Dogs are known as “man’s best friend,” but interactions with dogs can sometimes lead to serious injuries. At Fob James Law Firm, our experienced Birmingham dog bite lawyers help victims navigate the legal process and recover maximum compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, you are not alone. Dog attacks happen frequently, and the right attorney can make all the difference.
Contact our experienced dog bite attorneys in Birmingham, AL today for a free consultation.
Understanding Alabama Dog Bite Laws
Alabama has specific laws governing dog bite incidents. Understanding these laws is crucial for filing a claim and protecting your rights. Key points include:
- Dog owners are liable for injuries if their dog has known dangerous tendencies.
- Owners who allow a dangerous dog to roam freely are liable for any resulting injuries.
- Dogs must be confined to the owner’s property.
- Owners are responsible if their dog bites someone unprovoked, even on their own property.
Tip: Learn more about Alabama personal injury laws for context on dog bite claims.
A qualified dog bite attorney in Birmingham knows the nuances of these laws and will ensure your case is handled correctly.
Recent Case Settlement
THE CASE: Attorney Fob James, IV’s client was attacked by the neighbor’s Pit bull while walking down the street. As a result of the Pit bull attack, Fob’s client suffered severe scarring to her triceps and shoulder. After the attack, Fob’s client signed a piece of paper with the homeowner settling the claim for $500. Predictably, the insurance carrier denied our client’s bodily injury claim. The insurance adjuster also took the position that the dog did not have any prior aggressive behavior. After two other law firms turned down the case, Attorney Fob James, IV took the case and filed a lawsuit. Fob canvased the neighborhood and took video of the dog, which reflected that the dog was an aggressive Pit bull mix.
CASE RESULT: Fob successfully argued his client was fraudulently induced into signing the agreement by the Pit bull owner and that she signed the agreement under extreme duress. The insurance carrier tendered policy limits, which was in the six figures. The client’s medical bills were less than $500.00.
What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog in Birmingham
After a dog bite, immediate action can protect your health and strengthen your case:
- Seek medical attention:Prevent infections and address injuries promptly.
- Report the Attack: Contact law enforcement and animal control to verify the dog’s vaccinations and get an incident report.
- Document Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible.
- Contact an Attorney: A Birmingham dog bite lawyer will guide you through the legal process.
Emotional and Financial Impact of Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause more than physical harm:
- Anxiety and fear of dogs
- Emotional trauma for children
- Lost wages due to medical recovery
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Tip: Document emotional and psychological impact; courts often award compensation for pain and suffering.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Aggresive dogs cause many kinds of injuries. Most often, dogs will bite around the hands, legs, or face. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds,
- Nerve or muscle damage,
- Broken bones,
- Infections or rabies,
- Scarring or disfigurement.
Pro Tip: Early medical treatment improves recovery and strengthens your case.
Aggressive Dog Breeds in Birmingham
Certain dog breeds are statistically more prone to aggressive behavior. Common breeds involved in serious dog bites include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Germand Sheperds
- Dobermans
- Dalmatians
- Chow Chows,
Most dog bite cases we handle involve Pit Bull breeds. While a dog being a particular breed does not automatically mean they will be aggressive, caution is advised, especially around unfamiliar dogs.
Note: Any dog can bite. Always exercise caution around unfamiliar dogs.
More Dog Bite Settlements We Have Obtained
THE CASE: Our firm’s client was attacked after the neighbor’s dog escaped through a hole in the fence. The severe dog bites caused nerve damage and scarring to our client’s arm. The insurance company refused to pay a fair settlement arguing that the owner did not have prior knowledge of the dog’s violent propensity. This was a bald-faced lie as we uncovered surveillance at the dog’s vet showing the dog attack a nurse in the parking lot.
CASE RESULT: The insurance company requested mediation before trial and settled the case for $207,000.00.
Who Is at Fault for a Dog Bite?
Liability typically falls on the dog owner, especially if:
- The attack occurs on the owner’s property.
