Dog bites are prevalent today, and they happen for many reasons. In most instances, it is related to the dog owner's negligence. When dog bites occur, they can be a threat to the health and well-being of the victim.
If you or someone you know is the victim of a dog bite, you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses related to the incident. You should secure a Utah dog bite lawyer directly following a dog bite.
This action ensures you get the best outcome for your case and ensures you get a faster resolution. Reach out to Strong Law Accident and Injury Attorneys to begin working on your case.
Victim’s Concerns After a Dog Bite
Being bitten by a dog can be traumatic for the victim. There are different severities to consider when bitten. Some bites are simple and do not require much medical attention, while others can be life-threatening.
The severity of the bite can be attributed to a few factors. One consideration is the size of the dog. Larger dog breeds tend to pose a much higher risk of physical damage than small-breed dogs.
Some large breed dogs have very powerful jaws and may even have trouble letting go of the victim, causing more damage and trauma. However, it is important to note that even a small dog can sometimes produce a powerful bite and injure an individual.
Risks Associated with Dog Bites
Regardless of the severity of the bite, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately to assess the damage to the affected area or areas. Unfortunately, sometimes people are bitten and fail to seek medical attention.
Unfortunately, this failure to take action can be detrimental to the patient. In just a few hours, complications can begin to occur. In addition, it is essential to note that dog bites introduce bacteria into the body and can even transmit other dangerous or life-threatening diseases to the victim.
Some diseases like rabies are a significant concern for victims and local authorities. For example, Rabies can be transmitted to a dog that comes in contact with some wildlife or another dog with the disease. If bitten, a person can die without the proper treatment.
Additionally, the dog must be identified and isolated to determine if it indeed has the disease. If so, the local animal control will handle the case. If you are bitten, and the dog has rabies, you will need treatment right away to prevent the disease from progressing.
Dog bites that puncture the skin also have a high incidence of infection, especially if the patient fails to see medical treatment immediately. These infections can cause major complications throughout the body.
There is also the risk of developing tetanus, and if you are unsure if you have been vaccinated recently, you will need to get the vaccination to avoid serious risks to your health. A dog bite could also cause soft tissue damage, resulting in a permanent disability if left unattended.
In some cases, a dog bite can sever a tendon, tear ligaments, and even detach muscles, causing limed mobility and ongoing pain.
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What Utah Dog Bite Lawyers Can Do for You
With the looming threat of disease, illness, and injury, you need to work with a top dog bite attorney in Utah. Strong Law Accident and Injury Attorneys are ready to help you navigate the complex waters of a dog bite injury.
They can provide insight into the entire process and educate you on how to get the best outcome. In these legal cases, choosing the wrong attorney can cause missteps that can have a negative impact on the standing of your case.
We can provide you with information that allows you to proceed appropriately and understand the timeline for the case. We can also help gather all the evidence and documentation of your case.
Once we obtain the information required to create a case that outlines the obligation and liability of the dog owner, we can present it to the court effectively, providing them with a clear picture of the incident.
During the case, we will likely need to contact other entities, such as insurance companies, hospitals, and local animal control authorities, and file documents with the courts by the specified deadlines.
We can effectively and quickly handle the coordination and presentation of your case to ensure you have the best chance of getting a favorable ruling. We have helped many others in these situations and can help you with your case too.
Why Choose Us?
Strong Law Accident and Injury Attorneys is a reputable and experienced law firm with experts who know the ins and outs of Utah law related to dog bites and attacks. We know how to work quickly to get the best outcome for you in your case so that you can have peace of mind. Having help with expensive medical bills and ongoing expenses can ease financial burdens and provide you with the care you require to recover.
Our team has helped many Utah residents get the compensation they need to treat and recover from dog bites. Many of our clients are happy to share their stories and experiences to assist other potential clients in choosing the right law firm for their case. We are proud to tell clients that we have a 98% case success rate, which means we have an excellent chance of helping you win your case and get the settlement you need to overcome your injury and other damages.
