Legal•Info

Louisiana Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

Call (888) 471-5989 to speak with a personal injury attorney.

There are millions of homeless animals roaming the streets of America every day. And even in this day and age, you can still find compounds scattered across the country filled with dogs bred and trained specifically for fighting. Another unfortunate fact is that animal neglect in America is at an all-time high, and that neglect can also result in negative consequences for anyone who crosses paths with a neglected animal.

Sadly, animal awareness is not as widespread as is thought. This is not only a scary situation for abused or neglected animals, but also for the general public there are numerous safety concerns for the individuals who may find themselves in the path of an abused or angry animal.

With nearly 5 million attacks involving dogs and animals every 12 months from minor bites and scratches to vicious attacks resulting in death it should come as no surprise that hospitals around the country collectively report around 1,000 daily emergency visits due to dog-related attacks and bites. While death occurs in less than 100 of the dog bites reported each year, hospitalization stemming from bites is all too frequent.

If you have been attacked or bitten by an animal, seek medical help immediately. If you sustain significant injuries that result in medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering, your next call should be to a Louisiana dog and animal bite lawyer.

The state of Louisiana is a strict liability state, with a dog bite statute in place that requires a dog bite victim to prove that the incident was one that the dog owner could have prevented. A dog and animal bite lawyer will be well-versed in this and other Louisiana dog bite statutes and laws. They will have the knowledge needed to argue your dog bite case in order to recover the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to under Louisiana law.

To succeed in an animal attack case, it is necessary to prove that the animal causing the injury was owned and kept by the defendant. In the past it had to be proven that the owner was aware of the dangerous potential of their animal because of violent history and past attacks. However, under current law, if it can be proven that the owner was somehow negligent, by not properly restraining the animal or abiding by leash laws, they can be held liable for damage caused by their animal.

For keepers of exotic animals, or animals that are generally considered wild, the liability is their own, regardless of whether the animal had a prior history of attacks or not. Wild animals are generally believed to have a natural tendency to display their primitive mannerisms, no matter how well-trained or domesticated they might appear to be; because of this, owners of these animals are strictly liable.

In some states, it is not always necessary for the animal to have actually bitten or attacked the victim in order for the victim to receive restitution. If an individual breaks their ankle in an attempt to get away from an aggressive animal, they may be able to sue the owner of the dog if they can prove that the animal's actions caused the injury.

It's highly recommended that you do your best to locate a lawyer who specializes in Louisiana dog and animal bite law; however, personal injury lawyers who handle other areas of law can be helpful, too. Keep in mind that successful dog bite and personal injury lawyers should have years of experience and hundreds of successful dog-bite cases to their credit.

To find an experienced personal injury or dog and animal bite lawyer, visit the American Bar Association's lawyer locator to gain free access to thousands of personal injury and dog and animal bite lawyer profiles in Louisiana.