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New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog Bite Attorney In New Orleans
A dog attack can be one of the most traumatic and unexpected events that a person can go through, so when it happens, you need a skilled New Orleans dog bite lawyer who understands the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial chaos that can follow. We also draw from years of experience in handling a variety of personal injury cases in New Orleans where negligence caused harm.
At Murphy Law Firm, our team is here to advocate fiercely for you when a dog owner’s negligence leads to a life-changing injury. We help victims hold dog owners accountable so they can pursue the compensation they need to achieve the justice they deserve.
The Pain Is Real, and So Is Your Right to Recover
Given that 68 million households report owning a dog and that dog-related injuries cost homeowners’ insurers over $1.5 billion in payouts in 2024 alone, it should come as no surprise that dog bites rank as the 13th leading cause of emergency department visits in the United States.
Bites can leave permanent scars, nerve damage, and emotional trauma that doesn’t go away, even after the stitches are removed.
At Murphy Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how an unexpected animal attack can affect every part of a person’s life, from mobility and independence to quality of sleep and peace of mind. That’s why we take a no-nonsense approach when it comes to helping our clients recover not only physically but financially.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in New Orleans?
Getting bitten by a dog can be a scary, painful, and completely unexpected experience. In those first moments after an attack, it’s hard to think clearly. However, your first initial steps can make a big difference when it comes to both your recovery and your ability to seek compensation. At Murphy Law Firm, we recommend that you:
- Get immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, dog bites can lead to infection or internal damage.
- Report the bite to local authorities. Call animal control or the New Orleans Police Department.
- Document everything. Taking photos of your injuries, the scene, and the dog itself can all be useful.
- Get contact info. If possible, get the owner’s name, their phone number, and the vaccination history of the dog.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies without representation.
At Murphy Law Firm, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the process, from documenting the injury to holding the responsible parties accountable.
Who’s Liable for a Dog Bite in Louisiana?
When it comes to responsibility for a dog bite, the answer isn’t always clear-cut. In Louisiana, liability can fall on the dog’s owner, a landlord, or even a property manager, depending on the circumstances surrounding the attack. The key question in any case is whether the responsible party could have prevented the attack if they had exercised reasonable care.
At Murphy Law Firm, we take a deep dive into the details by launching our own investigation. Some of the most important factors to consider include:
- Was the dog known to be aggressive?
- Were there previous incidents involving the animal?
- Was the dog off-leash in a public space?
That said, even if the dog has never attacked before, its owner could still be held responsible if their own negligence played a role. Louisiana dog bite laws place strict responsibilities on owners to prevent foreseeable attacks, and failing to meet those duties can lead to full legal liability. With a New Orleans dog bite lawyer from Murphy Law Firm, you can rest easy knowing our experienced team won’t stop until we’ve uncovered everything we can to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to
Physical pain is often just the beginning after a dog bite; medical bills start coming in, you might have to take time off work, and in some cases, the emotional trauma of an attack can linger long after the wounds heal. At Murphy Law Firm, we help people in New Orleans recover the compensation they deserve. Some of the most common types of compensation you could be entitled to include:
- Medical bills – including surgery, stitches, medication, and follow-up care
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery for scarring
- Lost wages – if you’re unable to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma – including PTSD or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fact, the average dog bite settlement in Louisiana depends heavily on the severity of the injuries and long-term emotional distress. The team at Murphy Law Firm works to calculate the full value of your claim, not just what the insurance company initially offers. Our New Orleans team consults with medical professionals, economists, and therapists to paint a complete picture of what your injury has cost you.
How Insurance Companies Try to Undermine Dog Bite Claims
Insurance companies are rarely on the side of the victim, and that’s also true when you file a dog bite claim. The job of an insurance adjuster is to protect the profit margins of the insurance company, not your recovery.
To do this, they could downplay your injuries, suggest that you provoked the dog, or offer a quick, low-ball settlement, hoping you’ll take it before fully understanding the extent of your damages.
At Murphy Law Firm, we’ve seen every tactic in the insurance adjuster playbook. We know how they operate, and we don’t let them take advantage of our clients. Our teams gather evidence, document your injuries, and push back against any attempt to minimize your experience.
How Murphy Law Firm Builds Your Case
Our job isn’t just to file paperwork. At Murphy Law Firm, we roll up our sleeves and get right down to business by:
- Thoroughly investigating. We gather animal control reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video or photographic evidence.
- Identifying all possible liable parties. Sometimes, it’s more than just the owner of the dog.
- Assessing the full impact of your injuries. We consult medical professionals to understand the true costs of your damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. We push for the highest possible settlement.
- Preparing for court if necessary. We’re not afraid to litigate if a fair deal can’t be reached.
From day one, Murphy Law Firm treats your case like it’s personal because we know how deeply these injuries can affect your life. Our goal is simple: to present the strongest case possible so you can focus on moving forward with confidence.
Why Local Representation Matters in Dog Bite Cases
When you’re recovering from a dog bite, choosing a law firm that knows the local legal landscape can make all the difference. At Murphy Law Firm, we’re not just dog bite attorneys; we’re part of the New Orleans community. We understand the city’s dog bite ordinances, we’ve worked with local animal control officials, and we’re deeply familiar with how these cases move through the local court system.
Our team regularly handles cases in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, First City Court of New Orleans, and the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish. We know how each courthouse operates, how different judges approach injury cases, and how insurance companies tend to behave in this region.
This insight lets us tailor our approach to your case with the precision it needs because we’ve walked through these halls, we know the system, and we’re ready to advocate for you every step of the way.
FAQs
Q: Can I File a Claim If the Dog Bite Didn’t Break the Skin?
Q: Can I Still File a Claim If the Dog Was a Service Animal?
Q: Can a Delivery Driver File a Claim If They Were Bitten on the Job?
Q: What If I Was Bitten While Trying to Protect Someone Else From a Dog Attack?
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer Team
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in New Orleans, you don’t have to suffer alone. A New Orleans dog bite lawyer from Murphy Law Firm can stand up for you, help you understand your rights, and take the decisive action you need to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
New Orleans, Louisiana Dog Bite Law Resources
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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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