite laws as well as the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We’re also not afraid to take matters to court if necessary.

Louisiana Dog Bite Laws

Every year across the United States, approximately 337,000 people visit the emergency department for a dog bite. These injuries can be the result of any number of incidents that happen at home, on the job, or out in public.

Unfortunately, animal attacks such as dog bite incidents are not uncommon in Louisiana. In fact, the state ranks 16th in the nation for dog bites, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

This is especially true in rural areas where people are more prone to leave their animals off-leash without any boundaries around their property. Delivery drivers and other door-to-door workers can face increased risk of dog bite injuries since they have to go on people’s properties. That said, dog bite accidents can happen anywhere.

Under Louisiana law, pet owners are liable for damages caused by their pets or livestock if they knew the animal was dangerous and failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the incident. In order to file a claim, you must prove that their negligence or misconduct was a direct factor in the situation.

It’s important that you know what steps to take if you’re involved in an attack. A Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can help.

Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Baton Rouge

Dog bites can happen anywhere. The details of the incident can affect how you go about recovering damages for your losses. After the incident, you can file an insurance claim to seek compensation from the liable owner through their homeowner or renter insurance policy. You can attempt to settle the issue between the two of you before you bring the court into the picture.

This involves negotiating with the at-fault party and their insurance provider. It’s estimated that the insurance industry pays more than one billion dollars a year from homeowners’ liability claims involving dog bites.

Negotiations can take time. You may not get the offer you want the first time around. It’s important to know how to advocate for yourself and work toward a better offer. Additionally, it’s important to know when negotiations are failing and it’s time to pursue legal action.

Under Louisiana law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It’s important that you stay on top of he personal injury filing deadlines or else you may forfeit your chance at recovering compensation for your losses.

It’s highly recommended that you hire a dog bite lawyer to help you navigate the different stages of the claims process. Your attorney can open their own investigation, help you gather evidence to support your claim, communicate with insurers, and represent you in the courtroom if it comes down to it.

FAQs

What Do I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident in Baton Rouge to Protect Myself?

Immediately after a dog bite incident in Baton Rouge, gather as much information at the scene as possible and document everything. It’s recommended that you contact law enforcement to file a report right away. Other beneficial steps to take at the scene include:

• Exchange information with the dog’s owner
• Gather witness statements
• Take detailed notes
• Take pictures and videos
• Talk to the property owner if it is not the dog’s owner

How Do I Prove Fault in a Dog Bite Claim in Baton Rouge?

To prove fault in a dog bite claim in Baton Rouge, it depends on the details of the accident and the evidence available to you. Grounds for filing a dog bite claim under Louisiana law can include proving negligence or intentional harm.

You must prove that the dog owner knew the potential risk and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you were not partially to blame for the incident.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Baton Rouge Dog Bite Claim?

The average settlement for a Baton Rouge dog bite claim can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your case. Victims of dog bites can file to recover both economic and non-economic damages under Louisiana law.

This covers direct costs and abstract losses, including:

• Disability
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of quality of life
• Lost income and future earning capacity
• Medical expenses, including future care
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or permanent disfigurement

How Expensive Is It to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer to Represent Me in Baton Rouge?

How expensive it is to hire a dog bite lawyer to represent you in Baton Rouge can depend on a number of different aspects of your case. Fortunately, you usually don’t have to worry about paying anything upfront or out of pocket.

Our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We collect our fees as a percentage of the settlement you win. If you’re not compensated, you don’t pay us anything.

Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer to Help With Your Injury Claim in Baton Rouge

Dealing with an animal attack can be challenging, especially if you were seriously injured. You can count on the Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers at Knightshead Law Firm to be there to see you through your case. Call us at our Baton Rouge office to set up a consultation with a member of the team today.