Can I Be Compensated for a Dog Bite?

Dogs are a big part of many people’s lives. Unfortunately, sometimes our dogs act out, and their owners can be liable for their actions. Not everyone understands how to read a dog’s cues and may continue to push them until they bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.5 million people are bitten each year, and more than 800,000 require medical attention.

It is important to note that any dog can bite. Even the sweetest pets will bite if they are provoked. It’s not the breed that determines whether it bites, but rather the dog’s behavior and individual history. Many dog bites are preventable when you understand how to read a dog’s cues.

If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, you might be entitled to compensation to help pay for your medical expenses. It is necessary to get immediate medical treatment since dog bites can easily become infected.

What Alabama Law Says About Dog Bites

Alabama has specific and complex laws that address dog bites. You need to work with a competent and experienced Alabama dog bite attorney who has a full understanding of the laws that govern your case.

Some people believe the owners may only be held responsible if they knew of the dog’s potential aggressive behavior. This is called the one-bite rule and holds that the owner of a domestic animal is only liable if they can show that the owner had previous knowledge of the animal’s behavior.

Who Is Responsible If You Are Attacked?

Multiple laws affect a dog bite case. It is essential you work with an experienced attorney who understands the unique combination of strict liability and the one-bite rule as it may pertain to your case. Depending on the nature of the incident, state or local laws may apply. In some cases, not only will the pet owner be liable, but also the landlord or property owner.

For example, if an employee brings their dog to work and the dog is provoked into biting, the employer may be held responsible. So might the landlord of the building if the employer is renting. Alabama’s leash law also covers dogs that have gotten loose and aren’t confined within their premises. This law requires owners to keep their animals on a leash or prevent them from roaming.

There is also a law that applies when an individual is legally on the property of the pet owner, such as a mailman, guest, or package delivery driver. If they are injured by the dog on the property or off the property, the owner can be held responsible.

Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite in Alabama

What happens if you know the person whose dog bit you? You might worry that if you ask them to pay for your medical expenses, your relationship might be damaged. The good news is that many homeowners’ policies cover dog bites. The even better news is that when you hire an attorney, the attorney can deal with the insurance company, leaving you and your friend out of the negotiations, for the most part.

So how do you recover compensation? If you’re injured on the dog owner’s property, the animal owner is responsible for all your medical expenses. If the homeowner knew of the dog’s potential for aggression, the court might also hold them liable for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or permanent injury or scarring.

If you were bitten by someone else’s pet, it is essential that you receive immediate medical attention. This helps to document your injuries and prove to the insurance company and court that you are interested in regaining your health and wellness. Depending on the size, location, and severity of the bite, you may also require IV antibiotics and physical therapy to regain full function.

Call the Dog Bite Attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP for Help Today

If you or someone you loved were injured by a dog bite, call the Birmingham dog bite lawyers of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP personal injury law firm today. Our team of skilled attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies and are aggressive litigators who can protect your rights if your case goes to court.

You may already be worried about paying the medical bills you’re getting for the treatment you received after the bite. How will you afford an attorney? The attorneys of Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP work on a contingency-fee basis. That means you don’t pay any money upfront. We get paid when we get compensation for you. If we don’t get you any money, you’ll owe us nothing.

Call the offices at (205) 324-1212 today or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Don’t go through this on your own. Let us help.