An attack from a dog can be a terrifying experience. Whether you were walking through Bloch Park or down a neighborhood street, a dog bite can result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. If you have suffered injuries in a dog attack, you can hold the dog owner responsible, and our dog bite lawyer in Selma, AL can help.
The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown is here to help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses stemming from the dog attack. Our Selma personal injury lawyer can investigate the incident, determine your damages, and fight for your rights. Call us today and receive a complimentary case consultation. A member of our team can explain how Alabama’s liability laws affect your case and your legal options.
Alabama Dog Bite Laws That Will Affect Your Claim
Liability in dog bites can be complex. In some instances, the attack would fall under strict liability, making the dog owner responsible for any injuries their pet causes. However, there are exceptions that may require the plaintiff to prove negligence. And contributory negligence could also affect the outcome of your claim.
Strict Liability for Dog Attacks
Under AL Code § 3-6-1, a dog owner is held strictly liable if:
- The dog bites or injures someone.
- The victim was lawfully on the dog owner’s property.
- The dog was not provoked.
Per this statute, the dog owner may be responsible for injuries even if the dog had never bitten anyone before or shown signs of aggression. In addition to state laws, the city of Selma carries leash laws requiring dogs to be confined to the owner’s property or on a leash when off the property.
Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Case
If the dog was off the owner’s property when it attacked you, you may have to either:
- One, prove the owner knew the dog had a history of aggression or
- Two, prove that the owner was negligent if the dog had no history of aggression.
Proving negligence requires establishing four key elements:
- Duty of care: The dog owner had a responsibility to control their pet and warn others of possible danger.
- Breach of duty: The dog owner failed to keep their pet restrained or failed to warn others.
- Causation: The dog attacked and injured another party.
- Damages: The injured party has suffered injuries requiring medical attention and possibly other damages that the dog owner is responsible for covering.
There is also the question of how contributory negligence could affect your case. The dog owner and the insurance company may try to blame you, the victim, for the attack as a way of denying your claim. They could argue that you provoked the dog. If you are found even 1% at fault, under the state’s contributory negligence doctrine, they could avoid paying any of your damages.
Dog Bite Lawsuit Deadline
Finally, you should also be aware that there is a deadline when pursuing compensation for your injuries. Under AL Code § 6-2-38, you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit with the Dallas County courthouse. Missing this deadline could have serious consequences, as the courts could bar your lawsuit. Without the threat of a lawsuit, the insurers will have no reason to negotiate a fair settlement.
You don’t have to deal with this legal process on your own. Our law firm can review your case and explain how these laws can affect your claim. Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown today and discuss your dog bite attack during a free case consultation.
Our Lawyers Can Build Your Claim and Protect Your Rights
For 30 years, attorney Dwayne Brown has believed in handling a small number of cases at any one time so that we can give them the personalized attention they deserve. Earning such recognition from organizations as Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we have obtained over $100 million in case results for our clients.
Once we agree to work together, we can provide the following services:
- Investigate the dog attack and gather evidence, such as medical records, animal control reports, and statements from eyewitnesses
- Compile your damages for the insurance claim and file it with the insurers
- Speak on your behalf to all parties and negotiate a fair settlement
- File your dog bite lawsuit and represent you at trial if we cannot reach a fair settlement
We will provide you with constant updates on your case and check in frequently on your health and recovery. We will be available to answer any questions and, if need be, adjust to meet your new goals.
Recoverable Damages Following a Dog Bite in Selma, AL
Dog bites can lead to puncture wounds and lacerations. In severe cases, they can also result in nerve damage and broken bones. Plus, if left untreated, victims may develop an infection. As a dog bite victim, your priority is medical attention, either from Vaughan Regional Medical Center or your primary care doctor.
The cost of your medical treatment can be sought as damage. In addition to medical expenses, you can seek the following damages:
- Economic damages: Lost wages, including bonuses, benefits, and gig work; property damage, such as smartphone and jewelry; reduced earning capacity if injuries infringe on your ability to work
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, such as emotional distress and trauma; scarring and disfigurement; diminished quality of life and a loss of enjoyment of life
We will gather evidence to support your settlement. Your only responsibility is to see your doctors and follow their treatment plan.
What We Recommend You Do After the Dog Attack
If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite, we advise our clients to follow these steps:
- Call 911 and contact animal control. They can deal with the dog and afterward create a report on the attack.
- Document what you can. Photograph the dog and your injuries. Collect contact information from people there.
- See a doctor as soon as possible and follow through on the treatment.
- Speak with a lawyer about your legal options.
Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown for Help With Your Selma Dog Bite Claim
Contact us for a free case consultation. Additionally, we work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront. We receive our attorney’s fees when you win.
Our lawyer is ready to help. Call today.