Jed Strong is the founder of Strong Law Accident and Injury Attorneys. He has previous experience representing a major insurance company as an in-house attorney. That makes him uniquely qualified to know both sides of a claim or case and provides a significant advantage to his clients. He founded the firm in 2016, and in that time, he and his team have been working hard to represent the residents of the Utah area to ensure they get the fair compensation and rulings they need. He and his team are top Utah dog bite lawyers working hard for the people.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you know needs a dog bite lawyer, you can count on Strong Law Accident and Injury Attorneys to provide you with the excellent legal representation you need.
We are top Utah dog lawyers with plenty of experience working with clients who have been bitten by a dog and seeking legal recourse. We have a high success rate and are ready to work with you to help you get the support and assistance you need to get compensation for the neglect of dog owners.
Contact one of our team today to schedule a consultation for services and to ask any questions you may have about our range of knowledge, experience, or availability. Call us at 206-737-3496 today to get started.
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Just wanted to say thank you to Jed and his team at Strong Law. Not only was I happy with the outcome, but the entire process as a whole. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks again.
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I had a claim involving my own insurance company. I tried to negotiate with them, and they completely denied my claim – two times. I then hired Strong Law, and the change was instant. The insurance company immediately began negotiating, and Jed was able to secure an unbelievably good settlement. I will never again attempt to take-on an insurance company without Strong Law in my corner. Thank you!”
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FAQs About Dog Bite in Utah
Here is a compilation of frequently asked questions from clients and victims when they suffered a dog bite or an attack in Utah.
What are the Most Common Types of Injury Resulting from Dog Bites?
The most common types of dog bite injuries include:
- Punctured or broken skin
- Neck or head injuries
- Broken bones
- Eye injuries
- Abrasions
- Tetanus
- Infections
- Rabies.
Can You Purchase Insurance that Covers Dog Bites and Attacks?
Dog owners can secure insurance that covers them in dog bite liability cases. However, there are some exclusions for most policies. Most owners can secure $100,000 to $300,000 for liability with between $1,000 to $3,000 for no-fault medical payments. Most owners should seek to secure this insurance to protect themselves and others in the event of a dog bite or negligence.
What Happens Once a Dog Bite or Attack Is Reported?
If a dog in Utah bites you, the law requires you to report the injury if the skin is broken. Once the incident is reported, officials will follow up to determine if the animal is up to date with their vaccinations. If not, the animal may be detained to determine the risk of spreading rabies to the victim. Once the likelihood of rabies being a factor is determined, the officials will advise the victims to seek treatment if it is necessary.
Is there more risk or laws about certain breeds according to Utah ordinances or laws?
There are specific laws in place regarding dog bites in Utah. However, there are no outlawed breeds in the state. A dog owner may adopt any breed they choose legally. Previously, ten counties had breed restrictions, but those laws are no longer in place.
Laws in place for the state are related to the dog owner’s liability and guidance for specific attacks related to damages, liability, and arbitration.
When is the Owner Liable for a Dog Bite Attack in Utah?
According to statute 1953 16-1-1, “Every person owning or keeping a dog is liable for damage for injury committed by the dog.” That means the owner is liable for dog bite injuries and attacks even if they are unaware the dog is roaming, missing, or otherwise away from the owner.
This means that any dog bite claims and the case falls under the “strict liability” law of the state of Utah. The law also holds the dog owner liable in instances where the dog causes an injury without a bite. That can mean the dog knocks the victim down on the ground or has an object in its possession that causes an injury to a person.
The victim is also entitled to seek damages and file a case due to negligence because the dog owner failed to be in control of their dog at the time of the event. A Utah dog bite attorney can clarify the laws and provide you with options for pursuing a case against a dog owner.
What Can a Legal Case Against a Dog Owner Provide for the Victim?
A legal case against the owner of a dog bite victim can provide the plaintiff with damages that range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. In terms of punitive damages, the instance of the court awarding the victim punitive damages is low but depends on the severity of the case and the individual circumstances.
A Utah dog bite attorney can advise the client on the best way to pursue the case and if punitive damages may be awarded in the case. Additionally, you may be awarded damages for pain and suffering and lost wages if you are out of work due to a bite or attack.
