Dog Bites
Hold Reckless, Negligent or Careless Dog Owners Accountable for Injuries They Cause
New Orleans Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), over 300,000 people are treated at emergency rooms each year for dog bite injuries. While many dog bite injuries are minor, some dog bite incidents can result in serious injuries or even wrongful death.
If you or a loved one have been injured by another person’s dog in New Orleans, compensation may be available for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Find out how you can obtain a personal injury settlement with the help of a dog bite injury lawyer.
Dog Bite Injury Laws in Louisiana
Laws regarding dog bites and damage caused by animals can be found in Article 2321 of the Louisiana Civil Code. It essentially states that owners are liable—that is, legally responsible—for damage caused by their animals under the following circumstances:
- The owner knew, or should have reasonably known, that their animal would cause damage (including physical injury)
- The damage or injury sustained could have been prevented if the owner had exercised reasonable care
- The victim did not provoke the animal
Establishing Liability in Dog Bite Injury Cases
Although some states automatically hold dog owners responsible for any injuries their pets cause, Louisiana requires that the plaintiff provide evidence that the owner’s negligent or reckless behavior led to the injury.
Examples of this kind of behavior include:
- Walking a dog without a leash
- Not keeping a dog secure on their property
- Failure to restrain a dog known to jump or bite
There are many circumstances under which a dog owner may be held legally responsible for an injury caused by their dog. If you were bitten by a dog while visiting the owner’s property, for example, your case may fall under premises liability law, which stipulates that landlords, homeowners, and business owners must take reasonable action to keep visitors safe from injury.
A dog bite injury lawyer will carefully review the facts of your case and supporting documentation to help establish liability. Such documentation may include pictures of your injuries, medical bills and hospital records, and witness testimony of those who saw the bite injury take place. Evidence that the dog has bitten or otherwise injured others in the past may also help bolster your case.
Available Compensation for Dog Bite Injury Victims
In a personal injury case, victims may be entitled to monetary compensation, otherwise known as damages. These damages are intended to reimburse victims for the financial (and sometimes mental or emotional) costs of the injury. They may include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
Dog bite injuries are traumatic events and can often result in long-lasting psychological impacts such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Compensation may also be available to help fund treatment for these conditions.
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Contact a New Orleans Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Orleans, you may benefit from assistance provided by an experienced personal injury attorney. Mike Brandner Law has years of experience helping victims stand up to negligent individuals, businesses, and insurance companies.
