Baton Rouge is very dog-friendly. The city offers a number of dedicated dog parks, dog-friendly trails, and even a selection of dog-friendly attractions, restaurants, and hotels. Unfortunately, dogs in the city are not always as amiable or affectionate. These animals can become violent and bite or attack in just seconds. When they do, people sustain some of the most serious injuries.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog, you may be able to file a claim against the owner for compensation. The law on dog bites in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana is quite clear and strives to protect dog bite victims. Still, obtaining the full compensation you deserve is not easy, so you should speak to a Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Louisiana is a Strict Liability State
Dog owners in Louisiana are responsible for ensuring that their pet does not cause harm to others. This can include keeping a dog on a leash, behind a fence, or otherwise restrained to reduce the risk of a bite or attack. Any time a dog bites or attacks someone, causing them injury, the owner can be held strictly liable.
Strict liability means that accident victims do not have to prove the dog owner was negligent. You do not have to show that the dog has bitten someone in the past or that the owner was aware of the dog’s violent and aggressive tendencies. Instead, you must only show that the dog bit or attacked you and that you sustained injuries as a result.
As with any law, there are exceptions to the strict liability law governing dog bites. For example, when someone provokes a dog, leading to a bite or attack, they cannot sue the owner for damages. Additionally, trespassers cannot usually sue for dog bites because dog owners are not liable for injuries caused to a person who was unlawfully on their property.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Even just a single dog bite can result in serious injuries. The most common of these include:
- Lacerations: Dog bites commonly cause deep cuts that can require stitches or reconstructive surgery.
- Puncture wounds: Puncture wounds are caused by a dog’s sharp teeth. They are very deep, tearing through multiple layers of skin and creating an entry point for bacteria.
- Crushing injuries: Dogs have very strong jaws and a powerful bite that can cause crushed bones and severe tissue damage, such as tearing.
- Broken bones: The strength of a dog’s jaw can also break bones, particularly when the dog is a larger breed.
- Nerve damage: When a dog bite tears through nerve endings, it can cause permanent damage. Victims may suffer from loss of function or a permanent disability in the impacted area.
- Amputation: In rare cases, a victim may suffer such severe damage to a limb or appendage due to a dog bite that it cannot be repaired and must be amputated.
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement: Deep wounds can result in scarring that requires multiple surgeries to correct. The severe injuries caused by a dog bite can also result in permanent disfigurement. These injuries are not only life-altering for victims but can also cause a lifetime of shame and embarrassment.
- Infections: A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. When this enters a person’s bloodstream, it can result in serious infections such as tetanus or rabies.
If you have suffered any of the above injuries due to a dog bite, it is important to seek medical attention and then speak to a Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
You can claim compensation for any injury suffered during a dog bite, but the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly strengthen your claim. These include:
- Seek medical attention immediately to ensure your injuries do not become worse and to document them in your medical records.
- Contact the East Baton Rouge Animal Control and Rescue Center to report the bite.
- Collect evidence such as the photos of the location of the attack, the dog, if possible, and your injuries.
- Obtain the owner’s contact information and take note of any details about the dog they will provide.
- Contact a Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Call Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Baton Rouge Today
Dog bite claims are complicated, and they require a thorough understanding of the strict liability laws in the state. If you have been hurt, our Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer at Big River Trial Attorneys can help. We can help you collect the vital evidence you need, prove your claim, and help you obtain the full settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or contact us online to request a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
