Getting bitten by a dog can be scary, even if your injury doesn’t seem big at first. But just because it wasn’t a deep bite doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. Dog bites can cause pain, stress, and big medical bills, and you may be entitled to compensation, even for a relatively minor injury.
In this article, we’ll explain Louisiana dog bite laws, who may be held responsible, and what a New Orleans personal injury lawyer can do for you. If you or someone you love is a dog bite victim, knowing your rights can help you feel more in control.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana follows a strict liability rule, which means dog owners are often held responsible for bites, even if the dog has never attacked anyone before.
- Dog bite cases can lead to both civil and criminal charges, especially under laws like the Luna McDaniel and Michael Blaise Landry Act.
- A dog bite lawyer can help you figure out who’s at fault, deal with insurance companies, and fight to get whatever compensation you may deserve.
- Victims may be able to claim for medical bills, lost income, pain, and trauma, depending on how serious the injuries are and how the attack happened.
Dog Bite Laws in Louisiana
If a domestic animal bites someone in Louisiana, the law is clear that the owner can generally be held responsible. Louisiana has specific rules for dog bite cases created to protect people who have been injured by dangerous dogs. Whether the dog was on a leash or loose in the yard, the law considers what the owner knew and whether they could have prevented the bite from happening.
Strict Liability: What It Means for Dog Owners
As we've mentioned earlier, dog bite laws in Louisiana follow a strict liability rule. This means the dog's owner can be held strictly liable if their dog attacks someone, even if it is the dog's first time biting anyone. The law requires owners to take steps to prevent their dogs from harming others. If the owner knew or should have known that the dog might bite and did nothing to stop it, they can be held fully responsible.
But there’s a small catch. If the injured person provoked the animal, either by hurting, scaring, or teasing it, the owner might not be fully to blame. Still, in most cases, if the owner failed to act and the dog caused harm, they can be held responsible. That’s why it’s so important for Louisiana dog owners to keep their pets secure and under control.
Keep in mind that there are absolutely cases in which dog owners will not be held legally responsible for the actions of their pets. The best way to know whether or not your case involves owner liability is to contact a dog bite lawyer.
The Luna McDaniel and Michael Blaise Landry Act
In 2009, Louisiana strengthened its dog bite laws. This happened after two tragic attacks that led to the deaths of Luna McDaniel and Michael Blaise Landry. The new law allows dog bite cases to be handled in civil court for money, and in criminal court for punishment.
So, if a dog attack is very serious and causes serious bodily injury, such as loss of limb or life, the owner might face criminal charges. This act pushes dog owners to take extra care, especially if they own a potentially dangerous dog. They may not only have to pay money but could also be punished by the law.
Who Is Liable for My Dog Bite Injuries?
After a dog attack, it’s important to know who is responsible for your injuries. Sometimes, it's the dog owner, but in other cases, it might be someone else, like a landlord or the dog sitter. If the dog got out because a fence was broken or there were no warning signs on the owner’s property, that matters too. Every dog bite case is different, and knowing who should pay is not always obvious.
This is why you should talk to a personal injury attorney like the ones at Cardone Law Firm. An experienced lawyer can look at what happened, find out who was careless, and help you file a dog bite claim. They will fight to get you whatever compensation you're entitled to for your medical bills, lost time at work, pain, and stress. Don’t try to figure it out on your own; let a lawyer help protect your rights.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Dog Bite Claim?
If you're considering filing a dog bite lawsuit or an insurance claim in Louisiana, it’s smart to consult with a lawyer. Some injuries need stitches, surgery, or months of care. That can get expensive fast, and insurance companies don’t always offer fair payouts unless you push back.
Dog bite cases are also tricky. You have to prove who was at fault, and that’s not always easy, especially if the dog’s owner is a neighbor, friend, or family member. These cases can bring up a lot of strong emotions, and it helps to have someone on your side who knows the law and isn’t afraid to speak up for you. A dog bite lawyer can take the pressure off, deal with the legal side, and fight to get you whatever compensation you may be entitled to to heal and move on.
What Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Do for You?
After a dog attack, you might be confused about what to do next. That’s where a dog bite lawyer comes in. These cases fall under Louisiana’s dog bite laws, and proving the owner’s responsibility takes more than just pointing fingers. A lawyer who knows the law can guide you and protect your rights, especially when things get complicated. Here’s how a Louisiana dog bite lawyer can help you:
- Investigate the dog bite incident by gathering witness statements, photos, and medical records
- Prove the owner was legally responsible under Louisiana’s strict liability law
- Deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to settle for less than you may deserve
- Estimate the full cost of your injuries, including medical care, missed work, pain, and trauma
- Show how the dog’s behavior was dangerous, especially if it had bitten someone before or wasn’t properly fenced or leashed
- File your dog bite claim on time, making sure you don’t miss legal deadlines
- Speak for you in court if the case doesn’t settle and needs to be taken to trial
What Dog Bite Compensation May Be Available?
If you were bitten by a dog in Louisiana, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries, and not just for your medical bills. Louisiana dog bite laws let victims file claims to cover both physical and emotional harm caused by the attack. The type of compensation you get will depend on how serious the dog bite was, how it affected your life, and whether the dog’s owner was clearly at fault. Here are the types of compensation that may be available in a Louisiana dog bite case:
- Medical Expenses— This includes ER visits, stitches, surgery, infection treatment, and follow-up care.
- Lost Wages— If the dog bite caused you to miss work or lose income, you may be paid for the lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering— Dog bites often hurt badly, and more than just physically. This compensation covers the pain, stress, and emotional impact of the attack.
- Disfigurement or Scarring— Some dog bite injuries leave long-term or permanent scars, especially if the bite was to the face, neck, or arms.
- Emotional Trauma— Many victims develop fear or anxiety around dogs or feel embarrassed about visible scars.
- Reduced Ability to Work— If your injury stops you from doing your normal job, you may be able to claim for lost future income.
- Punitive Damages— In rare cases where the dog’s owner acted recklessly, like letting a known vicious dog roam free, the court may award extra money to punish their actions.
Stand Up for Yourself After a Dog Bite with Help From Cardone Law Firm
Taking legal action after a dog bite is often key to getting financial relief. Even if the injury doesn’t seem big, a dog attack can still bring pain, stress, and medical bills. You deserve a New Orleans personal injury lawyer who can explain your rights and help you make smart choices about what to do next.
At Cardone Law Firm, we’re here to walk you through the Louisiana dog bite laws, answer your questions, and fight for whatever you may be owed. Don’t wait, reach out to Cardone Law Firm today to speak with a trusted New Orleans personal injury lawyer who will stand up for you.
Trust Cardone Law Firm team to fight for whatever compensation you may deserve after a dog attack.