Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyer

Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Claim

To hold a dog owner legally responsible, our dog bite lawyer in Birmingham must show that their negligence caused your injuries. That begins with four key elements

• Duty of care: The dog owner had a responsibility to control their animal.
• Breach of duty: The owner failed to restrain the dog or ignored warning signs.
• Causation: The dog’s actions caused the injuries.
• Damages: You suffered physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result.

We gather evidence that includes:

• Medical records
• Photos of injuries and torn clothing
• Animal control reports
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage
• History of prior aggressive behavior by the dog

From documenting medical expenses to identifying local ordinance violations, we prepare a detailed case to support your claim.

Understanding Alabama’s Dog Bite Laws

Alabama follows a form of strict liability in dog bite cases. Under AL Code § 3-6-1, a dog owner may be held liable if the bite occurs on their property or if the victim was lawfully present there. The owner is also responsible if the dog was known to be dangerous and the attack could have been prevented.

In Birmingham, leash laws add another layer of responsibility. Birmingham Code of Ordinances § 6-1-1 requires that dogs be confined or restrained at all times. A violation of this ordinance can support a negligence claim.

It’s also important to understand that Alabama follows a common law contributory negligence standard. If the victim is found even slightly at fault for provoking the dog or trespassing, they may be barred from recovering damages. With such strict standards, it’s critical to have a local Birmingham lawyer who can help you build a clear and thorough dog bite case.

How We Help You Through the Legal Process

In addition to investigating your accident and collecting evidence, our Birmingham dog bite attorney will:

• Determine your damages
• Deal with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to
• Suggest experienced medical and psychological care providers near you
• Provide regular updates and respond to your questions
• Explain what each step means, from documentation to potential trial

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We also offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in finding out how we can help.

We intentionally take on a limited number of clients so that we can focus on each case with care. That means checking in regularly, educating you on your options, and making sure your voice guides the direction of your case.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

The moments after a dog attack can be chaotic, but certain steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

• First, seek immediate medical attention. Infections, nerve damage, or deep-tissue trauma may not be visible right away. We encourage clients to follow up with appropriate medical care and, when needed, get a second opinion from trusted providers.
• Second, reporting the bite to Jefferson County Animal Control helps document the incident and creates a public record.
• Third, we also recommend preserving any evidence: photos of your injuries, witness names, and the dog owner’s contact information.
• Fourth, avoid speaking to the dog owner’s insurance company until you’ve spoken to a local dog attack attorney in Birmingham.

From the start, we help clients document everything and guide them through the early steps.

Connect With a Birmingham Dog Bite Attorney Today

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Birmingham, you may be entitled to compensation under Alabama law. At the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown, Attorney Dwayne Brown brings over 30 years of personal injury experience to every case and gives each client the focused attention they deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Birmingham dog bite lawyer. Let’s talk about your case, your recovery, and how we can help you move forward.