A dog bite lawyer can help guide you through the legal process if you’ve been injured in a dog bite or attack, giving you the support you need to secure the compensation you deserve.
Dog bites happen more often than many people realize – over 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, and many of those cases require medical attention.
At Empower Injury Law, we know how life-altering these situations can be, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. From medical bills to emotional recovery, we’re committed to helping you move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
At Empower Injury Law, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite, especially when insurance companies are involved. While they may claim to have your best interests at heart, their primary goal is often to minimize payouts—not ensure your full recovery.
This is where our dedicated dog bite lawyer steps in. Here’s how we help you get the compensation you deserve:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We review all aspects of your case, including medical records, incident reports, and any relevant evidence, to build a solid foundation for your claim.
Witness Interviews
We contact witnesses and gather their statements, which can play a pivotal role in strengthening your case.
Collaboration with Experts
We collaborate with experts to analyze the details of the incident and consult with medical professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries.
Insurance Policy Analysis
We examine the insurance policies to ensure we consider all potential sources of compensation.
Negotiation With Insurance Companies
We deal with insurance companies, working to secure a settlement that accurately reflects the impact of your injuries.
Trial Advocacy
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, our experienced attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice you deserve.
At Empower Injury Law, your well-being is our top priority. Let us handle the legal complexities and deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing. Our consultations are free, so there’s no risk in contacting us to see how we can assist you.
“Kevin was very thorough and was able to help my son with his case after a dog attack. He explained everything to us so we could understand the process and always updated us with the next steps and what the possible outcomes could be. Would definitely refer anyone and everyone to him for their legal needs.”
–Leilani
“Kevin’s an amazing lawyer he helped me win my case for a dog bite injury, he walked me through every step of my case and always kept me up to date with how things were going with it. Very professional and a good guy I would 10/10 recommend.”
–Corey
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE IN A DOG BITE CASE?
Determining liability in a dog bite case is essential to building a strong claim. But who is responsible? The answer depends on the specific situation.
Dog Owners
Typically, the dog owner is the one held responsible for a bite. Regardless of the dog’s past behavior, owners are usually liable for their pet’s actions, especially if the attack happens in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property.
Property Owners or Landlords
Sometimes, a property owner or landlord can also be liable. They could share the blame if they knew there was a dangerous dog on the premises and did nothing about it.
Negligent Third Parties
In certain situations, a third party could be held liable. For example, if a dog was under the care of someone other than the owner—like a dog walker or a pet sitter—and they acted negligently, they could share responsibility for the incident.
Employers
The employer could be held responsible if a dog bites someone while they are working, such as a delivery driver or postal worker. This is especially true if the employer didn’t take steps to provide a safe working environment.
HOW TO PROVE LIABILITY IN A DOG BITE CASE
Establish Ownership or Control of the Dog
First, we need to show that the person responsible owned the dog or was in control of it during the incident. This can be done with pet registration records, witness statements, or photos.
Prove the Attack Was Unprovoked
It’s important to show that the dog attacked without being threatened, teased, or provoked in any way. When we demonstrate that, it’s much easier to hold the owner accountable.
Prove You Were Lawfully Present
If the attack happened on private property, we must show you were there legally as a guest, worker, or with another valid reason. If you had the right to be there, that strengthens your claim.
Demonstrate the Owner’s Negligence or Knowledge
In some cases, like with strict liability laws, we don’t need to prove negligence or prior vicious behavior by the dog.
But in states with a “one-bite rule” or where negligence matters, we’ll work to show the owner knew—or should have known—the dog was dangerous and didn’t take the necessary steps to prevent the attack.
Provide Evidence of Your Injuries
We must connect the bite directly to your injuries to solidify your case. Medical records, photos, and expert testimony can all show the extent and impact of the attack.
Utilize Witness Testimony
Witnesses can be key in proving what happened. Eyewitnesses who saw the attack can confirm the dog’s aggressive behavior, and others might know the dog’s history of being dangerous.
Consider Local Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws vary by state or municipality. Some areas have strict liability laws, meaning the owner is responsible no matter what.
