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Injured by a Dog Bite?

Getting help is easy! We are here to help you get the money you deserve for your dog bite injury.

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I’ve Been Bitten: How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Lafayette Can Benefit Your Case

American Veterinary Medical Association shared a statistic that stated, “36.5% of households own a dog.” In our world, it’s common to have a neighbor that owns a dog or passes a dog walking with its owner around the city.

As society continues to evolve, more houses are being built which means less yard space for dogs to enjoy. With less yard space, more people are taking their dogs to parks and neighborhoods, but this means the dog encounters more unfamiliar people.

36.5 % of households own a dog and have less yard space for it to run raises the chance of becoming a victim of a dog attack. If you or someone you love, has suffered an injury due to a dog bite, it’s time to contact a dog bite lawyer in Lafayette.

Dog Injury Statistics

According to Canine Journal:

  • Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States every year.
  • 900,000 of those bites become infected.
  • The U.S population is approximately 325.8 million people as of 2017. That means a dog bites 1 out of every 72 people.
  • In 2016, there were an estimated 78 million dogs in the U.S.
  • The insurance industry paid more than $530 million in bite related claims in 2014.
  • Most bites involve dogs who are not spayed or neutered.

Dog injuries will vary, and if one has suffered an injury, an attorney for dog bites can help seek the right compensation for the injury.

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As a community, we help our neighbors when they need it and lend a hand where we can. But sometimes, we need more than just a neighborly gesture. Sometimes, we need professional legal help, such as after being injured by a dog bite by a negligent owner. That’s where The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux can help. We choose to focus on helping those who have been injured because we want to see justice served and help the injured get the compensation they deserve. We are available anytime, day or night – even on holidays, so you can always call us for help. Just remember: “In Pain? Call Blaine!” So if you need help dealing with the legal ramifications of a dog bite injury, don’t hesitate to search for “dog bite attorneys near me” or by calling us directly. Together, we can make Lafayette the best it can be.

Dog Bite FAQs

Suffering a serious dog bite can be incredibly traumatic and result in injuries that can change your life forever. If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, navigating the laws surrounding liability for dog bites is confusing, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. That’s why we’ve listed some of the most common questions people have about dog bite claims below and provided answers to help you know where to begin.

Our state law states that a dog’s owner may be held liable for any injuries caused by their dog and, as a dog owner, you have a basic duty to prevent your dog from harming other people. However, the Pelican State also has what’s called a “one-bite” rule for dogs, which states that, as the owner, you are only liable if you knew or should have known that your dog’s behavior could cause harm. Additionally, it must be proven that you knew taking reasonable care could prevent this harm and you failed to take suitable precautions. If all of these factors can be proven, it’s possible that the victim will file a civil suit in order to recover money for their medical bills and other losses. The victim may also report your dog to animal services, and an investigation could be launched.

The necessary treatment for a dog bite will depend on the severity and location of the wound. In some cases, you can treat dog bites at home through basic first aid techniques, such as using a clean towel to stop any bleeding, cleansing and bandaging the wound, and applying antibiotic ointment. However, it’s usually in your best interest to see a doctor for treatment to ensure the proper steps are taken to avoid infection or further problems. You should especially consider seeking medical attention if you were bitten by someone else’s dog or the wound is bleeding heavily.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to clean the wound as soon as possible. To properly clean a dog bite wound, gently wash the area with mild soap and warm tap water for approximately five minutes. Then, try to slow any bleeding by applying pressure to the area with a clean cloth. If you’re able, rub antibiotic cream over the wound and wrap it using a sterile bandage. Keep the wound bandaged and consult your doctor to make sure further treatment isn’t needed.

While it is normal for the area around a dog bite to become slightly swollen, swelling, along with redness and pain, are also common symptoms of infection. If a dog bite pierces your skin, it’s possible that bacteria from the dog’s mouth or the outside environment can cause your wound to become infected. If you notice any swelling after a dog bite, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as an antibiotic or vaccination may be required to treat the infection.

Most homeowners insurance policies offer some form of coverage in the event the homeowner is sued due to an animal bite on their property. This insurance can cover liability expenses, such as medical bills, up to the liability limits laid out in the policy. 

In other words, if you’re bitten by a dog on someone else’s property, you may be able to recover money for your injuries and other losses from the dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. If your damages exceed their policy limits, the dog owner may be held personally responsible for the damages above that amount.

When a bite is reported to animal control, a file on the incident will be opened, which can include the dog’s vaccination history and anything Animal Control finds during its investigation.

While in many cases the dog may be required to be quarantined for a period of time, local Animal Control may issue more serious orders in the event of a particularly vicious attack. While you can contact your local Animal Control directly, if you’ve suffered a serious dog bite, it’s usually best to call 911 and have a police officer come to the scene. They will decide how best to handle the dog and file a police report, which can be important for any insurance claim later on and will also be taken into account in Animal Control’s investigation.

Similar to homeowners insurance, many renters insurance policies do provide some form of liability coverage for dog bites. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some insurance companies will not insure renters that own certain breeds of dogs they categorize as dangerous, in which case the dog owner could be held personally liable for any injuries their dog causes.

Insurance policy terms can be complicated to understand after a dog bite. If you’re bitten by someone else’s dog at their apartment and they have renters insurance, it can be to your advantage to have an experienced attorney for dog bites review the policy and help you determine whether you can file a claim with their insurance company for damages.