- The dog pursues and bites off the property.
Exceptions may occur if the victim provoked the dog or trespassed.
In some cases, a landlord may also be liable under premises liability laws. Specifically, landlords have a duty to prevent dangerous activity on their property that can lead to injuries.
How to File an Alabama Dog Bite Claim
If you are considering filing a claim after a dog bite, you must act promptly. Dog bite injuries are controlled by statutes of limitations.
The statute of limitations in Alabama allows two years from the date of the bite to file a claim. Failing to file within this timeframe can forfeit your right to compensation.
A skilled Birmingham dog bite attorney will:
- File your claim promptly
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Pursue litigation if necessary to maximize your settlement
Preventing Dog Bites
While some dog attacks are inevitable, there are some things you can do to prevent them.
Some of the best ways to avoid dog bites include:
- Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs
- Do not interact with dogs off-leash
- Keep a safe distance from dogs with aggressive history
- Never provoke a dog
- Teach children how to safely behave around dogs
Because dog bites are so common with children, it is particularly important to educate them on how to be safe around dogs—especially dogs they don’t know.
Why Hire a Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyer?
We recommend you contact a Birmingham dog bite lawyer right after an attack.
Hiring an experienced attorney offers significant advantages:
- Knowledge of Alabama dog bite laws and statutes.
- Ability to negotiate with insurance companies and obtain maximum settlement for your injuries.
- Contingency fee arrangements—no fees unless you win
- Guidance from start to finish, including trial if needed
With Fob James Law Firm, you will have direct access to your attorney, not an assistant, ensuring personalized attention and aggressive representation.
Don’t try to handle your case alone. Contact an experienced Birmingham dog bite attorney.
Results That Make a Difference for Our Clients
THE CASE: Fob James Law Firm represented a young boy who was mauled by a Pit Bull breed while visiting his grandmother. His injuries were very severe. The insurance companies denied coverage for a myriad of reasons. After agressively litigating the case for two years, the insurance companies gave in and settled the case before trial.
CASE RESULT: The insurance carriers paid $400,000.00 to settle the case.
Dog Bite Statistics – Attacks Are Increasing
According to the CDC, there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites each year in the United States. Of these dog bite victims, roughly 885,000 seek medical care and nearly 370,000 are seen in emergency departments.
Between 2010 and 2021, on average approximately 43 people were killed by a dog each year in the United States. Unfortunatley, 81 deaths were reported in 2021, an all-time high.
Parents should be aware that 60-70% of dog bites occur to children. The 5-9 age group is the most susceptible. Make sure you do not allow your children to be near a dog unsupervised. It only takes one attack to change your child’s life forever.
Our Birmingham Dog Bite Attorneys Are The Top Choice
For more than 40 years, Fob James Law Firm has been advocating for injury victims across Alabama. We are known for:
- Direct access to your attorney, not just an assistant
- Aggressive litigation and trial-ready Alabama attorneys
- No upfront legal fees – pay nothing unless we win
- Large recoveries in difficult dog bite cases
Our five star reviews speak for themselves. Below are some of the awards and recognition dog bite lawyer, Fob James, IV, is honored to have received:
- SuperLawyers
- Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt School of Law
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me in Birmingham, AL
Our Birmingham dog bite attorneys help clients recover for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We understand the frustrations and stresses that come after being injured and strive to get you the compensation you deserve.
Expect kindness, compassion, and top-quality legal representation with Fob James Law Firm.
Call 205-407-6009 today for a free consultation.
Visit Our Birmingham Office
Fob James Law Firm proudly serves clients across Birmingham and the surrounding areas. If you’ve been injured by a dog attack, our office is easy to find downtown at:
Fob James Law Firm
2226 1st Ave S, Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35233
📞 (205) 407-6009
We represent dog bite victims throughout Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Bessemer, Irondale, Pinson, Trussville, Ensley, Tarrant, Hueytown, Fairfield, Pelham, Forestdale, and Jefferson County.