When a person is bitten by a dog, the resulting physical, emotional, and financial damage can be significant. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person may require medical treatment, counseling, or both. Additionally, the person may need to hire a lawyer to seek financial compensation to cover these expenses and any long-term physical or psychological issues.

Navigating the claims process surrounding a dog bite and successfully making a claim can be a daunting proposition—hiring a lawyer and understanding the process can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a person’s first experience with it. After all, who do you turn to in order to ensure that your rights are protected and your case is heard? How do you begin to assemble the necessary paperwork and documents? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of finding a lawyer, navigating the legal process, and what to expect from a successful legal claim.

The Dog Bite Claims Process

The dog bite claim process can seem complicated and intimidating, but with the right guidance, an experienced lawyer can make it easier to navigate. Depending on the severity of the injury and the size of the settlement, filing a claim may be more nuanced than filing an insurance claim after a car accident.

When filing a dog bite claim, both sides will have to present their arguments in court (or through mediation) in order to ensure that justice is served. The injured party must prove that reasonable steps were taken to avoid being bitten and that they had no responsibility for the incident. On the other side, the owner must show that reasonable measures were taken to prevent injury, such as providing adequate fencing or supervising their dog when outside. Ultimately, both parties are required to show evidence to support their respective claims and rely upon legal experts with knowledge of state laws to guide them in filing and submitting their claims.

The importance of hiring a knowledgeable attorney cannot be overstated when navigating this process. An experienced lawyer should know state laws inside and out and also have significant experience representing people who have been bitten by dogs. This can help immensely in presenting a successful case.



As daunting as the dog bite claim process may seem, by researching your state’s laws and consulting an experienced attorney, you can increase your chances of success; getting the justice you deserve. Now that we understand the complexities of the claims process, let’s take a look at how long a claimant has to file a lawsuit against a dog’s owner after they’ve been bitten.

Timeframe for Filing a Claim

When it comes to filing a dog bite claim, the statute of limitations will vary depending on the state. In many cases, claims must be filed within one year of a bitten person suffering harm due to an animal attack. It is imperative that victims act swiftly and immediately engage with a qualified attorney. Starting the process as soon as possible makes it easier to collect evidence, build the case, and provide a strong argument for damages due to injuries.

That being said, there are some situations where exceptions can be made if the one-year timeframe has expired; however, this is rare since each state may have different time restrictions that must be followed. In some circumstances, potential plaintiffs can make a formal “tolling” request, which essentially pauses the statutory clock in order to extend the deadline period to make a claim. A knowledgeable and experienced dog bite lawyer can help navigate through this technical process and advise on the best course of action for any given claim.

It is important to note that filing for damages outside of the prescribed timeframe may be met with dismissal from the court system, confirming why immediately engaging with a legal specialist as soon as possible is key. Working with a skilled personal injury professional who understands both state law and individual cases puts these types of claims on a much firmer footing when it comes time for negotiations or appeals regarding compensation terms.

Overall, when navigating through dog bite claims, the time wasted in delays could potentially prevent claimants from collecting any potential reimbursement they may have been entitled to receive. Therefore, understanding when it is necessary to start the process and seeking qualified assistance should always come first, advancing seamlessly into selecting an attorney to represent your case.

How to Select a Lawyer

Once you have an understanding of the process and timeframe for filing a dog bite claim, it is time to start the search for a lawyer. The selection process is an important step as the lawyer will be representing your best interests throughout the legal process. Generally, there are two main paths for selecting a lawyer: referrals from people you trust or public listings such as those in the Yellow Pages or online directories.

Using referrals from friends and family is one way of finding a lawyer, as these individuals can provide firsthand accounts of their experience with the attorney. Checking online reviews about the lawyer in question can also be enlightening. Referred attorneys may have specific expertise relevant to your case, so this method can be very useful in finding the right representation.

However, choosing a randomly selected lawyer from an online directory comes with its own advantages. The competitive market provides lots of options, so you can take some time to research and compare lawyers in your area before making a decision. Additionally, services like Avvo will give you additional categories on which to base your decision, such as experience, areas of specialty, and ratings and reviews that come directly from clients.

After carefully weighing all of your options, you can make your selection with increased confidence, knowing you have done your due diligence. Now that you have chosen a suitable lawyer who meets the requirements of your claim, it’s time to examine other qualities such as communication style, availability during certain times of day, courtroom history, success rate, etc., which will reflect on the quality of service you receive during the process.

