Taking too long? Close loading screen.
February 13th
Have you or a loved one been injured by a dog bite in Utah? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
But what do you need to know about filing a personal injury claim?
At Utah Legal Team, we understand the complexities of dog bite cases can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
Here’s an overview of navigating your dog bite case:
Whether you’re looking for general information on filing a claim or need help with specific aspects of your case, our experienced attorneys will provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Learn how we helped our client win $90,000 after his son was bitten by a dog (despite insurance tricks).
In Utah, dog bite victims are protected by a “strict liability” law. This means that the owner of the dog is legally responsible for all injuries caused by their pet, regardless of whether or not they had any knowledge of prior aggressive behavior.
It’s important to note that this law applies to all types of dogs, including those that have been trained as guard dogs.
In Utah, owners are almost always responsible for injuries caused by their pet.
Because of this, it is important to contact an experienced attorney right away. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights, explain the legal process and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
It’s important to find an experienced attorney you can trust. At Utah Legal Team, we have years of experience representing clients injured by dog bites and other animal attacks.
We understand the intricacies of personal injury law in Utah and will work hard to get you the settlement or court judgment you deserve.
An attorney can do three very important things for your case:
On average, injury victims who don’t hire a lawyer wind up with smaller settlements than those who do hire an attorney.
Your lawyer will work to gather evidence that proves the dog owner is liable for your injuries. This may include medical records, witness statements and photographs of the scene.
Your attorney will also research applicable state laws to determine if there are any additional grounds for filing a claim. For example, in Utah, victims may be eligible to seek compensation under a theory of negligence or recklessness.
Your lawyer will work to calculate the full extent of your losses. This includes not just medical bills and lost wages, but also any pain and suffering you have experienced.
How much is your case worth? Well, it’s hard to calculate before meeting with an experienced attorney.
For example, your attorney may consider the impact of physical and emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life and any other losses related to your injury.
Punitive damages may also be applicable in certain cases, which are intended to punish the dog owner for their negligence. While punitive damages are uncommon, they can be substantial if awarded.
Your lawyer will help you file a formal injury claim with the court or insurance company. This document should include an explanation of the dog attack, evidence of your injuries and a full list of damages.
It is important to provide as much detail as possible in order to maximize the value of your claim.
Furthermore, your attorney can help you understand any applicable statutes of limitations and ensure that your claim is filed within the given timeframe.
Usually, Utah dog bite victims have up to 4 years to file a personal injury claim.
Once you have filed a claim, it is up to the dog owner’s insurance company whether they will offer a settlement. Your lawyer can then handle negotiations in order to get you the best possible outcome.
During negotiations, it is important to remember that insurance companies are not always looking out for your best interests. Your attorney can help you understand any offers and ensure that you are receiving a fair and just settlement.
Insurance companies routinely bully and lowball victims who don’t have legal representation.
If negotiations do not result in a satisfactory offer, your lawyer may advise filing a lawsuit in order to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Keep in mind that few injury cases wind up going to court, as most can be settled with negotiation.
At Utah Legal Team, we have a track record of success in helping our clients get the maximum amount of compensation for their dog bite injury cases. We understand the complexities of personal injury law, and know how to negotiate with insurance companies for maximum payouts.
“Utah Legal Team is awesome to work with!! Very professional, courteous and very responsive to my unscheduled calls and emails needing advice and questions answered. Plus, their rates are very reasonable and affordable!”
David W., Client
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Utah, contact us right now for a free case evaluation. Let’s get you the compensation you deserve.
Do you have questions about your dog bite case? We have answers.
The first step is to seek medical attention right away. If possible, take photos of the scene and gather witness statements. Then, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to begin building your case.
In Utah, dog owners are liable for any damages caused by their animal. The victim may be eligible to seek compensation under a theory of negligence or recklessness.
In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is four years. It is important to speak with an attorney right away to ensure you file a claim as soon as possible.
In Utah, dog owners must keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccinations. If the dog that bit you does not have current shots, the owner may be liable for damages.
The owner of the property may also be liable for damages if you were lawfully present on their property and they did not take reasonable steps to secure the animal.
In Utah, service animals are still subject to the same laws as any other pet. The owner may be liable for damages if the animal bites someone.
If you are lawfully present on public property, the owner of the dog may be liable for damages. Even if the pet is leashed or supervised, a pet owner can still be liable for damages if the animal bites someone.
Common injuries associated with dog bites include lacerations, puncture wounds, infection, nerve damage and scarring. In some cases, the victim may experience psychological trauma as a result of the attack.
Victims can seek compensation for any medical expenses related to their injury, including future costs. These may include hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and more.
You may also be able to seek compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress.
For example, if you require ongoing medical care for your injury, you may be able to recover the costs associated with lost wages due to missed work.
It is important to gather evidence to prove that the dog owner was negligent. This may include witness statements, medical records, photographs of the scene, and more.
You may be able to prove the owner knew or should have known about the animal’s aggressive behavior by presenting evidence such as prior complaints from neighbors, reports of previous incidents involving the dog, veterinarian records indicating aggressive behavior, or any other relevant information.
The owner of the dog may try to argue that the victim was trespassing or provoked the animal. They may also attempt to claim that they were not aware of the dog’s dangerous nature.
Even if the victim may have provoked the animal, the owner of the dog is still liable for damages. The only exception is if it can be proven that the victim acted with malicious intent or deliberate disregard for their safety.
If you were trespassing, the owner of the dog may not be liable for any damages. Utah law states that a person who is unlawfully present on another’s property does so at their own risk.
In some cases, the owner of the dog may not be liable for damages if it is a police or working animal. However, there are exceptions and each case will be evaluated on its own merits.
When searching for a good dog bite lawyer, it is important to look for an attorney with experience in personal injury law and knowledge of Utah laws. You should also ensure that the lawyer is familiar with the facts of your case and has a successful track record in dog bite cases.
A good personal injury lawyer will be able to work with you to establish liability and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. They will also provide personalized service, explain legal processes in easy-to-understand terms, and fight for your best interests throughout the process.
The timeline of your case will depend on the specific details and complexities, but most personal injury cases take several months to resolve. Your lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate of the duration of your case during the initial consultation.
It is difficult to provide an accurate estimate due to the numerous factors involved in each case. Your lawyer will be able to provide you with a better idea of what your estimated settlement or verdict may look like during the initial consultation. For more information, take a look at some of our recent client results.
At Utah Legal Team, we provide our clients with contingency fee agreements, meaning that you will not owe any money up front. We only receive payment if and when your case is successfully resolved.
In Utah, the statute of limitations for dog bite cases is four years from the date of injury. If you do not file your claim within this time period, you may be unable to pursue legal action.
In many cases, the parties can reach an agreement out of court and there will not be a need to go to trial. However, if negotiations fail, it may be necessary to proceed with a lawsuit and appear in court.
The timeline of the settlement process varies depending on the specifics of each case. However, the process can generally take several weeks or months to resolve.
About Mike Mckell
Mike McKell is known as an attorney who brings passion to representing both his clients and constituents. He is the founding partner of McKell Thompson Hunter and a current member of the Utah Senate.
*The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
Further Reading
Recent Victories
Have you Been Injured?
The longer you wait, the lower the chance you have of getting compensation. Contact us NOW for a free case evaluation.
Free Case Evaluation you pay nothing until we winUtah Legal Team
