Your Mobile, AL Personal Injury Attorney for Dog Bite Cases
Many people are unaware that dog bite cases are often times covered by homeowner insurance policies. These cases can be very valuable if handled correctly and can include damages for medical bill compensation, pain and suffering, mental anguish including a reoccurring fear of dogs, permanent scarring, permanent impairment, and punitive damages if the dog is a dangerous breed and/or has bitten others before.
It is very difficult to recover damages in a dog bite case without having an experienced attorney. Most claims are denied by insurance carriers outright because of the fact that the law puts a heavy burden on the plaintiff to prove his or her case.
If you, a family member or a friend have been injured by someone’s dog please give us a call today so that we can help you stand up for your rights to be compensated. Mobile Alabama Dog Bite Attorneys, Moore Law Firm, can help you get the recovery you deserve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING DOG BITE CASES
What damages am I entitled to in a dog bite case?
Dog Bite Cases can lead to a multitude of damages including both compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages include damages related to medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanency of injury, value of scarring, etc. Punitive damages are damages usually reserved to punish or deter the dog owner for his or her action. These type damages are usually seen when a dog has bitten others before or has a known propensity for violence.
What is the “one bite rule?” Does it apply in Alabama?
This phrase, “one bite rule” is somewhat misleading. The ”one bite rule” is a common law concept that a dog gets one bite before it is considered dangerous. This rule stands for the general principle that an owner is not responsible for a dog if it does not know it is dangerous. The “one bite rule” does not actually have to be a bite, but can be any injury to the plaintiff resulting from a harmful propensity of an animal that is not ordinarily or necessarily characteristic of that type of animal. However, this rule does not usually apply if the owner knows that the animal is potentially dangerous or if the breed is known for its propensity to cause harm to others such as a pitbull.
When can a person recover against an owner of a dog?
Generally speaking when the owner of a vicious or dangerous dog does not take precaution to keep the animal safely locked up, and another person, without fault of his or her own, is bitten or injured, then the owner is held liable for that dog’s actions. Dog owners are bound to take notice of the general propensities of the breed of the dog that they own, even if their dog has never displayed vicious behavior or bitten someone.
What insurance policies cover dog bite cases?
Dog bite cases are typically covered under the homeowner policy of the dog owner. They can also be covered under rental policies are other general liability policies. This is why it is important to consult an experienced Attorney regarding dog bite cases.
