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SALT LAKE CITY UTAH DOG BITE ATTORNEYS
Bitten by Bruno? Attacked by Attila? Mauled by Marmaduke?
Salt Lake City, Utah dog bite attorneys can help.
Each year, more than 4 million Americans suffer injuries from dog bites. (Source: R. John Presutti, D.O., “Prevention and Treatment of Dog Bites”, American Family Physician, 63:1567-74.) Dog bite injuries account for over 400,000 visits to the emergency room on an annual basis, and over 20 deaths. Not surprisingly, a large percentage of dog bite victims are children. In almost half of these cases, the child is bitten by a family dog, or by a dog owned by neighbors. Unfortunately, the experience of Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys is that the above study tends to hold true in Utah as well as the rest of the country. (Id.)
Dog bite injuries can range from minor abrasions or lacerations, to puncture wounds, fractures, tendon damage, infections, and death. The face is the most common area of attack. Often, scars or other deformities can result. Obtaining prompt and proper treatment for injuries is essential to achieving a good outcome.
While any dog can bite, a few breeds have been identified as the chief culprits. The top biting dogs are Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios, and their mixes. (Merritt Clifton, “Dog Attack Deaths and Maimings, US & Canada, September 1892 to November 13, 2006", Animal People.) German Shepherds, Doberman Pincers, and Huskies also account for a fair percentage of dog bites.
Overview of Utah Dog Bite Law:
Under Utah law, an owner or keeper of a dog is deemed strictly liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog. Utah law does not require proof of a predisposition to bite; no dog is allowed one free bite. Utah law thus follows the majority rule in adhering to the principle of strict liability as applied to dog bites.
If you are bitten by someone else’s dog, you are entitled to reasonable compensation for your injuries and damages. Reasonable compensation includes, but is not limited to, reimbursement for out of pocket medical expenses, as well as compensation for time missed from work, damages for physical discomfort, suffering, disfigurement, future medical care, counseling, and so on.
Although strict liability applies to dog bite claims, a victim’s claim for damages may be barred, to a certain degree, if the victim provoked the attack. Sometimes other defenses can be invoked as well.
Damages for dog bite claims are typically paid by homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. Indeed, dog bite claims are the number one claim submitted against a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Salt Lake City, Utah dog bite attorneys know that dog bite claims are complex, and can be greatly assisted with the aid of competent counsel. In addition to the age-old adage that one who represents himself has a fool for a client, there are many compelling reasons why a dog bite victim should hire an attorney. For example:
Salt Lake City, Utah dog bite attorneys can assume the burden of investigating and documenting the claim, and of communicating with the liable party. This relieves the injured party of added stress, and allows her to focus on her recovery. Skilled counsel will know what records are needed to adequately document the claim, how to properly evaluate the claim, and how to maximize its value. Counsel will also know what action is necessary to properly prosecute the claim, and what deadlines apply.
Salt Lake City, Utah dog bite attorneys can help level the playing field. Unrepresented parties encounter an inherently unequal playing field trying to navigate their own claims. Since most dog bite claims are covered by insurance, the injured party often finds himself confronted by a monolith insurance carrier on the opposite side, with adverse interests. The adverse insurance carrier has superior knowledge about dog bite claims, has extraordinary resources to draw from, and has a built-in motive to either deny the claim or settle it for an unfair amount. Hiring an attorney is an excellent way to level this playing field.
Most claims of child victims will need to be court-approved. Special rules and procedures must be followed. Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys who are familiar with these complicated principles and procedures can ensure that the child’s claim is properly handled.
Dog bite claims can be pursued on a contingency fee basis. This means that Salt Lake City, Utah dog bite attorneys will charge a fee based on a percentage of the total recovery, with no fees being owed if no recovery is obtained. Oftentimes, contingency fee-based representation is the only affordable manner in which an accident victim can retain counsel.
These are only a few of the many benefits of retaining counsel. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, you would be well advised to contact a lawyer today.
(This article written by Salt Lake City, Utah attorney William P. Morrison, of the law firm of Morrison & Morrison, December 2007.)
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