Salt Lake City Dog Bite Attorneys
Providing Compassionate Legal Representation
Being attacked or bitten by a dog is an incredibly frightening and painful
experience. For many, the event will leave them with serious injuries,
lasting scars, and significant emotional trauma. This is especially pronounced
in children who, unfortunately, are statistically the most at risk of
being bitten by a dog. Tragically, some dog attacks are
fatal.
If you, your child, or a loved one was bitten, attacked, or otherwise injured
by a dog, Lowe Law Firm is here to help. We understand the immense trauma
of what you have been through, as well as the many challenges that still
lay ahead on the road to recovery. Our Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys
offer caring and compassionate support, providing answers to your questions
and guiding you through the legal process. You shouldn’t have to
face the devastating consequences of a dog owner’s negligence on
your own; let our firm share how we can help.
We invite you to tell us your story, no pressure and at absolutely no cost. Call
(801) 762-6808 or
contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Utah Dog Bite Laws
Every state has its own laws regarding dog bites and dog owner liability.
Utah follows the rule of strict liability, meaning dog owners are
always liable for injuries their animals cause, even when the dog owner had no
reason to believe the dog might bite or be aggressive. Additionally, the
law isn’t only limited to instances in which a dog actually bites
someone; dog owners are also liable when their pets cause injuries to
others by attacking them, knocking them down, or otherwise injuring them
without biting.
A person who is bitten or injured by a dog may bring a claim against the
owner under the state’s dog bite statute
or they may bring a claim based on the theory of negligence. This simply means
that the injured individual can seek compensation for their damages (medical
bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.) by arguing that the dog owner
was negligent. In order to do so, the injured individual will need to
prove that the dog owner negligently failed to take reasonable care to
ensure that their dog would not injure someone. A dog owner may be considered
negligent if they allow their dog to run loose in a public park and the
dog, while off-leash, attacks another park visitor.
What If the Dog Owner Says I Provoked the Dog?
One common defense to Utah dog bite claims is arguing that the injured
individual provoked the dog or is otherwise somehow responsible for the
attack. In fact, under the state’s comparative negligence rule,
you could be barred from recovering compensation if the dog owner proves
that you were more than 50% at fault for the incident. If you are less
than 50% at fault, you may still recover compensation for your injuries
and damages, but the total amount you will be able to recover will be
reduced by whatever percentage of fault the jury decides you have.
Can I Sue a Dog Owner If I Was Bit by the Dog While Trespassing?
If you were unlawfully on someone’s private property (trespassing)
when you were attacked or bitten by a dog, you may not have a case. Landowners
are responsible for ensuring safe premises for those who visit their homes,
businesses, or properties, but their legal responsibility to trespassers
is far less than their responsibility to those who are lawfully on the premises.
This does
not mean that you cannot file a claim if you were bitten by a dog on the dog
owner’s property. If you can prove that you were lawfully on the
property when the attack occurred, you can still file a claim under Utah’s
dog bite statute or, possibly, under the state’s premises liability
laws. It’s important that you contact an experienced Salt Lake City
dog bite attorney who can walk you through your options and provide personalized
legal counsel tailored to your specific situation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Utah, you have four years from the date of the injury/attack to file
a dog bite claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you
fail to bring your claim within this timeframe, you will almost assuredly
be barred from recovering compensation.
How Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help
At Lowe Law Firm, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial
impact dog attacks have on victims and their loved ones. If you were bitten
by a dog, you are likely dealing with serious injuries and extensive medical
treatment, not to mention a long road to recovery. Our attorneys are here
to help you fight for the fair compensation you are owed and to hold negligent
dog owners accountable. We are committed to seeking justice on behalf
of dog bite victims, providing personalized support and guidance every
step of the way.
With years of experience and a proven record of success—having won millions for our clients—Lowe Law Firm is ready to represent you. We want to hear your story
and learn how we can help. There is absolutely no cost and no pressure
when you call, and we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. This
means, should you decide to work with our attorneys, you do not owe any
fees unless we successfully win your case—guaranteed.
To learn more, or to share your story with our dog bite lawyers, call
(801) 762-6808 and request a free, zero-pressure consultation.