If you or your loved one suffered serious injuries because of an Alabama dog bite, it is in your best interest to understand your rights. Hiring a Birmingham dog bite attorney is vital to handle the legal complexities and ensure you receive the maximum compensation. You may be dealing with medical bills and a loss of wages because of an inability to return to work. The owner of the dog that bit you could be legally responsible for these types of expenses. In some instances, you may also be entitled to damages for other considerations, such as your pain and suffering. The dog bite lawyers in Birmingham at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP understand the complexity of dog attack claims. Our firm can ensure that we hold liable parties accountable and help you secure all the compensation you need and deserve.
We know that you probably have many concerns about your case. Insurance coverage, such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, can help cover the costs associated with dog bite injuries. Contact us at (205) 324-1212 to have Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP review your case and answer all of your legal questions during a free consultation.
Why Do I Need a Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bites are unique cases because victims frequently know the liable parties quite well. The dog owner in your case could very well be a longtime neighbor, friend, or family member.
As a result, you might have some fear about the personal financial hardship you will cause by filing an injury claim. Keep in mind that a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy typically covers most dog attack claims. Understanding local laws related to dog bites is important, particularly in addressing emotional trauma as they can influence the outcome of your case. Dog bite attorneys in Birmingham can help handle these legal complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
You might think that filing a dog bite claim will not be as challenging as other types of injury actions, but insurers do not want to pay any amount of money for any claim. As a result, the settlements they usually offer to pay are typically much less than what victims are entitled to. Such liability arises when the dog owner is held accountable for injuries caused by their dog, especially if the injured person had a legal right to be on the owner’s property.
Often, time is of the essence in these types of cases, as Alabama only allows a person two years to file an injury claim. For this reason, you will want to contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP as soon as possible.
Why Choose Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP?
As soon as you hire our firm, we will quickly begin an independent investigation of your incident and secure the evidence important to your case. As experienced Birmingham personal injury lawyers specializing in dog bite cases, Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP will also negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to try and arrive at a fair and full settlement, but we will not be afraid to file a lawsuit if the insurer will not provide adequate compensation.
Our record of success includes several multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Kirby Farris and Ken Riley are both lifelong Alabama residents who have accomplished legal careers. We help clients seek compensation for their injuries, ensuring they receive the financial relief they deserve.
Mr. Farris and Mr. Riley are both members of the Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama Bar Association, and American Bar Association. They are also both admitted to the Alabama Supreme Court as well as the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama.
We also provide legal representation on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about paying us any fees unless you receive a monetary award that covers your lost wages . You can have our lawyers examine all of your options when you call (205) 324-1212 right now.
Cases We Handle
According to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and public education website DogsBite.org, the breeds of dogs involved in fatal attacks on humans in 2019 included:
- Pit Bulls — 33 fatal attacks (69 percent)
- Mixed-Breed Dogs – Six fatal attacks (13 percent)
- Rottweilers — Four fatal attacks (8 percent)
- Boxers — Two fatal attacks (4 percent)
- German Shepherds – Two fatal attacks (4 percent)
- Australian Cattle Dogs— Two fatal attacks (4 percent)
Documenting details of the dog bite incident is crucial for establishing the facts and supporting any legal claims.
DogsBite.org noted that dogs of unknown breeds caused two deaths that year. There were also eight different dog breeds that contributed to one death each: an American bulldog, a Belgian Malinois, a coonhound, a Doberman pinscher, a Dutch shepherd, a Great Dane, a husky, and a mastiff.
The aggressive behavior of dogs can significantly impact legal outcomes, especially in determining the owner’s liability. The severity of fatal dog attacks underscores the need for legal representation to navigate the complexities of such cases.
Dog Bites Statistics
According to a recent nine-year analysis of dog bite injury data in the U.S.:
- An estimated 337,000 Americans visit emergency departments (EDs) each year seeking treatment for dog bite injuries. It is important to seek immediate medical treatment following a dog bite to prevent complications such as infections or rabies.
- ED visits for dog bite injuries account for roughly 1.1 percent of all injury-related ED visits. For severe dog bite injuries, it is essential to visit an emergency room to ensure proper care, which may include stitches or preventive medications.
- Dog bites ranked 13th among the top reasons for injury-related ED visits, surpassing injuries from motorcycle wrecks, pedestrian accidents, and gunshot wounds. Dog bites can result in devastating injuries, making it important to pursue legal action to secure compensation for the physical and financial impact.