What Costs Can be Associated with a Dog Bite in Utah?
The average dog bite costs thousands to treat in a hospital. The costs can keep going up if the bite is severe and requires ongoing care or treatment. Sometimes a dog bite can require expensive surgery and physical therapy.
These costs can be a financial burden and can be awarded in damages by the courts. You can also require return visits for follow-ups and the cost of emergency care immediately after the dog bite.
If you seek transport from an ambulance, that is another major cost factored into the medical treatment. You will likely need to take medication or antibiotics to treat the site and prevent pain or infection.
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How Strong Law will handle you case
Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish facts and liability.
Determine the extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Engage in discussions with the opposing party or insurance companies to reach a fair settlement outside of court.
If negotiations fail, proceed to court where legal arguments and evidence are presented before a judge or jury for a final decision.
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Prior to representing accident victims, Jed worked for GEICO insurance company as one of its in-house attorneys – representing the insurance companies. After learning the inner workings of insurance companies, he quit and began representing accident victims.
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Frequently asked questions
Have other questions? Get in touch with our team at info@stronglawattorneys.com
What Is the Value of My Case?
The value of an injury case depends upon many factors related to the extent of your injuries and any other losses associated with your claim. You may have medical bills, lost income, costs associated with pain and suffering, among other possible damages. To learn the possible value of your case, contact the team at Strong Law. In a free case evaluation, we’ll let you know how much your case may be worth.
What Are Your Hours?
Strong Law is open five days a week between 9am and 5pm. In addition, we offer after hours return calls, weekend calls, and online chat.
What Kinds Of Cases Are Personal Injury?
Call us to know for sure, but a good rule of thumb is when an “accident” that happened to you because of the acts of or misdeeds of another party. Examples are: Auto accidents; motorcycle accidents; semi-truck accidents; wrongful death; medical malpractice; slip, trip and fall; boating accidents, faulty equipment, nursing home abuse; and many others.
Will I Be Charged To Consult Or Talk With You?
No, not ever. Strong Law is a contingency personal injury firm offering specialized experience along with access when you need it. Our goal is to gain the best settlement and provide comfort in the process, so easy access to us is part of our best practices.
What Does Contingency Mean?
Contingency in a legal matter means an expense to the client based on the outcome of a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. Said another way, Strong Law gets paid only if your case settles.
Can You Give Me An Assessment Of My Case?
Absolutely. While we cannot guarantee anything, nor do we imply a settlement, our willingness to take your case (and do it on contingency) is our voice that we feel your case has strong merit. After speaking with you, we can provide a merit assessment over the phone. However, we caution that accepting your case does not promise anything, your outcome is reflected in the law firm you choose.
What Should I Do If I’m Having Problems, Like Their Insurance Company Is Calling Me?
Always secure an attorney first. If you sign up with Strong Law now, you can advise their insurance company that you have representation and give them our name and contact information. From that time forward, they should not be contacting you again; it’s the law. If you do not sign with an attorney, like Strong Law, you will need to speak with them and represent yourself to resolve your injury. We strongly urge against this; insurance companies are skilled at ensuring their best interests over yours.
What Are Common Reasons For Insurance Injury Denials?
Make sure you receive medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, otherwise insurance may argue your pain is from an unrelated incident.Insurance companies will be going out of their way to find some proof that the accident was your fault. Don’t be intimidated.If you have preexisting medical conditions that make you more likely to suffer an injury, it is not uncommon for insurance agencies to deny claims based on this.
How Long Does A Case Take To Settle?
It depends on many factors like medical care, future needs, evidence, proof of liability, and many others. Some cases take months while others can last a couple years. Ultimately, our goal is to represent you and what is going to be best for you in the long run.
Why Can Cases Last Years?
Because the law dictates it. There are many layers to make sure the insurance companies treat you with optimal care. For example, there will be time spent for medical treatments you might need. There is time to gather the needed medical reports and discover any long term impacts this injury will have on your life today and into the future. There is time for the other side to review our demands, research, and respond as well. It can feel like a long time, but we follow the law and strategize for the best benefit to you. We are with you the whole time.
