Utah Dog Bite Lawyer

The experience of being bitten or attacked by a dog can be both painful and traumatic. At ReshLaw Accident & Injury, our compassionate Utah dog bite lawyers understand the physical and emotional toll a dog bite can have on victims and their families. We are determined to help you secure the recovery you deserve to heal and move forward with your life.

Trust our experienced team to provide the assistance and counsel you need throughout the legal process.

Secure Legal Representation From a Utah Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been bitten, attacked or in any way injured by a dog in Utah, obtaining legal representation from a skilled Utah dog bite lawyer is crucial.

At ReshLaw Accident & Injury, we understand the physical and emotional pain that a dog bite or dog injury can cause, and we're dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Our attorneys will steer you through the legal process with care and compassion, ensuring your rights are protected at every step.

Utah Dog Bite Law

Before you file a dog bite claim, victims of a dog bite or dog injury should be aware of the laws surrounding dog bite cases. Our dog bite attorneys have a tremendous understanding of the law surrounding your claim, and below are some of the important points that you should bear in mind.

Overview of Utah's Dog Bite Law

In Utah, liability and damages for dog injury can be applied to a dog owner and also to a “keeper” of a dog. A keeper is someone with care, custody, and control of a dog. An example of a “keeper” would be someone grooming, dog sitting (like a Rover), or otherwise looking after the dog at the time of the incident.     

As a general rule, Utah does NOT adhere to the "one-bite rule," which means that the dog's owner may escape accountability for their pet's behavior if the dog has not previously bitten anyone or displayed aggressive conduct. 

In Utah, we have “strict liability” which means the dog owner or keeper of a dog is automatically accountable no matter if the dog has previously bitten someone before or shown aggressive conduct. 

Even though most lawyers that work in this area of law indicate that they handle “dog bites” the injury does not need to be a “bite” at all, it can be any “injury” caused by a dog. We have handled knockdowns, leash accidents, and many other injuries inflicted by dogs.    

A person who owns or keeps a dog is NOT liable, however, if the injury occurs on someone’s private property, while the dog was reasonably secured within a fence or other enclosure, and the injured party entered the owner or keeper’s private property without consent.  

Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Case

To establish liability in a Utah dog bite case, the victim must establish that:

1. The defendant owned or had control (keeper) over the dog;
2. The dog bit, attacked or otherwise inflicted harm on the victim;
3. The victim sustained injuries as a result. 

Common Causes of Utah Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can happen for various reasons, and being aware of the most prevalent causes can help prevent future incidents and better inform victims in their legal cases. The following factors often contribute to dog attacks:

1. Unprovoked aggression: Some dogs may exhibit aggressive behavior without any apparent provocation. This could be due to genetic factors, underlying health issues, or a history of abuse that has caused the dog to develop aggressive tendencies. It's critical to remember that not all dogs displaying unprovoked aggression have been mistreated or poorly raised; sometimes, there are factors beyond the owner's control.
2. Fear or anxiety: A dog may become aggressive when it feels threatened or afraid. This can happen when a person or another animal approaches the dog too quickly, makes sudden movements, or invades the dog's personal space. Dogs with a history of maltreatment or neglect may be more prone to fear-based aggression.
3. Territorial behavior: Dogs are instinctive to protect their territory, including their home, yard, or owner. When a dog perceives an intruder, it may react aggressively to defend its territory. This type of behavior can be exacerbated if the dog has never been properly socialized or trained.
4. Pain or illness: A dog experiencing pain or illness may become irritable and more prone to aggression. This can be due to a sharp injury, chronic pain, or an underlying medical condition. In some cases, the dog may not display any visible signs of discomfort, making it difficult for others to recognize the cause of the aggression.
5. Poor socialization or training: Dogs that have never been adequately socialized or trained may be more likely to display aggressive behavior. This can result from a lack of interaction with other people, animals, and environments during their early development. Additionally, inadequate or inappropriate training methods may contribute to a dog's aggressive tendencies.
6. Oversight on the pet owner's part: In some cases, dog attacks can be attributed to the dog owner's negligence. This may include not properly restraining or controlling their dog, allowing it to roam off-leash in public spaces, or not taking appropriate precautions when introducing the dog to new people or animals. Owners who do not adequately supervise their dogs, especially those with known aggressive tendencies, may be held liable legally for the actions of their pets.

