A Dog Bite Attorney Can Help Your Case
Being the victim of a dog attack is incredibly difficult. Many of us consider dogs to be our best friends and have nothing but love for these creatures, but sometimes, we are given a brutal reminder of what dogs once were.
The Advocates personal injury law firm is here for you if you have suffered significant injuries from an animal bite. Your Utah dog bite attorney will handle the legal side of things so that you can focus on getting better and getting your life back.
If you’ve suffered severe injuries from an animal attack and need legal advice, we are here for you around the clock. Contact The Advocates’ American Fork dog bite lawyers today for your free initial consultation.
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A Team of Professionals Assigned to Your Case
For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.
- Understand the claims process
- Investigate your accident
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters
- Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at-fault party
"Hiring The Advocates was the best move I could have made after my accident. They were very professional and made me feel confident my case would go smoothly. They really put me at ease. I would recommend them to anyone!" - Robert S.
When Should I Hire an American Fork Dog Bite Injury Attorney?
Animal attacks are traumatizing and challenging in the best of situations. When a dog attacks you, a creature we are conditioned to see as friendly and loving, because most of them are precisely that, you can also feel betrayed and afraid of something you once loved.
We want to help you in any way we can. The road to recovery is often long and arduous, but you and your loved ones don’t have to travel alone. A personal injury lawyer with The Advocates puts you and your needs first.
With an Advocate, you have more than just a lawyer with years of experience. We are members of your community. We are neighbors and friends, and we will treat you like you matter because you do matter.
Contact an Advocates office near you today for your free case evaluation. You deserve empathy and care. You deserve an Advocate.
Utah Dog Bite Laws and FAQs
Do dogs have to be on leash in public spaces?
In most of Utah, dogs are required to be on a leash if they are in public. Park City is an interesting exception to this general rule; in Park City, e-collars are allowed as long as the dog owner has voice and sight control at all times.
Does insurance cover dog bites?
Dog bites are generally covered by renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policies. If the dog owner is found liable, insurance should cover medical expenses up to the liability limit. The dog’s owner is responsible once that limit has been reached.
When do dog bites occur?
Dogs you don’t know can act unpredictably, so it’s crucial to be safe and pay attention to the dog’s body language. Dog bites are more likely to happen when:
- A stranger approaches a dog: Always ask the owner if it is okay to pet their dog.
- A human breaks up a dog fight: If dogs are fighting, you might feel like you need to jump in and break it up. Doing so puts you at risk of being seriously hurt. There are safe ways to break up a fight without becoming physically involved.
- Aggressive dogs are unsupervised or unrestrained: Dogs should be on a leash or under voice control in public.
- Dogs are not adequately trained and socialized: Without the necessary socialization, dogs may bark, lunge, and bite when stressed. Dog owners should spend the time training and exposing their dogs to various environments.
What are the most common dog bite injuries?
Dog bite victims may be left with severe injuries. Some common injuries resulting from dog attacks include:
- Punctured skin
- Broken bones
- Eye and face injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Bruising and lacerations
- Tissue and nerve damage
If you have been injured due to a dog owner’s negligence, contact The Advocates’ Utah dog bite lawyers for your free consultation today. We will review your legal options and see if you have a case at no charge.
What damages can I seek in my dog bite case?
Every personal injury case is unique. You cannot know how your case will turn out without legal counsel.
Some commonly sought damages in personal injury cases include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Non-economic damages, such as emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses
What to Do After a Dog Bite in American Fork
Seek medical treatment
If a dog bites you, and you do not know it or experience substantial injury, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible. Dog bites can cause significant damage, and a trip to the emergency room may be your best course of action.
If the bite is minor, you may be able to treat it with basic first aid, like washing it with warm water, mild soap, and antibacterial ointment at home. However, if the bite is more than skin-deep, you should seek proper medical treatment.
Speak with the dog owner.
If you can find the owner, get their information and the dog’s vaccination history.
If you cannot find the owner, note as many details about the incident as possible. Note the dog’s appearance, including color, breed, and size. Remember where you were when bitten. Animal control may be able to identify the dog’s owner from your description.
Notify animal control
Report the bite to your local animal control department. The police run American Fork’s animal control department, and Utah County has an animal control department run by the sheriff’s office.
Reporting your bite is essential so local officials can identify dangerous animals, check their medical history, and follow up with owners. It may also help preserve your right to a dog bite claim.
Document your injuries and healing.
Taking pictures of your injuries through the healing process helps document your recovery. Keep track of any treatment you receive. Your medical bills are generally added to your personal injury claim.