Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog need medical attention? But that number doesn’t factor in other types of injuries caused by dogs.
Getting bit by a dog can be a scary and painful experience. Whether it’s a small nip or a serious injury, it’s important to take the right steps for your health and safety. However, knowing how to act when you get bit by a dog in Shreveport, LA can be confusing.
Luckily, with some basics on the Louisiana dog bite law and a lawyer’s help, you can easily navigate this problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to act in such a scenario:
Seek Medical Treatment for Your Injuries
If a dog punctures your skin, you need medical treatment for the bite. You may also seek emergency medical help if the injuries lead to heavy bleeding or affect sensitive areas.
Go to the nearest hospital when you get dog bite injuries. This way, you can document the injuries and have the wounds cleaned. It also helps prevent injuries from getting worse.
Depending on the injury, a doctor may prescribe medication to heal the wound. The medication also helps reduce infection risk.
Understand Louisiana’s Laws on Dangerous Dogs
The primary law on dangerous animals in Louisiana is Civil Code §2321. It holds pet owners liable for any aggressive actions displayed by their pets.
But for this provision to apply to your case, the dog owner must know that the animal had a history of the behavior it displayed towards you. The owner must also realize that the animal is capable of injuring people.
Louisiana laws on dangerous dog breeds are under RS §14:102.14. If you prove that the owner failed to follow these laws, you might have a case against them.
Know Your Rights to Compensation and Legal Representation
You have the right to seek damages when a dog attacks you or your loved one. But before you get there, you need to know how to preserve your rights in this scenario.
Consider hiring an attorney to help build a strong case and seek compensation. For a dog bite attorney to offer this service, you should explain to them what happened. The information you share can help them decide on appropriate laws for your claim.
A lawyer will investigate all aspects of the incident and calculate your damages. You will also negotiate a settlement if the liable party has adequate insurance coverage.
Get Insights on the Types of Damages You Can Recover
Dog bite cases fall under personal injury laws in the state of Louisiana. In this case, you can sue the dog owner or file an insurance claim for compensation. A dog bite lawyer can help you recover different types of damages. They include the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Mental health counseling costs
- Diminished earning ability, lost wages, and loss of consortium
- Compensation for permanent impairments
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (if any)
Bit by a Dog and Need Legal Representation?
Knowing your legal options when you or your loved one got bit by a dog is worth it. The best course to take is to seek compensation for medical bills and other losses/expenses.
Count on Wright & Gray for representation on personal injury cases such as dog bites in Shreveport, LA. With our decades of combined experience, we fight for justice with precision. Get a free consultation with us today.