No two dog bite cases are the same and there are many variables that go into determining how much you can sue for a dog bite. If you’ve suffered a dog bite and would like to file a lawsuit, it’s in your best interest to speak with an attorney for dog bites who knows the laws surrounding dog bite claims. Dog bite attorneys can review your case and how the dog bite has affected your life, and help you determine a fair amount to demand for losses such as your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

If you are a landlord and a tenant’s dog bites someone, you will not be held liable in most cases. However, there are certain circumstances in which a landlord can be held responsible when a tenant’s dog causes harm to a visitor. Under state law, if you knew the dog was dangerous and could have taken action to properly warn visitors or have the dog removed, there is a chance that you could be held liable for the victim’s damages.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog and have more questions about how to proceed and your legal options, contact our dog attack attorneys at The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux for help today.

Common Injuries from Bites

Dog attacks can leave various scars depending upon the injury, which may result in the need for plastic surgery or leave an individual with emotional distress. Some of the common injuries include:

  • Scars
  • Punctures
  • Nerve Damage
  • Infections (Rabies)
  • Disfigurement
  • Broken Bones

These are just some of the injuries one can experience if they have suffered a dog attack.

In some cases, a person may become infected with a bacteria such as pasteurella multocida, which is a pathogen that can be found in wild and domestic animals, and capnocytophaga canimorsus, known as a bacteria. There are various traces of bacteria that an individual can come in contact due to a dog attack, and it’s essential to be evaluated by a doctor.

Benefits of Hiring Dog Attack Attorneys

Contacting a dog bite attorney may be exactly what you need to gain the compensation you deserve. Here are a few reasons you should hire a dog bite lawyer in Lafayette:

  1. Dog bite attorneys have the legal experience and knowledge to handle your case. They will know exactly how to take care of your injury and what type of questions they need to ask.
  2. An expert in bite injuries will ensure the laws are followed. They will also guide you through the paperwork you need to complete.
  3. A lawyer for dog bites can also help you gain any financial compensation or damages you deserve. Such as medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering, lost wages, and permanent disability.

What should I do if I’m a Victim of a Dog Attack?

  1. You need to seek medical attention immediately.
  2. If possible, find out if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies. It’s imperative that medical personnel test you for rabies, whether the dog has been vaccinated or not. Although some states require dogs to have a rabies shot, not all people obey the law. It’s safer to check to make sure you have not been infected with rabies.
  3. Take photographs of your injuries.
  4. Do not talk to the owner of the dog or anyone that may contact you from the owner’s insurance company. Also, do not sign any type of agreement until you contact a dog bite lawyer in Lafayette.
  5. Keep the clothing you wore when you were attacked. It can possibly be used as evidence in your case.
  6. Make sure to receive a copy of your medical records. They can be used to grant you financial compensation.
  7. Contact one of our dog attack attorneys.

Animal Control Resources

If you come in contact with a potentially dangerous dog, contact a local animal shelter or animal care center. Listed below are resource links.

Lafayette Area

Lafayettela.gov/LASCC

What Our Clients Are Saying

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The service I received from Blaine & associates exceeded my expectations. They have gained my trust and worked to finalize all in my favor. Their hard work and diligence is proven!

Chad J.

Helped me get the settlement I deserved from an insurance company that fought us every step of the way. Mr. Barrilleaux made it look easy and took care of everything.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

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I’m from out of state and a professional truck driver. I had a multi car accident in Louisiana. I was not at fault but injured. Blaine and his staff helped deal with all the insurance companies and lawyers. He was with me for my deposition and met with me when I asked him to, if I was in the area. His staff are great and very patient with people that ask the same questions over and over. I can’t say enough good things about this man as a professional. I would use him again if I need to.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Dawn W.

Blaine Barrilleaux was great. This was my first time ever filing a lawsuit and he and his office made it easy, painless, and informative. They always let me know what the next step in the case was as to not leave me lost and wondering what is going on. I would recommend him and his staff to anyone. Thanks for taking such great care of me.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Charles S.

When I was in pain, I called Blaine and he got the action I wanted! I highly recommend him as a personal injury lawyer. He’s a no nonsense, straight to the point attorney and he doesn’t let the big insurance companies push him around. HE PUSHES BACK!!! THANKS BLAINE!!!

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Victor S.

Blaine and his staff are the greatest. They’ve taken very good care of my wife and I since our accident. I would definitely recommend the law office of Mr. Blaine Barrilleaux to anyone seeking a dedicated injury attorney.

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Joel P.

He made the other insurance company drive to my house to bring me my check from Texas. He was very understanding and listened to everything I said. He fought for me and got me the surgery I dearly needed. You won’t be able to find another lawyer who cares like him. He’s very patient with his clients.

Austin C.

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Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

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Anytime I needed anything Blaine’s team was there to help me. They were friendly and on top of everything I asked for. I really appreciate how hard and quickly they worked to resolve my case. I would highly recommend Blaine Barrilleaux Law for anyone needing legal help.

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Dawn M.

Mr. Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff made this process as painless as possible. This was my first time going through a lawsuit and he and his staff made me very comfortable and went above and beyond to make sure I understood the process and what to expect. I would recommend this law firm to anyone seeking help.

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Jeff and Michelle

Blaine Barrilleaux and his staff went beyond what was ever expected. Blaine was very easy to talk to and he listened to all my needs and concerns. They truly care. Thanks Blaine for all you did for us.

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Kimberly S.

Blaine and his staff treated my family with the most respect. Blaine cares for his clients and goes above and beyond for them. Thank you Blaine for all your hard work and time in my case.

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Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Lafayette

If you or someone you know has been injured in a dog attack, you may need a dog bite lawyer in Lafayette. One of our experienced lawyers will assist you in gaining the financial compensation you deserve and has the knowledge to help you file your case.

In Louisiana, dog owners are liable for the actions of their dogs, including bites. In Lafayette, there is no such thing as “one free bite.”

The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux provide free case consultations for Lafayette dog attack victims. To schedule your free consultation, call a dog bite lawyer in Lafayette at 337-989-1212. We can explain your legal options.

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