We now live in a world where pets are welcome just about everywhere—from shopping malls to planes, buses, and even playgrounds. They’re beloved members of the family. But when someone else’s pet causes harm, especially through a dog bite, the experience can be traumatic—physically and emotionally.
For parents, the situation can be even more devastating. A dog bite can leave a child not only injured but afraid to walk down the street again. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Speaking with a dog injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and begin the recovery process.
Key Takeaways
- Dog bites can result in serious injuries, especially in children, who are often the most common victims.
- Louisiana uses the “one bite rule,” which can make proving a case tricky—but not impossible with the help of a dog injury lawyer.
- A civil suit for a dog bite can help you recover compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, and more.
- Many dog owners underestimate their pet’s behavior, but the law still holds them accountable if negligence is proven.
- An experienced dog injury lawyer in Lafayette can walk you through your legal options and build a strong case.
Top Ten States for Dog Bite Claims
In 2023, there were 19,062 dog bite claims in the U.S. amounting to $1.1 billion in damages.
Here are the states with the most dog bites,
- California: There were 2,104 claims and the value of those claims amounted to $143.3 million dollars.
- Florida: There were 1,532 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $102.1 million.
- Texas: There were 1,040 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $62.3 million.
- Michigan: There were 932 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $64.5 million.
- Ohio: There were 885 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $34.6 million.
- Pennsylvania: There were 857 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $46.2 million.
- New York: There were 851 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $56.7 million.
- Illinois: There were 837 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $61.8 million.
- New Jersey: There were 649 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $40.4 million.
- Georgia: There were 495 claims, and the value of those claims amounted to $28.5 million.
Dog Owners and Liability for Dog Bites
Dog bite cases are generally civil suits. That means they don’t carry a criminal penalty (though sometimes criminal charges can be pursued separately). Civil suits are focused on compensating the victims of irresponsible or careless behavior for the damage they’ve suffered due to someone else’s actions.
For families, this can mean collecting not only medical bills but also testimony from teachers, therapists, or pediatricians who are helping your child recover from trauma after a bite.
While the specifics of dog bites vary from place to place and case to case, certain universals are generally held true. The victim must be able to prove negligence on the part of the dog’s owner. This means that they must have behaved in a way counter to that of a reasonable person (or failed to behave as a reasonable person would). This behavior must be shown to have directly contributed to an accident, and you must have gotten hurt as a result of the accident.
Dangerous Animals and the One Bite Rule
Louisiana follows the “one bite rule.” This means that dog owners are generally not held liable unless they knew (or should have known) that their dog had aggressive tendencies.
In legal terms, this requires showing:
The dog had previously bitten or threatened someone
The owner knew of the dog’s history
The owner failed to act reasonably to prevent another bite
That said, if the dog has not bitten before but showed aggressive behavior (growling, lunging, snapping), your case could still have merit. A dog injury lawyer will gather statements, vet records, and behavioral evaluations to prove the animal posed a known risk.
Should I Call a Dog Injury Lawyer?
Yes, especially if your child was involved or the bite resulted in medical treatment, scarring, or emotional distress. Dog bites are not always straightforward, and insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. A dog injury lawyer knows how to deal with insurers, establish liability, and maximize your compensation.
For parents, it’s important to note that a dog bite can impact school attendance, social development, and emotional health. A good legal team will help you document all these elements, so they’re included in your case value.
If you’re in Lafayette, Louisiana, and need help after a dog bite, contact The Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to ensure you and your family get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.