ArticlesInsurance companies and police departments track dog bite cases. It is clear that dog bites are not uncommon nor underestimated in importance.
Alabama courts and insurance companies order payments and settlements to dog bite victims regularly.
Do not underestimate the pain and suffering caused by dog bites.
If a dog owned by another person has bitten and harmed you, seek legal representation.
Your Alabama dog bite lawyer will file a dog bite claim, seek compensation for your injuries, and hold the dog owner accountable.
Call our firm at (205) 407-6009 or contact us online for assistance. We offer free case evaluations.
The Average Settlement from a Dog Bite in Alabama
The average settlement in 2019 from a dog bite in Alabama was over $43,000 according to a national tracking of dog bite data.
However in 2022, the average settlement from a dog attack increased by 32% to $64,555.00.
That being said, average dog bite payouts vary drastically since they depend on a number of factors.
Alabama Dog Bite Laws
Every state has laws allowing a person injured by a dog bite to seek justice under certain conditions.
Section 3-6-1 of Alabama Statutes regulates dog bites in our state.
This law says, in part, that if a dog bites or injures any person who is at a location where they have a legal right to be, the owner of the dog is responsible for the costs and perhaps even the trauma from the attack.
However, the statute does not end there.
Numerous Alabama court cases address dog bites and help interpret dog bite laws.
When you hire an experienced dog bite attorney for your dog bite claim, they will evaluate all legal considerations.
These may include:
- Finding out who owns the property where the bite occurred;
- Determining the legitimate owner of the dog and who controlled the dog at the time of the incident;
- Investigating whether the dog owner had previous knowledge of the animal’s dangerous nature;
- Analyzing trespass laws applicable to the case;
- Reviewing existing homeowners or renters insurance for the parties involved; and
- Determining the likelihood of a contributory negligence argument (an argument that the victim was one of the causes of the accident).
The legal and insurance implications are elaborate. An attorney needs to hear your side of the story, then apply this information to those facts. The lawyers at Fob James Law Firm are ready to begin the process of helping you get the dog bite compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You Are Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in Alabama
Here at Fob James Law Firm, we are concerned about the health, safety, and legal rights of citizens of our community. If a dog has bitten you or someone you love, please seek medical care.
Medical attention is urgent if a stray dog bit you, you have multiple bites, or you are experiencing psychological trauma.
Also, report the dog bite incident to the police. You can call 911 or the non-emergency line if the situation is under control. Once you feel safe, contact us.
You have a right to be compensated for your dog bite injuries. We want to help you. Please do not agree to settle your dog bite claim with the owner without first speaking with us. Our Alabama dog bite attorneys will investigate the reports and handle all settlement and legal actions so you get the compensation that you deserve.
Contact Our Top Alabama Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, call our dog bite lawyers at Fob James Law Firm today.
Our practice focuses on personal injury cases in Alabama and Georgia. We have significant experience in dog bite cases and traumatic injuries. We don’t use case managers so we can focus on each client.
When you hire us, we commit to giving you the highest level of legal representation. For a free case review, contact us today or call (205) 407-6009.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.