Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Fight for You and Your Loved Ones
The effects of suffering a dog bite injury are traumatic and sometimes result in life-long, catastrophic injuries. Not only could physical injuries leave you unable to work, but they may cause permanent disfigurement and lifelong scars. While you or your loved one is recovering, you may be unable to work, and the medical and day-to-day bills will continue to pile up.
If you have suffered an animal bite or injury, please call Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers right away and get a free case evaluation. You can fill out our quick form online or call us 24/7 at (866) 897-8495. We care for everyone who calls us for guidance, and we are ready to go to work for you to get you the help you need to recover.
Most Common Injuries in Louisiana Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite injuries, especially for children and the elderly, are often far more serious than people expect. While some bites may look minor at first, the damage underneath the skin can be extensive. In many cases, the physical and emotional effects last long after the wound itself has healed.
In Louisiana, dog bite victims frequently suffer injuries to vulnerable areas of the body, especially when an attack happens suddenly or involves a large or aggressive animal.
Bites to the Face
One of the most devastating types of injuries involves bites to the face, which are especially common when children are involved. Facial bites can damage the eyes, ears, lips, and jaw, sometimes leading to permanent scarring or disfigurement. These injuries often require reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery, or ongoing medical treatment, along with counseling to address the emotional trauma that comes with visible scars.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are another serious concern in dog bite cases. The neck contains vital structures, including the windpipe, major blood vessels, and critical nerves. A bite in this area can interfere with breathing, swallowing, or blood flow and may become life-threatening in severe cases. Even when a neck injury isn’t fatal, it can leave lasting complications that affect daily life.
Bites to the Legs
Bites to the legs are among the most common injuries seen in dog attacks, particularly when a person attempts to back away or flee. These bites often occur around the knees, calves, or ankles, where tendons, joints, and ligaments are vulnerable. Damage in these areas can limit mobility, cause chronic pain, or require surgery and physical therapy to regain strength and movement.
Puncture Wounds and Tears
Dog bites can also cause deep puncture wounds and tearing injuries anywhere on the body. These wounds often extend beyond the surface and may damage muscles, nerves, or connective tissue. Nerve damage can lead to numbness, weakness, or long-term loss of function. In addition, dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to bacteria in an animal’s mouth, making prompt medical treatment essential.
Beyond the physical injuries, many dog bite victims experience psychological trauma, including anxiety, nightmares, or a lasting fear of dogs. Children, in particular, may struggle emotionally after an attack.
Because dog bite injuries can be complex and life-altering, victims must know their legal rights. When a dog owner’s negligence causes serious harm, Louisiana law may allow injured individuals to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and the long-term effects of their injuries.
Steps to Take When Bitten or Injured by a Dog
If you have been bitten by a dog or attacked by another animal, it is important that you seek medical attention right away. Dog bites are known to cause underlying issues such as infections that require immediate treatment.
When an animal attack occurs, you should:
- Call 911 right away.
- If able, find out the animal owner’s name and contact information.
- Take photos of the animal, the scene where the attack occurred, and your injuries if you can.
- Seek medical attention whether or not you think you are hurt.
- Call Dudley DeBosier—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The dog bite attorneys at Dudley DeBosier will listen, investigate, prepare, and fight for you. Leave the legal side of things to us and focus on you and your loved ones getting back on your feet.
Dog Bite Statistics: A Closer Look
- According to the World Health Organization, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year.
- DogsBite.org says that in 2024, 66 dog bite fatalities were recorded in the U.S.
Where to Seek Medical Treatment in Louisiana After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, getting medical care as soon as possible isn’t just important for your health—it also helps document your injuries for any future legal claim. In Louisiana, several highly regarded medical centers are equipped to handle dog bite wounds and any resulting infections.
- Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth: Located near Gonzales, this award-winning hospital is part of a larger regional health system with a Level I trauma center in Baton Rouge. It offers comprehensive emergency services and advanced wound care, making it a strong choice if you’re dealing with significant injuries or infection concerns.
- Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics: Part of the state’s largest nonprofit health system, this Lafayette facility provides 24-hour emergency care and surgical services. Victims of dog bites who need urgent attention, imaging, or specialist referrals can find qualified care here.
- University Medical Center New Orleans: As home to the Norman E. McSwain, Jr., MD, Spirit of Charity Trauma Center, this hospital serves as southern Louisiana’s only Level I trauma center, equipped to handle severe injuries and complicated wound management.
- Lakeview Hospital: For residents of the Northshore area, Lakeview offers a full-service emergency room and access to specialists for treatment of dog bite trauma, infections, and follow-up care.
Seeing a trusted medical provider quickly after a dog bite is crucial not only for starting your healing journey but also for reducing the risk of infection and long-term complications. Whether your injury requires stitches, antibiotics, tetanus shots, or more advanced treatment, Louisiana’s network of emergency and trauma-ready hospitals can provide the care you need.
If you’re unsure where to go, contacting your local emergency services or calling ahead to an emergency department can help ensure you get prompt attention.
Children Affected by Dog Bites or Attacks
The heartbreaking reality is that a significant number of dog attacks involve young children and often involve the head and face. Several studies back this up:
- A 2022 study found that around half of all children will be bitten by a dog at least once. The study goes on to say that most bites occur during summer months and primarily affect children under the age of 9.
- A 2021 study found that most dog bites in children occur in the head and neck region, making them extremely dangerous due to the potential for bleeding, scarring, and disfigurement.
- A 2019 study found that around 2.5 million American children are bitten by dogs annually.
The injuries among children tend to be more severe and can cause lifelong emotional trauma surrounding animals. Most dogs are great companions, as they’re proven to reduce stress and provide emotional support.
After an attack, a child can be permanently damaged in a way that causes them to fear all animals. It can require long-term counseling, especially if a child suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder following the incident.
Dudley DeBosier understands that children are special cases and we treat these accordingly. Dog bite injuries in children require that future expenses be estimated as well as pain and suffering for the child and the family. Call us 24/7 if your child was injured by an animal attack. We are here to help.
Louisiana’s Strict Liability Laws for Animal Bites & Injuries
Louisiana law is clear about a pet owner’s liability if their animal attacks someone. Although it is referred to as the “dog bite law,” it also includes attacks by other animals, such as cats, exotic pets, farm animals, etc.
Other types of injuries caused by animals are part of this as well. If you are knocked down, scratched, or hurt in any other way by someone else’s pet or animal, you can obtain compensation for those injuries.
There are only two factors that release a pet owner from liability. They are:
- The injured person provoked the animal.
- The injured person was trespassing at the time of the attack.
If those two situations do not apply or can’t be proven, the animal owner is fully responsible for any financial burden or loss incurred by the injured party.
Damages That Can Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Injury
If you or a loved one has been attacked, you are probably wondering what type of damages you can seek. Dog bites and other animal attacks not only cause physical injury, but may also cause psychological harm as well. Here are some of the damages you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical treatment, including any surgeries
- Rehabilitation, present and future needs
- Psychological and emotional effects and treatment
- Permanent physical scarring or disfigurement
- Medical equipment, including prosthetics
- Lost wages, earning potential
- Pain and suffering
How Much Will a Dog Bite Attorney Cost?
At Dudley DeBosier, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with medical bills and lost wages after an accident or dog bite injury. That’s why we’re proud to say you won’t have to worry about paying upfront legal costs or attorney’s fees. Our fee is contingent on outcome, which ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you need.
Demand Dudley DeBosier
After a dog bite injury, don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. We’re ready to help you determine the true cost of your injuries, and it’s our goal to help you get every penny you’re owed.
Call Dudley DeBosier today at (866) 897-8495 or fill out the free initial consultation form below. We’re available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
