At the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown, we know how quickly a dog bite can turn a routine day into a life-altering ordeal. Whether the injury happens at Avondale Park, on a walk through your neighborhood, or at a dog-friendly business downtown, the effects of a dog attack can extend far beyond the physical wound. Medical bills, trauma, missed work, and uncertainty about your legal rights often follow.
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s dog, our dog bite lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama, is here to help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation under Alabama law. Call today for a free case consultation. Our legal team can explain how our Birmingham personal injury lawyer can help you and your family.
Physical and Emotional Injuries From Dog Attacks
Dog bite injuries vary widely depending on the dog’s size, the circumstances of the attack, and the age or vulnerability of the victim. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Crushed bones or torn ligaments
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries or permanent scarring
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress, especially in children
Infection is also a very real concern, including rabies and tetanus.
We regularly check in with clients to understand how their injuries, both physical and emotional, are progressing. When needed, we help them connect with physicians or mental health professionals who can provide meaningful care.
Damages Available to Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims may pursue a range of damages, depending on the severity of the injury and how it has affected their lives. These can include:
- Emergency room and follow-up medical costs
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical therapy
- Lost income from missed work
- Emotional suffering and trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Mental health counseling
We’ve recovered over $100 million in compensation for personal injury victims. We understand that each case must reflect the real cost of what a client has endured. As your case progresses, we continue to adjust our approach based on your recovery and changing needs.
Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Claim
To hold a dog owner legally responsible, we 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 lawyer who can help you build a clear and thorough case.
How We Help You Through the Legal Process
In addition to investigating your accident and collecting evidence, we will:
- Determine your damages
- Deal with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to
- Refer you to experienced medical and psychological care providers
- 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.
Can You Still File a Claim if You Knew the Dog’s Owner?
Yes. In many cases, the claim is handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, not directly against the individual. However, some policies exclude certain breeds.
What if the Attack Happened in a Public Park or Shared Space?
We’ll investigate whether the owner failed to control the dog in accordance with leash laws or other safety rules.
Will You Have to Go to Court?
Many claims settle outside of court. If a trial becomes necessary, we’ll prepare and advocate for you every step of the way.
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 an attorney.
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. Let’s talk about your case, your recovery, and how we can help you move forward.