Locations of Dog Bite Injuries
- Upper extremity (arms or hands): 47.3 percent
- Head or neck: 26.8 percent
- Lower extremity (legs or feet): 21.5 percent
- Lower trunk: 2.9 percent
- Upper trunk: 1.5 percent
Places Where Dog Bites Occur
- Homes: 80.2 percent
- Streets: 7.1 percent
- Schools or sports venues: 2.5 percent
- Other locations, including farms: 10 percent
Dog Bite Incidence Rate
- The annual incidence of dog bite injuries in EDs was 1.1 per 1,000 U.S. residents.
- Men were slightly more at risk for dog bite injuries than women, with incidences of 1.18 vs. 1.02 per 1,000 individuals, respectively.
- Children aged five to nine had the highest incidence rate at 2.18 per 1,000 individuals.
Another report of fatalities from dog-related incidents between 2011 and 2021 reveals:
- There were 468 deaths resulting from being bitten or struck by a dog over the study period, with an annual average of 43 dog-related deaths.
- Dog-related deaths varied from a low of 31 in 2016 to a high of 81 in 2021.
- Notably, between 2018 and 2021, dog-related fatalities more than doubled for both men (from 15 to 37) and women (from 20 to 44).
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most frequent questions people ask us are:
Q: What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
A: First and foremost, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite to prevent complications, infections, or potential exposure to rabies. Prompt medical care is essential not only for your health but also for any legal claims you may pursue.
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I am bitten by a dog?
A: Yes, you can file a dog bite lawsuit if you are bitten by a dog. Legal representation is important to handle the complexities of such cases and to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Q: Should I contact animal control after a dog bite incident?
A: Yes, contacting animal control is important after a dog bite incident. They can verify the dog’s vaccination status and ensure public safety, which is crucial for both your health and any potential legal proceedings.
Q: What is the one-bite rule?
Some states use a strict liability approach for dog bite cases in which dog owners are liable for victim injuries regardless of whether the dog has previously bitten someone or acted aggressively, but a so-called “one-bite rule” involves a requirement that a dog owner has knowledge of at least one such prior incident in order to be liable. Alabama uses a combination of these two systems, as dog owners are strictly liable for economic damages but knowledge of a dog having been vicious, dangerous, or mischievous is necessary for noneconomic and punitive damage claims.
Q: What is contributory negligence?
If you do anything that could be considered negligence on your part that proximately contributes to your injury, it is considered contributory negligence. In a dog bite case, the owner may claim you antagonized or otherwise caused the dog’s reaction. Such allegations are important because, in Alabama, a defendant in a civil claim can argue contributory negligence as an affirmative defense. When proven, contributory negligence will make a victim unable to recover any damages. In order to avoid this outcome, you will want to make sure that you contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP before speaking to any insurance company representatives. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite incident to prevent complications and properly document your injuries, especially under Alabama dog bite laws.
Q: What should I do if I was bitten by a dog?
Your first step following any dog bite should be to seek medical care. Even if your injury does not seem serious, such as broken bones it is important to have any wound treated properly to avoid possible infection. Additionally, it is to your benefit to have a medical record created immediately. This can counter any claims from insurers that your injury claims are exaggerated or manufactured. Take pictures of your wounds before they heal. Do not get into any arguments with dog owners about liability. Instead, just be certain to get the necessary contact information for the dog owner and contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP. You should refuse to speak to any insurance company without legal representation.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer In Birmingham Today
The legal team at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has been working on behalf of all kinds of injury victims in Alabama for more than 20 years. Dog attacks are very unique kinds of cases. But, the severity of the injuries can cause just as many problems for victims as other injury claims. Our team of Birmingham dog bite attorneys have extensive experience in handling dog bite litigation cases, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or your loved one was bitten by a dog in Jefferson County, do not hesitate to contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP. You can have our dog bite lawyers provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call (205) 324-1212 to set up a free consultation. Our firm has a proven track record in handling personal injury cases related to dog bites, showcasing our capability to manage claims of any magnitude.
As a dog bite victim, you have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including claims against the animal’s owner . Understanding liability and insurance coverage is crucial in these cases, and our team is here to help you navigate the legal process.
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