Others require us to prove negligence. We’ll guide you through the specific laws that apply to your case.
Proving liability can be challenging, but we can build a strong case with solid evidence and the right legal support. Our experienced dog bite attorney is here to help every step of the way, ensuring we cover all the bases to hold the responsible party accountable. Let’s work together to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
COMPENSATION FOR DOG BITE INJURIES
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, it’s important to understand the compensation available to you. This will help cover both your financial losses and emotional hardships, ensuring you receive the support needed for a full recovery.
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
These are the tangible financial losses you’ve incurred due to the dog bite. They include:
Medical Expenses: This covers all costs related to medical treatment, such as hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary ongoing or future medical care.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for both lost income during recovery and any future earnings affected by long-term injury impacts.
Property Damage: If the dog bite incident damaged your personal belongings, such as clothing or a bicycle, you can recover the cost of repair or replacement.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
These are the more subjective, intangible losses that don’t have a direct financial cost but significantly impact your life. They include:
Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured due to the dog bite.
Emotional Distress: The psychological impact of the incident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injury has diminished your ability to enjoy activities and hobbies you once loved, you can seek compensation for this loss.
Scarring and Disfigurement: If the dog bite left you with permanent scars or disfigurement, you might receive compensation to account for the emotional and psychological toll of living with these visible reminders.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
Punitive damages are a form of compensation meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future. In dog bite cases, the court might award these damages if the dog owner acts recklessly or maliciously, such as knowingly keeping a dangerous dog without proper precautions.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHILD VICTIMS OF DOG BITE ATTACKS
Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are more likely to suffer severe injuries. A dog bite can be incredibly traumatic for a child—not just physically, but emotionally as well.
Severity of Injuries
Because of their smaller size and limited ability to defend themselves, children often experience more severe injuries in dog attacks. Bites to the face, neck, and hands are common and can leave lasting scars, both physically and emotionally. These injuries often require extensive medical care, including surgery and long-term treatment.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
A dog bite can leave more than just physical scars. For children, the emotional trauma can be just as painful, if not more. Fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder are common after a dog attack. In many cases, therapy or counseling is integral to the recovery process and should be considered when seeking compensation.
At Empower Injury Law, we understand how difficult this situation can be for both you and your child. Our experienced attorney understands the challenges of these cases and is committed to securing the compensation your child needs for a full recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can support your family during this difficult time.
COMMON DOG BITE INJURIES
Each year, over 800,000 people in the U.S. seek medical attention for dog bite injuries, with many of these cases resulting in serious harm, including:
Puncture Wounds: Common in dog bites, puncture wounds can damage muscles, tendons, and bones. There is a high risk of infection from bacteria in the dog’s mouth.
Lacerations and Abrasions: Lacerations are deep cuts from teeth or claws that often require stitches and may leave scars. Abrasions, though less severe, are painful and result from claws or the force of the bite.
Nerve Damage: Severe bites can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, loss of function, or chronic pain, sometimes resulting in permanent impairment.
Broken Bones: Bites from larger dogs can break bones, especially in the hands, wrists, or face, often requiring surgery and rehab.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Facial bites can lead to scarring and disfigurement, often needing cosmetic surgery and causing long-term emotional trauma.
The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale helps classify the severity of dog bites, ranging from minor nips to serious injuries. In a dog bite case, the Dunbar scale helps injury lawyers assess the extent of injuries and determine the appropriate compensation for victims.
HOW DOES DOG BREED IMPACT A DOG BITE CLAIM?
Dog breed can influence the outcome of a dog bite claim. While all dog owners are generally responsible for their pets, some breeds are viewed as more dangerous or aggressive, which can influence the direction of your case.
Perception of Breed Risk
Breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans often carry a reputation for being higher-risk due to their strength and history of aggression. If the dog in your case is one of these breeds, it could support your claim by showing the owner’s need to take extra precautions.
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
Some areas have laws targeting specific breeds, requiring stricter guidelines like muzzling in public or additional insurance. If the dog owner ignored these laws, it could help prove their negligence in your case.
