If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in Lake Charles, LA, contact Hale Injury Lawyers today at (337) 426-1071 to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner. Our experienced Lake Charles dog bite lawyers are here to help you with your case.
Our legal team helps individuals and families affected by dog bites. We understand the unique physical and emotional trauma associated with these injuries.
Since 2008, we have helped people recover compensation for minor and severe injuries with compassion and dedication. We can navigate the intricacies of Louisiana’s personal injury laws so you can focus on recovery.
Learn more by contacting our law firm today for a free consultation with an experienced attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Why Should I Hire Hale Injury Lawyers After a Dog Bite in Lake Charles, LA?
Since 2008, Hale Injury Lawyers has worked with dog bite victims and their families. With over 61 years of combined experience, we understand the complexities of dog bite cases and know the different paths to securing compensation for your injuries and damages.
Our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients. This success has led members of our team to be named Top Trial Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
By trusting Hale Injury Lawyers with your dog bite case, our team can help you with the following:
- Investigating your dog bite incident
- Reviewing medical records
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Evaluating how Louisiana laws may apply to your case
- Valuing your damages, including compensation for injuries, trauma, and other losses
- Negotiating settlements with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if necessary
The future may look uncertain if you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury. Schedule a free consultation with our Lake Charles personal injury attorneys today.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Lake Charles, LA?
Dog bites are common in the United States, including Lake Charles. Each year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs nationwide, and over 800,000 receive medical attention for the bite.
In recent years, dog bites ranked as the 13th leading cause of emergency department visits. In some cases, they can even be fatal. There were 468 deaths attributed to being bitten by a dog from 2011 to 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
What Causes Dog Bites in Lake Charles?
It is important to educate people about how to interact with dogs appropriately. Most dog bites are preventable, and many bites result from similar causes.
With over 61 years of combined experience, our Lake Charles dog bite attorneys have seen these causes firsthand, which include:
- Fear or Provocation: Dogs often bite out of fear or when they feel threatened. A dog might perceive your actions, like sudden moments, as threatening, even if they are not intended to be. This is likely if a dog is surprised or cornered.
- Protective Instincts: Dogs are naturally protective, specifically of their owners, themselves, and their territory. If a dog perceives a person or another animal as a threat, it may react aggressively and bite.
- Pain or Sickness: A dog in pain may be more prone to biting. Even the gentlest dog can bite if it is hurting. Avoid approaching or touching a dog you believe may be in pain.
- Poor Socialization or Training: Dogs should be socialized. Unsocialized dogs may not have learned how to behave appropriately around people and other animals. This lack of skills can lead to fear-based aggression behaviors, including biting.
- Maternal Instincts: Dogs with puppies are often highly protective. They may bite if they perceive a threat to their pups.
You should understand these factors and take appropriate steps to avoid a dog bite. Always be aware of a dog’s body language and look for signs of aggression. Consult a dog bite lawyer in Lake Charles if you or a loved one have been bitten or attacked.
What Injuries Occur From Dog Bites?
Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, which may be minor or severe. Injuries can affect people of all ages, including children and adults.
Common injuries associated with dog bites include:
- Puncture Wounds: These are the most common dog bite injuries. Dog teeth can cause deep puncture wounds, which may be prone to infection due to the bacteria in a dog’s mouth.
- Broken Bones: Larger dogs can exert forceful bites. This force can knock you to the ground or break bones, especially when bites involve small children or occur on the hands or feet.
- Nerve Damage: Dog bites can cause nerve damage and other soft tissue injuries. This is common with bites on the face, hands, or feet. Nerve damage can result in long-term or even permanent paralysis.
- Infections: Bites can become infected. Dogs’ mouths harbor bacteria that can inject broken skin and spread throughout the body.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites may cause significant scarring and disfigurement. These bites may require plastic surgery. When scarring occurs in a visible area, it can also have lasting psychological effects.
- Psychological Trauma: Dog bites can lead to psychological trauma. Few people trust or interact with dogs similarly after an attack. Dog bite victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression associated with their bite.
You should always seek immediate medical attention after a bite. A medical professional can treat physical injuries and assess the risk of hidden injuries or infections. If you or a loved one have been bitten, consult a Lake Charles dog bite lawyer.
What If I’m Partly Responsible For a Dog Bite in Louisiana?
You may share some responsibility for the dog bite. Depending on the circumstances, you can still pursue compensation if you are partly responsible for your bite in Lake Charles.
However, there are some implications under Louisiana’s pure comparative fault laws. If a victim shares fault for an incident, the compensation awarded can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to them.
For example, suppose it is determined that your actions contributed to the dog bite incident, such as by ignoring warnings. In that case, you may be considered partly at fault. If you are found to be 30 percent responsible for the dog bite, any damages awarded to you would be reduced by 30 percent.
This shared liability can complicate legal claims. Defendants will likely argue that your actions contributed to the incident to reduce their financial responsibility. Consult a Lake Charles dog bite lawyer to discuss how comparative negligence may impact your case.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
If you are a dog bite victim, you may be eligible to recover different forms of compensation. Compensation will vary based on the facts of your case.
Here are common types of economic and non-economic damages you may be eligible to recover:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical treatment related to the dog bite. This includes emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income if the dog bite results in you being unable to work. This also includes loss of earning capacity if the injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability affecting your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your dog bite. This can include anxiety, fear, insomnia, and other psychological impacts.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damaged personal property, like clothing.
It is important to remember that each dog bite case is unique. Consult a personal injury lawyer in Lake Charles to discuss the compensation available in your case under Louisiana law.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit is governed by the state’s statute of limitations. For personal injury cases, including those involving dog bites, Louisiana law generally allows two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit.
It is crucial to note that this two-year timeframe is very strict. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, you will likely lose your legal right to seek compensation for your dog bite injuries.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Attorney in Lake Charles, LA?
At Hale Injury Lawyers, our Lake Charles dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement in your case. The fee is a percentage of the compensation awarded, typically around 33 percent. This allows clients from all socioeconomic backgrounds to retain an experienced dog bite lawyer without upfront or hourly costs.
Contact Our Experienced Lake Charles Dog Bite Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been affected by a dog bite in Lake Charles, LA, you deserve to have an experienced attorney on your side. Our Lake Charles dog bite lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll dog bites can take on you and your family. Contact us today at (337) 888-4253 to schedule a free initial consultation.