Victims of dog attacks often suffer severe physical injuries and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Shreveport, you have the right to seek justice and financial recovery.
At Dudley DeBosier, we are committed to treating dog bite victims like family by guiding them through the legal process toward maximum compensation while they heal. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your dog bite claim.
Understanding Louisiana Dog Bite Laws
Louisiana dog bite cases follow strict liability law. What this means is that pet owners or any potentially liable party may be held responsible if:
- They knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies.
- The dog’s actions directly caused the injury.
- The victim did not provoke the dog.
To establish liability, you must prove that the owner was negligent in controlling or restraining the dog. Common challenges in dog bite cases include disputes over liability and insurance coverage.
Successfully handling dog bite cases can be complex and requires the help of a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of local and state law. Having a law firm like Dudley DeBosier on your side goes a long way to building a strong case for compensation.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Injuries from dog bites range from serious physical pain to overwhelming emotional trauma. Common injuries caused by dog bites include:
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Risk of severe bleeding and infections
- Nerve Damage: Potential for long-term loss of sensation or movement
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Leading to emotional distress and costly reconstructive surgery
- Broken Bones: Often from being knocked down or trying to fend off an attack
- Infections and Rabies: Including serious infections like cellulitis or sepsis
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD: Especially in children who may suffer long-term psychological effects
Special and General Damages in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional damage caused by dog attacks. They include:
Special Damages:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, reconstructive procedures)
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Lost wages while recovering and loss of earning capacity in the future
- Property damage (e.g., torn clothing or broken personal items)
General Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma (anxiety, PTSD)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Past case results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our team will fight to maximize your compensation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Taking immediate action after a dog bite can protect your health and legal rights. We hope you never encounter such a vicious attack, but if you’ve been bitten, it’s important to follow these steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt medical care helps prevent infection and documents your injuries. This documentation may be used as evidence in your case.
- Report the Incident: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to create an official report — which is also a critical piece of proof.
- Document the Scene and Injuries: If you can do so safely, take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location of the attack.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the owner’s contact details and verify vaccination records.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer: An experienced personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How Dudley DeBosier Can Help
Our legal team has extensive experience handling dog bite cases. We provide personalized legal representation and guide victims through every step of the process. Our approach includes:
- Investigating the incident and gathering critical evidence (eyewitness statements, medical records, and animal control reports)
- Proving liability by demonstrating the dog owner’s negligence
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation
- Taking the case to trial if necessary to ensure justice for the victim
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why you won’t pay us upfront. 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.
Who Is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Louisiana?
Multiple parties can be held responsible for dog bite injuries. Pursuing claims that involve shared liability can be challenging, but our experienced legal team will ensure all liable parties are held accountable.
Possible liable parties include:
- Dog Owners: Primarily responsible for controlling their pets
- Landlords or Property Owners: If they knew a dangerous dog was present on the property and failed to act on this knowledge
- Dog Sitters or Caretakers: If they were responsible for controlling the dog at the time of the attack
Contact Dudley DeBosier Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Shreveport, don’t delay getting legal help. Contact Dudley DeBosier for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is here to help you through this traumatic time and fight for the justice and compensation you need and deserve.