Qualities to Look For in a Lawyer

Now that you have determined how to select the right lawyer for your dog bite case, it is important to consider which qualities make a lawyer the best fit for you and your situation. When selecting an attorney, look for qualities such as good communication skills, familiarity with tort laws, sound legal advice, and experience handling cases similar to yours. It is also important for the lawyer to be a specialist in personal injury law to ensure that they are well versed in the nuanced details and regulations relating to dog bite claims. As a client, you should expect your lawyer to pay attention to your questions and concerns and provide you with honest feedback about the process.

Additionally, look for a lawyer who will listen to all of your issues related to the claim and work with you collaboratively on potential solutions. Good lawyers understand that each case is unique and focus on developing a strategy tailored precisely to your needs. They will keep up with changing laws and court decisions so they can adjust their strategy accordingly when they need to do so.

It’s important to recognize that not every lawyer is suited or experienced enough to handle dog bite cases effectively. Take precautions by doing adequate research before hiring one. The relationship between lawyer and client should be based on trust, respect, and empathy; these combined qualities should dictate a successful outcome that puts the client’s best interests first.

With this in mind, finding an expert counselor who understands dog bite claims and can handle consulting specialists, like veterinary behaviorists or groomers for evidence gathering, is essential for successfully navigating the process. Knowing all of the applicable legal steps involved in building a strong case can help you arrive at an agreement quicker and more efficiently than if you handled it yourself.

Who Is At Fault For My Dog Bite Injury?

When considering a dog bite injury, the question of who is at fault can be a complex one. Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may be held accountable. Generally, liability will fall to the owner, keeper, or handler of the animal in question. It is important to note that some states have enacted laws that hold an owner strictly liable for all injuries caused by their pet, regardless of prior knowledge of it being dangerous. Other states take into consideration whether or not the animal has a reputation for being harmful or has been known to act aggressively in the past.

Regardless of jurisdiction, it can often be argued that any person handling an animal should be aware of its predictable behavior and take caution when interacting with it. This means that in certain cases, an employer can be held liable for failing to protect an employee from an animal under their care. Visitors or trespassers may also assume some level of negligence if they enter onto private property, even against warning signs or posted notes about pets on the premises. As well as those related to ownership or direct contact with the animal, claims can sometimes extend beyond this, depending on state laws and local regulations.

This section has shown why defining fault in dog bite claims is a complex matter and why multiple parties may be held responsible for compensating victims. Going forward, it is important to understand what legal options are available when going to court and that calculating damages must be considered. This highlights the next necessary step in pursuing a claim, which will be discussed in the subsequent section regarding “Going To Court & Compensating For Damages”.

Going to Court and Compensating for Damages

After consultation with an experienced lawyer, filing a claim for dog bite injuries may proceed to a trial in court. Thus, it is important to understand the court process and potential compensations that may become available.

Dog bite victims have the option of pursuing civil or criminal charges against the dog’s owner. Civil procedures are more likely, due to the fact the offending dog’s owner will not face jail time but can receive compensation on his behalf, paying for medical bills and lost wages due to an inability to work as a result of the animal’s behavior. In some rare cases, depending on the severity of the injury, civil trials could result in punitive damages being applied if it is determined that the dog posed an unreasonable danger that was known by its owner.

In a civil proceeding in court, damage compensations are typically divided into two categories. Compensatory damages focus on providing recompense for the victim’s physical and psychological pain suffered from the bite incident. This usually involves a monetary award combined with potential medical treatments and the payment of associated medical bills. Non-compensatory damages are awarded to victims when their situations meet one of three criteria: intentional infliction of harm by the animal’s owners or keepers; a statute or ordinance violation where it declares that an owner should be held accountable for having a dangerous animal; or when owners were negligent in restraining their pet or failed to use humane methods in training their pet. These punitive awards often vary significantly and are determined by juries, case by case.

Thus, knowing how to navigate court proceedings is essential for ensuring proper settlements by effectively proving damages incurred as a result of this type of incident. The end goal is always to obtain full compensation from those who are responsible for the victim’s losses and suffering. Through the acquisition of well-versed legal counsel, victims can best ensure that their case is represented truthfully and accurately in court proceedings.

Get the legal representation you need for your dog bite case. Call Michael Alan Siddons

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog bite incident, don’t wait—take action now. Dog bite injuries can have serious consequences, both physical and emotional, and it’s important to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced dog bite attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. We understand the laws surrounding dog bites and have a track record of winning cases for our clients.

Let us fight for you and help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.