[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/establishing-fault-in-a-dog-bite-case\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/establishing-fault-in-a-dog-bite-case\/","headline":"Establishing Fault in a Dog Bite Case","name":"Establishing Fault in a Dog Bite Case","description":"While the severity of dog bite injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, being attacked or bitten is a traumatic experience. In addition to ensuring you get the medical care you need, filing a dog bite claim can help hold responsible parties accountable and may prevent another bite from happening to someone else in the future. At Moore Law Firm, our dog bite lawyers have successfully handled all types of cases involving animal attacks for clients in the Mobile, AL,…<\/span>
Continue Reading ››<\/a><\/div>","datePublished":"2023-01-10","dateModified":"2024-07-22","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/author\/fred\/#Person","name":"Fred Moore","url":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/author\/fred\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5ac7e79885edcb8c05f5927d059dc10f69b01d03e77bde87b1d4425aafa74ad9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5ac7e79885edcb8c05f5927d059dc10f69b01d03e77bde87b1d4425aafa74ad9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Moore Law Firm","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/logo.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/logo.jpg","width":238,"height":100}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Close-up-of-a-dog-biting-a-mans-arm.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Close-up-of-a-dog-biting-a-mans-arm.jpg","height":252,"width":350},"url":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/establishing-fault-in-a-dog-bite-case\/","about":["Blog"],"wordCount":912,"articleBody":"While the severity of dog bite injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, being attacked or bitten is a traumatic experience. In addition to ensuring you get the medical care you need, filing a dog bite claim can help hold responsible parties accountable and may prevent another bite from happening to someone else in the future. At Moore Law Firm, our dog bite lawyers have successfully handled all types of cases involving animal attacks for clients in the Mobile, AL, metro area. We know how to establish fault and fight to help injured victims recover maximum compensation for damages.Alabama Dog Bite LawsDepending on the circumstances, there are several ways a personal injury attorney may approach a dog bite lawsuit. In Alabama, most dog bite cases fall under the legal umbrella of strict liability. This means that a dog owner is considered liable for any injury their dog causes on their property, and in some cases beyond their property, as long as it was not provoked.Recovering Damages in Dog Bite CasesUnder Alabama dog bite law, the types of damages an injured victim may recover depend on the specific circumstances of the claim. If someone is bitten by a dog that was previously friendly and the owner was unaware of any aggressive propensity, the injured party may only recover actual economic damages such as:Medical billsLost wagesOther injury-related expensesIf a dog has previously bitten someone, the owner is aware of its dangerous tendencies, or an owner was particularly reckless or negligent, an injured person may be able to recover additional non-economic damages such as:Pain and sufferingEmotional distressLoss of enjoyment of lifeLoss of companionship and consortiumIn most cases, dog bite claims are filed with the dog owner\u2019s homeowners\u2019 or renters\u2019 insurance company. Unfortunately, insurers have little concern for injured victims \u2013 their ultimate goal is to pay as little as possible on dog bite claims. Obtaining fair compensation for non-economic damages can be challenging. That\u2019s why it\u2019s critical to find an experienced dog bite lawyer who understands how to accurately value your claim and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.Establishing Fault in Cases Involving Aggressive DogsTo recover non-economic damages, a dog bite attorney must provide evidence of previous aggressive or dangerous behavior, which could include:Previous bitesChasing or snapping at peopleJumping on peopleAttacks on other animalsIf a dog was running loose or the owner\u2019s actions were negligent in another way, you may or may not be entitled to non-economic damages. The specific situation and local ordinances like leash laws can also affect the types of damages you may be entitled to recover.Building a Dog Bite Case in AlabamaThe nuances of dog bite law in Alabama are complex. A personal injury attorney will know how to thoroughly investigate a dog bite case and collect relevant evidence. To establish fault and prove liability your dog bite lawyer will:Identify the dog\u2019s ownerInvestigate the dog\u2019s historyGather evidenceYour dog bite attorney also will evaluate the renters\u2019 or homeowners\u2019 insurance and the personal assets of the owner to determine whether they have the resources to cover any damages.Investigating Dog Bite CasesTo build a solid case, it\u2019s important to obtain evidence that backs up an injured victim\u2019s claim. If you\u2019re bitten by a dog, it\u2019s crucial to seek medical attention right away and take photos of your injuries. Common types of evidence in dog bite cases include:Photographs or video of the attack, your injuries, and the sceneTorn or bloody clothing and other damaged propertyMedical recordsWitness statementsIn Alabama, certain counties and municipalities have banned breeds such as the pit bull, rottweiler, Presa Canario, and wolf-dog. Depending on the jurisdiction, these laws can be a vital factor when establishing fault and recovering damages in a dog bite claim.If one of these breeds of dog attacks you in a jurisdiction where they are banned, the owner may face criminal charges in addition to shouldering civil liability. Emily\u2019s Law, which was passed by the Alabama legislature in 2018, also allows criminal charges against owners whose dogs have been designated as dangerous.It\u2019s Important to Act Fast After a Dog BiteIn Alabama, the statute of limitations to file a dog bite lawsuit is two years. However, contacting a dog bite attorney as soon as possible gives you a better chance of recovering maximum compensation for damages such as:Medical billsWage lossPain and sufferingEmotional distressPunitive damages if warrantedIt\u2019s also vital to see a doctor or go to the ER to get treatment and document the incident while it\u2019s still fresh in your mind. Memories fade, and valuable evidence may no longer be available as time passes. An Alabama dog bite attorney can evaluate your case, figure out who\u2019s at fault, and develop a specific legal strategy based on the circumstances surrounding your claim.Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Mobile, ALDealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be daunting, but you don\u2019t have to go it alone. Over the past 30 years, the personal injury attorneys at Moore Law Firm, based in Mobile, AL, have provided legal support to more than 15,000 clients throughout Alabama. To schedule a free consultation with a Mobile dog bite attorney, call us at 251-445-7602\u00a0or\u00a0contact us online\u00a0today."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Establishing Fault in a Dog Bite Case","item":"https:\/\/www.moorelawfirm-al.com\/establishing-fault-in-a-dog-bite-case\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]