When you file a claim for a dog bite, a personal injury lawyer will generally charge a contingency fee, although each attorney is different. A contingency fee is a portion of the court verdict or negotiated settlement you recover for your damages. Rather than having to pay an attorney’s fees upfront, you only owe them if they succeed in winning your case. The percentage of the settlement charged depends on the attorney and your case’s complexity.
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Metairie Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog Bite Attorney In Metairie, LA
Dog bites can be very physically painful and traumatic experiences, and can even lead to permanent injuries or death. Dog attacks can cause punctures, tears, fractures, and many other injuries, and their owner may be liable for the harm caused. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog, a skilled Metairie dog bite lawyer can determine if you can file a claim to recover losses like the cost of medical bills and pain and suffering.
Murphy Law Firm: Dedicated Metairie Dog Bite Attorneys
At Murphy Law Firm, we know how much a dog attack can affect a person, from injuries that take weeks or months to heal to the long-term trauma of the attack. We help you navigate a claim against a negligent dog owner, fighting for the full and fair compensation that you need to move forward with your life. Our skilled personal injury attorney team have more than 150 collective years of legal experience that we use to fiercely fight for what you deserve.
Civil cases in Metairie are filed with the 24th Judicial District Court, which serves Jefferson Parish. The civil records department is in the Thomas F. Donelson Courthouse on 200 Derbigny Street in Gretna, and in suite 2400. At Murphy Law Firm, we have experience with local courts and can help you navigate your case more successfully.
What Should You Do After a Dog Attack in Metairie?
Dog attacks and bites can be very serious, leading to lacerations, puncture wounds, traumatic brain injuries, and infectious diseases. From 2011 to 2021, there were 468 deaths from dog bites and attacks in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC also reported more than 370,700 emergency department (ED) visits in 2023.
These attacks can have serious consequences and be incredibly traumatic, and it’s important to know what to do if one occurs. This information protects your personal well-being and may also make it easier to file a claim for financial recovery in the future. After a dog bite, you should:
- Report the incident. Call emergency services to get medical care and report the attack to Animal Control or the local police. Animal Control is essential if the dog is still loose, and because the dog needs to be confined after attacking someone. Reporting the accident also ensures there is an official record of the accident.
- Get medical treatment. Dog attacks can result in injuries that require immediate medical care, but even minor injuries can have hidden dangers. Dog teeth can carry infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal even from minor puncture wounds. Internal wounds can also be harder to notice. Getting medical treatment helps protect your health and could save your life. It is also useful to have an additional record of your injuries.
- Document the scene and gather evidence. If it is possible, exchange contact information with the dog’s owner and get contact information from eyewitnesses. Take a photo and video of the scene of the incident, the dog, your injuries, and other relevant information. This can all help support your claim, but it must come second to medical care.
- Reach out to an attorney. Avoid talking with the insurance agents of the dog’s owner and instead get in touch with a dog bite attorney. An attorney can investigate the incident to determine if you have grounds for a claim and gather additional evidence. They can also negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries that are caused because of their negligence, in cases where the injured party did nothing to provoke the dog. When you hire a Metairie, LA dog bite lawyer, they can help prove this fact and negotiate a settlement that covers your damages. Louisiana has strict liability rules, and knowing dog bite laws in Louisiana can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Meet Our Attorney
Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, a Louisiana lawyer with 30+ years of experience, specializes in personal injury cases. He founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge in 1993 and fights for his clients’ compensation.
FAQs
Can I Sue For a Dog Bite in Louisiana?
Yes, you can file a claim for a dog bite in Louisiana if the following is true:
- The dog’s owner knew or should have known that their dog’s action would cause harm.
- The damage caused by the dog could have been prevented if the owner had used reasonable care.
Dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by a dog that the owner could have prevented.
What Is the Average Payout for a Dog Bite Claim?
Every settlement or verdict for a dog bite claim is unique, but they are largely based on medical costs, lost income, and the effect the injuries have on your daily life. According to the CDC, the average cost of a dog bite leading to an ED visit was $9,241, while the average cost for hospitalization was $113,559. Past cases in Louisiana also show how the average dog bite settlement can vary widely depending on injury severity.
Is It Worth It to Sue for a Dog Bite?
It can be worth it to file a claim for a dog bite, depending on the circumstances of the bite and other circumstances. An attorney can help you understand if you have a valid claim and the compensation you can recover. If the owner acted negligently, and you did not provoke the dog to attack, it is likely that it is worth it to file a claim so you can recover the financial costs of your injury.
Get in Touch With Murphy Law Firm To Discuss Your Dog Bite Case
It is not easy to deal with a dog owner’s insurance company, especially when you are recovering from severe injuries and a traumatic experience.
You don’t have to navigate this case alone, and you should not have to be responsible for medical costs and other financial losses when they are someone else’s fault. An attorney knows dog bite laws in Louisiana and locally, and how they impact you and your injuries. Contact Murphy Law Firm today, and we can determine if you have a claim and help you through each step of the process.
Your Path to Legal Resolution Starts with Murphy Law Firm.
When you choose Murphy Law Firm, you gain access to a team of experienced attorneys with a proven track record of success. We understand the importance of trust, and we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional results.
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