Insurance Challenges
The owner’s insurance may not cover certain breeds, which could make your claim more complex and limit available compensation. It’s important to understand how the breed of the dog impacts insurance coverage in these situations.
While dog breeds can play a role in your claim, each case is unique. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you navigate these factors and build a strong case, no matter the breed involved.
HOW LONG DOES A DOG BITE CASE TAKE?
If you’re navigating a dog bite case, understanding the timeline is key to managing expectations and staying prepared for each step. Watch this video to learn what to expect.
HOW MUCH DOES A DOG BITE LAWYER COST?
The cost of hiring a dog bite lawyer can be a concern, especially when you’re already dealing with mounting medical bills and other expenses. At Empower Injury Law, we make it simple: we work on a contingency fee basis.
No Upfront Costs
You won’t have to pay anything upfront. Our services are provided without any initial payment, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added burden of legal fees.
Payment Only If We Win
We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes from a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded to you. If we don’t secure a win, you owe us nothing.
Transparent Terms
From the start, we clearly explain our fee structure so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden costs, no surprises.
Empower Injury Law is committed to delivering exceptional legal services without adding to your financial concerns. Reach out for a free consultation and learn how we can help you.
CONTACT A DOG BITE LAWYER TODAY
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, Empower Injury Law is ready to help. Our dedicated dog bite lawyer will manage every aspect of your case, so you don’t have to worry about the legal details. We’ll work to secure the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Call (816) 892-9909 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
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This page was fact-checked and approved by Kevin Jones, a personal injury attorney with over 15 years of experience and a frequent speaker on personal injury topics. Voted the #1 attorney in the Courier Tribune and Gladstone Dispatch’s “Best of the Northland” annual community survey, Kevin has empowered hundreds of clients to reclaim control of their lives after serious injuries, helping them restore their finances, support their families, and move forward with confidence. His commitment to accurate, trustworthy guidance makes every page a reliable resource for those seeking support on their path to recovery.
I was in a car accident in Missouri and had no idea how to deal with all the medical bills or insurance stuff. Thankfully, I found this amazing personal injury lawyer. Kevin and his team handled everything from start to finish, and not only did they get me a great settlement, but they also got my medical bills reduced and paid off! I even ended up with a nice amount in my pocket. The whole team was super helpful, keeping me in the loop the whole time. If you need a car accident lawyer who actually cares and gets things done, I can’t recommend them enough!
—JM
Kevin went above and beyond to get the max amount awarded to me in a settlement for an automobile accident I was involved in. He guided me through the process and advocated for me until we were able to get the best settlement possible in my case. His experience, knowledge, negotiation skills, communication, and follow through took the stress off my plate and made something that could have been extremely difficult and stressful for me, an easy and stress free process. I would highly recommend Kevin if you are in need of a trustworthy and reliable lawyer who will fight for you.
—HS
After a car accident and a terrible time with the insurance companies, I contacted Kevin Jones. He jumped right in and was able to work with all parties to get a great settlement offer. He made the process easy and gave me great advice about which steps to take moving forward. I am grateful for his help and would definitely recommend him to my family and friends, should they ever find themselves in a similar situation. It is very comforting to have an expert on your side. Thank you!
—SB
I was involved in a car accident that left my life changed forever. Hiring Kevin Jones was the best decision my wife and I made after. He went to battle with the insurance companies and got me the the treatment I needed. His skills awarded my wife and I a substantial recovery along with peace of mind that we were never alone. Thank you Kevin for all the hard work you put in to protect us and keep me moving forward with my recovery.
—CJ
Kevin helped us with a moto vehicle accident. He was knowledgeable, respectful and truly was concerned with our well-being. Most importantly, he listened to us. He explained the process he would go through in dealing with the insurance companies and handled everything. We didn’t have to worry about dealing with anything except recovering from our injuries and for that we are extremely grateful!
—JS
Kevin came highly recommended by another attorney I had worked with, so he’s well thought of in the legal community and is considered an expert in his field. He’s knowledgeable, professional and experienced, so he made a very bad situation manageable. He’s also a very kind person and was so helpful during the entire process.
