Every year, there are more than 300,000 emergency department visits because of dog bite injuries. These injuries can have serious and lasting consequences for victims, both physically and emotionally.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Lafayette, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Dudley DeBosier, our experienced Lafayette dog bite lawyers understand the impact these injuries can have on your life, and we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and explore your legal options. You don’t pay unless we win your case.
Common Factors in Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can happen for a variety of reasons, and in many cases, they are preventable. The following are some of the most common factors we see in dog bite injuries:
- Unrestrained or Unleashed Dogs: When dogs are allowed to roam freely without a leash, they may pose a danger to others, especially if they are not properly trained or are easily provoked. Unrestrained dogs are more likely to approach people aggressively or react unpredictably in public spaces.
- Negligent Pet Owners: Owners have a responsibility to control their pets, and failure to do so can lead to serious harm. Whether it’s failing to secure their yard, neglecting to supervise their dog around children, or ignoring leash laws, owner negligence often plays a key role in dog bite incidents.
- History of Aggressive Behavior: Some dogs may have a known history of aggression, and when owners fail to take precautions, such as using a muzzle or keeping the dog away from high-risk situations like crowded or noisy public areas where the dog can become agitated, the likelihood of an attack increases.
In these cases, holding negligent pet owners accountable is essential in preventing future attacks and ensuring victims receive proper compensation for their injuries.
Types of Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a range of physical and emotional injuries, some of which may have long-lasting effects on victims. Here are some of the most common types of injuries caused by dog bites:
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Dog bites can cause deep cuts and puncture wounds, which may lead to significant blood loss and require stitches or surgery to treat. These injuries can be especially severe when the bite occurs near sensitive areas like the face, neck, or hands.
- Infections (Rabies, Tetanus): Beyond the immediate physical harm, dog bites can introduce dangerous, life-threatening infections. Rabies is always fatal without immediate medical attention, while tetanus can easily become fatal if it goes untreated. Even when these serious diseases are not present, many dog bite wounds become infected by other bacteria and viruses, leading to further complications.
- Nerve Damage and Permanent Scarring: Depending on the location and severity of the bite, victims may experience nerve damage that affects movement or sensation in the affected area. Additionally, many dog bites result in permanent scarring, particularly when the bite occurs on the face, leaving both physical and emotional marks.
- Emotional Trauma, Especially in Children: The psychological impact of a dog bite, especially for children, can be profound. Fear of animals, anxiety, and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after an attack, leading to long-term emotional challenges.
Louisiana Dog Bite Laws
In Louisiana, due to the state’s strict liability laws, dog owners can be held accountable for injuries caused by their pets even if the dog had never previously shown aggression or caused harm.
This differs from other states where a history of aggressive behavior may need to be established before holding the owner accountable. In Louisiana, if the dog injures someone and the owner could have reasonably prevented the incident, such as by keeping their dog leased, the owner is responsible.
Legal Responsibilities of Pet Owners
Dog owners in Louisiana are required to exercise reasonable care in controlling their animals. This includes properly restraining or supervising the dog to prevent bites or attacks. Failing to do so makes them liable for any resulting injuries, whether the dog was in a public space or on private property.
Possible Defenses by Dog Owners
Despite the strict liability laws, there are certain defenses a dog owner can claim. Two common defenses include:
- Provocation: If the injured person provoked the dog, such as through physical interaction or threatening behavior (for example, injuring or scaring the dog by throwing things at it, shouting or lunging at it, or pulling on one of its body parts), the dog owner is potentially not liable for the provoking person’s injuries.
- Trespassing: If the person injured by the dog was unlawfully on the owner’s property at the time of the attack, the owner may have a defense against liability.
Louisiana’s strict liability laws ensure that victims of dog bites have a clear path to seek compensation, while also offering reasonable defenses for pet owners in certain circumstances.
Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
Victims of dog bites in Louisiana are entitled to seek compensation for a wide range of damages that result from the attack. These damages go beyond just immediate medical expenses and can include several important factors to ensure that victims are fully compensated for their losses.
- Medical Treatment Costs: Dog bite injuries often require immediate and ongoing medical care, including emergency treatment, wound care, stitches, and potentially surgery in severe cases. Infections like rabies or tetanus may also require extensive medical attention. Victims can seek compensation for all current and future medical costs associated with their injuries.
- Lost Wages From Time Off Work: A dog bite injury can cause victims to miss time from work for treatment or recovery. Compensation for lost wages ensures that victims are not financially burdened due to their inability to earn an income during this period.
- Pain and Suffering, Including Emotional Distress: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause significant emotional distress, particularly in severe cases or when the victim is a child. Victims may suffer from anxiety, fear of dogs or going outside, and even PTSD after an attack.
- Long-Term Care for Scarring or Psychological Trauma: In cases where a dog bite leaves permanent scarring or requires psychological counseling to cope with the trauma, victims may be compensated for the long-term care needed. This can include therapy, cosmetic surgery for scarring, or other rehabilitative treatments.
By seeking full compensation, victims of dog bites can cover the financial, emotional, and physical tolls that these traumatic incidents impose.
Why Work With Dudley DeBosier for a Dog Bite Case?
When dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, having an experienced legal team by your side can make all the difference. At Dudley DeBosier, we understand the complexities of dog bite cases and are committed to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.
- Experience in Handling Dog Bite Claims in Lafayette: With decades of experience in personal injury law, our team has successfully represented many clients in dog bite cases throughout Louisiana, including Lafayette. We understand the state’s specific laws and how to navigate the legal system to your advantage.
- Dedicated to Helping Victims Recover Compensation: Our priority is ensuring that our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, we are here to fight for your rights and hold negligent dog owners accountable.
- Focus on Building a Strong Case: We take the time to thoroughly investigate each case, gathering essential evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. Our detailed approach helps us build a solid case that maximizes your chances of a successful outcome, whether through negotiation or trial.
At Dudley DeBosier, we treat every client like family, offering the support and personalized attention needed to move forward after a traumatic dog bite incident.
Contact Our Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, don’t wait to seek legal help. The team at Dudley DeBosier is here to guide you through every step of the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. With our no-fee guarantee, you won’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact our Lafayette dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman of Dudley DeBosier’s New Orleans office.
