Dog attacks can lead to injury, infection, and lasting psychological trauma. An attack by a dog might also result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and serious pain. The medical treatment required to heal can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you’re unable to work.
However, if you were bitten by a canine, you might be able to hold the owner accountable with the help of a skilled Ruston dog bite attorney. Let an our experienced lawyer advise on your case and help you seek monetary damages.
Don’t suffer from a dog attack alone. Contact us now for a free case review, call (318) 301-6535 or fill out the online form here.
Dog Bite Law in Ruston
Louisiana Civil Code § 2321 covers the state’s law for dog bites. The state utilizes what’s commonly referred to as a “one-bite rule.” This means that if this is the first time a dog has ever demonstrated dangerous behavior, you might be unable to succeed in your claim. The law also requires proof of other elements for a successful dog bite claim, including the following:
- The owner must have known (or should’ve known) that the dog was dangerous to people. This can be due to previous bites, growling, lunging, or other aggressive behavior.
- The injury must have occurred in a way that could’ve been prevented by the owner with reasonable care.
- The owner failed to take adequate care to prevent the injury.
- The dog wasn’t provoked to bite or attack.
This law also applies to dog injuries other than bites, such as those caused by a dog jumping, scratching, or attacking. The statute also applies to other animals that an owner may possess. These cases should be handled by a Ruston personal injury lawyer who knows how to best fight for your interests after a dog attack.
Defenses a Defendant May Use
A defendant might attempt to avoid paying for your injuries by utilizing certain legal defenses. One of the most common is that you somehow provoked the dog into an attack. Teasing, poking, scaring, or attacking can set off a dog, which would be considered a sufficient provocation to make the dog owner not liable for injuries. In certain cases, trespassing on a person’s property could also be considered sufficient provocation of a dog.
Compensation in Canine Bite Cases
Monetary compensation may help you heal more quickly and repair aspects of your life after a serious attack. This compensation may include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disfigurement damages
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost income and earning capacity
If you suffered any harm because of a dog attack, significant compensation might be available. A qualified attorney in Ruston knows how to help you pursue monetary damages for your canine bite.
Seek Compensation with a Ruston Dog Bite Attorney
To potentially win financial compensation in a dog bite case, you must provide proof of the harm, an owner’s prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous proclivities, and various other elements.
Were you or a loved one attacked by a dog? Let our Ruston dog bite attorneys handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Call today for your free consultation ((318) 301-6535 or fill out our online form here).