Florence Dog Bite Attorneys
Many people in Florence, Alabama, own dogs and consider them a part of their family. However, no matter how tame a dog may seem, any dog can bite under the right conditions, particularly if it feels threatened or is protecting its property. Of course, some dogs have a reputation for aggression, and dog owners must ensure they do everything they can to keep their canines from attacking people.
If you, your child, or another close family member suffered serious dog bite injuries in Florence, you need to consult the Florence dog bite attorneys at McCutcheon & Hamner as soon as possible. Our lawyers can review your claim at no cost and advise you of your rights and options for obtaining compensation from the dog’s owner.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
If you or a loved one have questions about dog bite law, call McCutcheon & Hamner at (256) 333-5000 to speak to our experienced dog bite lawyers in Florence.
What Are Alabama’s Dog Bite Laws?
Alabama has the following set of regulations governing dog bites and owner liability:
- Strict Liability: Alabama follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or the dog’s history of biting.
- One-Bite Rule: While Alabama generally follows strict liability, there is also a common-law principle known as the “one-bite rule.” This rule suggests that a dog owner may be held liable only if they were aware of the dog’s dangerous behavior or had reason to believe that the dog might bite. A dog owner may plead that they had no idea the dog was aggressive and had never attacked anyone before. If successful in their plea, the dog owner may only be liable for the actual expenses the injured party incurred as a result of the dog bite injury. However, an astute personal injury attorney can argue Alabama’s strict liability statute to help you receive compensation regardless.
- Negligence: In addition to strict liability, a dog owner may be held liable for injuries if they were negligent in controlling or restraining their dog. For example, allowing a known aggressive dog to roam freely in a public area without a leash could be considered negligence.
- Comparative Fault: Alabama follows a “contributory negligence” rule, which means that if the person bitten by the dog is found to be even partially at fault for the incident, they may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it crucial for the injured person to demonstrate that they were not at fault in any way.
The Florence dog bite lawyers at McCutcheon & Hamner will thoroughly investigate the incident and help gather evidence to hold the dog owner liable. With our help, you can obtain compensation for your dog bite injuries to realize the fullest recovery possible.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Dog Bite Injury?
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, you may be eligible for various types of compensation. The specific compensation you can receive can depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the incident, and the laws in your jurisdiction. Here are common types of compensation that may be available for a dog bite injury:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs related to the treatment of your injuries. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: If the dog bite injury causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both past and future income that you would have earned had you not been injured.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from the dog bite. This may also include compensation for mental anguish, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Additional compensation for any permanent scarring or disfigurement resulting from the dog bite, which can impact your appearance and self-esteem.
- Property Damage: If personal property (such as clothing or personal items) was damaged during the dog attack, you may be eligible for compensation to repair or replace those items.
- Counseling and Therapy Costs: Compensation for the cost of therapy or counseling to address emotional distress or trauma resulting from the dog bite.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the dog owner’s behavior was particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the owner and deter similar conduct in the future.
Consulting a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases, such as the Florence dog bite attorneys at McCutcheon & Hamner can help you understand your rights and pursue the appropriate compensation for your specific situation.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Florence, Alabama?
Following a dog bite in Florence, Alabama, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect your health and well-being, as well as to preserve your legal rights. Here’s a general guide on what to do after a dog bite:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so it’s crucial to have a healthcare professional evaluate and treat the wound.
- Identify the Dog and Its Owner: Try to identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, contact information, and any relevant details about the dog, such as its breed and vaccination status. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the location where the dog bite occurred, as well as your injuries. This documentation can be valuable if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
- Report the Incident: Report the dog bite to the local animal control or law enforcement agency in Florence. Providing details about the incident helps create a record, and it may also be necessary for public safety reasons.
- Get Information from Witnesses: If there were witnesses to the dog bite, obtain their names and contact information. Witness statements can be crucial if legal action becomes necessary.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the incident, such as torn clothing or personal items damaged during the attack. These items may be relevant in establishing the severity of the attack.
- Keep Records: Maintain a record of your medical treatment, including doctor visits, medications, and any follow-up care. This documentation can be important when seeking compensation for medical expenses.
- Be Cautious with Insurance Companies: If the dog owner’s insurance company contacts you, be cautious about providing statements or accepting settlements without consulting your attorney. Insurance companies may seek to minimize their liability, so it’s essential to have legal representation.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney in Florence who specializes in dog bite cases. An attorney can provide guidance on your rights, help you navigate the legal process, and assist in building a strong case for compensation.
Remember that each case is unique, and the information provided here is general guidance. Seeking advice from a local attorney familiar with dog bite laws in Florence can ensure that you receive the most relevant and accurate information for your specific situation.
How Long Do I Have to Sue a Dog Owner in Alabama?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those related to dog bites, is typically two years. If you don’t have an attorney file a lawsuit on your behalf within this timeframe, the court may dismiss your case, and you will likely lose the right to pursue compensation.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Florence and are considering legal action against the dog owner, it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney from McCutcheon & Hamner can provide guidance on the specific deadlines applicable to your case, help you gather evidence, assess liability, and take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights within the statutory timeframe.
Contact the Florence Dog Bite Lawyers at McCutcheon & Hamner Today
At McCutcheon & Hamner, our attorneys have decades of combined legal experience, and we have recovered substantial compensation for clients injured by dog bites and other acts of negligence.
Contact us today for a free consultation at 256-242-5053.
Florence Office
2210 Helton Drive
Florence, AL 35630
(256) 333-5000
