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How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit, Louisiana Guide

A dog showing its teeth

When dog owners fail to take reasonable steps to prevent attacks, dog bite victims may be able to seek compensation through a dog bite lawsuit. Louisiana has dog bite laws in place to protect Louisianans from dangerous pets, and owners may be liable for losses, including medical bills, emotional distress, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, a Louisiana dog bite lawyer can help you recover compensation for the financial and emotional harm caused. Keep reading to learn more about how to file a dog bite claim in Louisiana.

Key Takeaways

  • You should get medical treatment, document the case, gather evidence, and get a lawyer with experience handling dog bite cases.
  • To file a personal injury claim for dog bites, you should choose an attorney with dog bite case experience, great reviews, and reliable service.
  • The legal process for getting compensation typically starts with an insurance claim. If the claim fails or the dog’s owner was uninsured, a lawsuit can be filed.
  • You can count on our New Orleans dog bite lawyers for assistance seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional impacts.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Happens

From the moment the attack happens, your actions can have an impact on your personal injury claim. You should take care to protect your health and your rights to compensation:

  1. Take immediate action to respond to the injury, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  2. Follow all medical advice that you are given and keep up with recommended medical care.
  3. Report the incident to the police or local animal control.
  4. Document all aspects of the case, from factors that enabled the attack to medical records and notes about your pain and suffering.
  5. Contact a Louisiana dog bite law firm for help determining the right path forward.

Finding a Dog Bite Attorney

After you get treatment and gather evidence, the next step will be choosing the right Louisiana law firm to assist with your case. Dog bite cases can be complicated and tense, so it’s important to choose an attorney with experience handling dog bite claims. You can look online for attorneys in your area with dog bite experience. Be sure to check reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the lawyer’s services. You can look at the results they’ve achieved, and use free consultations to ask any questions you may have.

Making a Dog Bite Injury Claim

Once you’ve found a New Orleans dog bite lawyer to assist with your case, you can begin the process of filing a claim. 

  1. File an Insurance Claim – Your lawyer can help you determine which insurance company to make a claim with based on liability. 
  2. File an Appeal – If the insurance company denies your claim, your attorney can help you file an appeal. 
  3. Send a Demand Letter – If your appeal fails, or if the dog owner was uninsured, your dog bite lawyer can help you send a demand letter informing the dog owner of your intent to sue.
  4. File a Lawsuit – If the demand letter is rejected or ignored, it might be time to file a dog bite lawsuit.
  5. Enter Negotiations – Your lawyer will enter into negotiations with the insurance company or the owner’s legal team.
  6. Go to Court – If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to trial. The vast majority of personal injury cases settle out of court.

Proving Liability Under Louisiana Dog Bite Laws

Under Louisiana law, dog owners can be held liable for dog bites, even if it’s the first time that the dog bit someone. In order to hold a dog owner liable for physical injuries caused by their pet, you will need to prove that 

  • The dog owner knew or should have known that their dog might bite someone.
  • The dog owner failed to take reasonable care to prevent the attack.
  • You were injured as a result of the owner’s failure to prevent the attack.

Even for minor injuries, if an animal attack causes you physical wounds or emotional harm, the animal’s owner may be liable for that harm. Our New Orleans dog bite attorneys can help ensure the right party is held responsible for dog bite injuries.

Getting Compensation for a Dog Attack With Cardone Law Firm

If you’ve been attacked by a dog in New Orleans, you may be owed compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills for current and future care. If you had to miss work or seek medical care due to the resulting injuries, an attorney can help you get fair results.

Dog attacks can have deep impacts on daily life, from emotional trauma to permanent scarring. Our attorneys at Cardone Law Firm are committed to helping victims seek justice after dog attacks. You can count on our legal team to gather the required proof, establish the owner’s liability, and build a strong case for full compensation.

Bite victims can count on Cliff Cardone to help get justice for attacks by dangerous dogs. Reach out to get started.

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