Understanding the common causes of dog attacks is essential for prevention and legal purposes. Knowing these factors can help inform your actions and decisions moving forward, whether you are a dog attack victim or a dog owner.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity and have both physical and psychological consequences. Some of the most frequently reported injuries sustained during dog attacks include:

1. Puncture wounds and lacerations: One of the most common types of injuries resulting from dog bites is puncture wounds and lacerations caused by the dog's teeth. These injuries can range from small punctures to deep gashes and may require stitches or other medical interventions to heal properly.
2. Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the wound, leading to infections such as cellulitis or even more severe conditions like sepsis. It's crucial to clean and care for the wound properly and to seek medical attention if there are indications of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
3. Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites can leave lasting scars, which may cause disfigurement, especially when they occur on the face or other visible areas of the body. At times, reconstructive surgery may be needed to minimize the appearance of scarring.
4. Broken bones: While less common than puncture wounds and lacerations, dog bites can also cause broken bones, particularly if the dog has a strong bite force or if the victim's bones are fragile due to age or other factors.
5. Nerve damage: A dog's powerful jaws bite can cause nerve damage, leading to long-term or permanent pain, discomfort, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Nerve damage may require specialized medical treatment and rehabilitation to address the functional impairments.
6. Psychological trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, dog bite victims often experience psychological trauma due to the attack. This can include anxiety, fear of dogs, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological impact of a dog bite can be just as crippling as physical injuries, affecting the victim's ability to engage in everyday activities and maintain a normal life.

Dog bite injuries can have significant and lasting effects on victims. These injuries can range from mild puncture wounds to severe nerve damage and can also cause psychological trauma. If you or someone you know endured a dog bite, it's important to seek immediate medical attention and consult a qualified dog bite attorney to understand your rights and potential legal remedies.

Types of Dog Bite Claims

There are several types of dog bite claims that may be pursued in Utah, including:

1. Personal injury claims for the victim's physical and emotional injuries;
2. Property damage claims for any damage to the victim's personal property (e.g., clothing, glasses);
3. Wrongful death claims if the dog attack resulted in the victim's death.

Our Utah dog bite attorney will work with you to help you figure out which type of case you have and how the law applies to your specific situation. 

Claims Process for a Dog Bites

After hiring an attorney, the claims process for a dog bite injury in Utah typically involves the following steps:

1. Collecting evidence to support your claim, including medical records, photographs, and witness statements;
2. Filing a claim with the dog owner's insurance company, if applicable;
3. Negotiating and reaching a settlement either with the insurance company or the dog owner;
4. If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, initiate legal proceedings against the dog owner in court;
5. Engaging in discovery, during which both sides gather additional evidence and information;
6. Participating in mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods to attempt a settlement; and
7. If necessary, proceed to trial, where the decision of your case will be in the hands of a judge or jury.

Utah dog bite victims often face significant medical bills. Our specialized dog bite team can help you navigate the legal process following an animal attack and file a dog bite injury claim against the dog's owner if you have a valid case.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident

Dogs bite for various reasons, and even a small bite can result in serious injuries. After a dog bite incident in Utah, it's important to take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately for your injuries;
2. Notify the local animal control or law enforcement of the incident;
3. Obtain contact information for the dog owner, as well as any witnesses;
4. Take pictures of your injuries and the location of the attack for documentation
5. Keep records of your medical treatment, expenses, and any lost wages;
6. Refrain from discussing the incident or admitting fault to anyone; and
7. Contact a Utah dog bite lawyer for legal advice and representation.

Every dog bite injury case is serious, and our team is here to provide each dog bite victim with the representation they deserve.

Utah’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Injuries

In Utah, the statute of limitations for dog bite injuries is generally four years from when the incident occurred. This means that you have four years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner or other responsible parties.

Failing to file within this timeframe may result in your claim being dismissed, barring you from recovering any compensation for your injuries.

Types of Damages You Can Recover From Your Dog Bite Injuries

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to indemnify you for the financial setbacks you've suffered due to your dog bite injuries. These may include:

• Medical expenses, both current and future;
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity; and
• Costs of rehabilitation and ongoing care.

These damages can be substantial, and we want to ensure that you are put back in the position “you would have been in had the injury never happened.”

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for your non-financial and emotional losses. These may include:

• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress; and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

While non-economic damages can be harder to quantify, they are no less important. Our legal team will help you quantify your economic and non-economic damages to restore to you what was lost. 

Punitive Damages

In some cases, punitive damages may be given to punish the dog owner if their actions were particularly egregious or reckless. The intent of these damages is not to replace what was lost but rather to deter any similar conduct in the future.

Schedule an Initial Consultation From Our Utah Dog Bite Lawyer at ReshLaw Accident & Injury

If you've been injured in a dog bite incident in Utah, contact our experienced Utah dog bite lawyers at ReshLaw Accident & Injury for a free initial consultation. We will appraise your case, explain your legal options, and work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve. Trust our compassionate team to offer your support and guidance during this challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most common questions our clients ask include the following:

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

You typically have four years from the time of the dog bite incident in Utah to file a personal injury claim. However, there are some exceptions. It's crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations.

What if the Dog Owner Doesn't Have Insurance?

Even if the dog owner lacks insurance or has inadequate coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation by filing a lawsuit against the owner personally. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you explore all available avenues for recovery.

What if the Dog Bite Wasn't Severe?

Even if your dog bite injuries were not severe, you may still be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's essential to consult with an attorney to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.

Dog Bite Infographic