Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma. While many people think of dog bites as minor incidents, attacks can result in severe wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, infections, and psychological harm—especially in children. When a dog owner fails to properly control or restrain their animal, innocent people can suffer devastating consequences. If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog, it is important to take action to protect your rights.
At Howell Justice, our dog bite lawyers represent victims of dog attacks and animal-related injuries. We work to hold negligent dog owners and other responsible parties accountable while pursuing full compensation for injured victims.
Advice From Dog Bite Lawyers: What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
The steps you take after a dog bite can significantly impact your health and your legal claim. Our attorneys recommend the following:
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Seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, and scarring if not properly treated.
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Identify the dog and owner. Obtain contact information and vaccination records if possible.
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Report the incident. Notify animal control or local authorities to create an official record.
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Document your injuries. Take photos of wounds, torn clothing, and the location where the bite occurred.
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Avoid speaking with insurance companies. Do not give statements or accept settlements without legal advice.
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Contact a dog bite lawyer promptly. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Why Do I Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bite cases can be more complicated than they appear. Dog owners and their insurance companies often attempt to deny responsibility by claiming the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing.
At Howell Justice, our attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the dog’s history, owner conduct, leash laws, and prior complaints. We work to establish liability and counter unfair defenses raised by insurers.
We are prepared to negotiate aggressively and take cases to trial when fair settlements are not offered.
How Much Do Dog Bite Lawyers Cost?
Dog bite victims often face medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Many worry about the cost of hiring an attorney.
At Howell Justice, there are no upfront legal fees. Our dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
How Much Is My Dog Bite Claim Worth?
The value of a dog bite claim depends on the severity of injuries, long-term impact, and circumstances of the attack. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, stitches, surgeries, rabies treatment, scar revision, and future medical care.
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Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, fear, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
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Lost wages and earning capacity: Income lost during recovery and future losses if injuries limit work ability.
A dog bite lawyer can review your case and help estimate the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Common Causes of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites often result from negligent ownership or unsafe conditions, including:
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Failure to leash or restrain a dog
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Allowing aggressive dogs to roam freely
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Ignoring known dangerous behavior
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Lack of proper training or supervision
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Failure to warn visitors of a dangerous animal
Howell Justice gathers evidence to prove how the attack occurred and who should be held responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?
Liability may extend to multiple parties, including:
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Dog owners
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Property owners or landlords
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Caretakers or dog walkers
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Businesses that allow dangerous animals on their premises
Proving liability requires showing that the responsible party failed to control the dog or prevent foreseeable harm.
Types of Damages in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite victims may pursue economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future treatment expenses, including cosmetic or reconstructive care.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. They reflect the lasting impact a dog attack can have on a victim’s life.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded?
Punitive damages may be awarded when a dog owner’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious, such as knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to remain unsecured. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoing and deter future misconduct.
Determining a Dog Bite Settlement
Settlement negotiations consider medical costs, scarring, emotional trauma, future treatment needs, and long-term consequences of the injuries. Initial settlement offers are often inadequate. Howell Justice prepares every case as if it will go to trial, allowing us to negotiate from a position of strength.
Defense Strategies Used by Dog Owners and Insurers
Dog owners and insurance companies often attempt to reduce liability by claiming provocation, trespassing, or comparative fault. Our legal team challenges these defenses using medical records, witness testimony, and evidence of negligent ownership.
The Dangers of Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements after a dog bite incident. These statements are often used to minimize or deny claims. Howell Justice strongly advises against providing any statements without legal representation.
The Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite victims who work with experienced legal counsel often recover significantly more compensation than those who pursue claims alone. A lawyer can help by:
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Investigating the dog’s history and owner behavior
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Preserving medical and incident records
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Handling insurance communications
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Identifying all liable parties
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Pursuing full and fair compensation
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite cases are time-sensitive, and evidence can disappear quickly. You deserve an advocate who will stand up for your rights and help you move forward.
If you or a loved one was injured in a dog bite or animal attack, contact Howell Justice today for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
