Free Consultation
No Win, No Fee
Free Consultation
No Win, No Fee
A dog attack can transform an ordinary day into a terrifying ordeal in an instant. The pain and fear after a dog attack often leave victims confused about what to do next. Many Utah residents face dog bite injuries each year and don't know their rights.
At Reshlaw Accident & Injury, we see how these incidents hurt victims. Utah's dog bite laws protect injured people, but you need to know how to report the incident correctly.
Utah follows "strict liability" for dog owners. This means the owner is legally responsible for injuries their dog causes. They can be held liable even if their dog never acted viciously before.
You don't need to prove the dog owner knew their pet was dangerous. If their dog bit you and caused injury, that's enough under Utah law to hold them liable for your damages.
We at Reshlaw Accident & Injury know these laws well. Our team uses this knowledge to fight for dog bite victims who deserve fair compensation for their pain.
Utah has clear rules for what makes a dog "dangerous." Any dog that bites, attacks, or threatens people can get this label. This includes dogs that cause injuries while not on their dog owner's property or that act aggressively without being provoked.
The dangerous dog label matters for your case. It can affect how courts view your claim. Utah doesn't target specific breeds like some states do. Any breed can be deemed dangerous based on its actions.
When a dog has shown aggressive behavior before, it helps your claim. The owner knew their pet posed a risk but failed to take proper precautions to protect others from harm.
You must act quickly after a dog bite. Most Utah counties require reporting dog bites to local animal control or the health department within 24 hours.
The legal deadline for filing a dog bite claim in Utah is four years from the bite date. This means if you wait too long, you lose your right to seek money for your injuries.
Fast action helps both your health and legal rights. Waiting makes it harder to gather evidence and find witnesses. Your medical records will also be clearer if you seek care right after the attack.
If a dog has bitten you:
Move away from the animal
Identify the dog's owner if possible
Get their contact details
Ask about the dog's vaccination history
Find out if the owner has homeowner's or renter's insurance. These policies often cover dog bite claims.
We can guide you through these first steps. Our lawyer knows what information will help you later claim your dog bite, and we can intervene quickly to ensure nothing important is missed.
Even small dog bites need medical attention immediately. Dogs' mouths harbor bacteria that may lead to infections, and what looks minor can become a serious injury if left untreated.
Common injuries include:
Puncture wounds
Tears in the skin
Crushing injuries
Broken bones
Your medical records will be key proof in your case. They link your injuries directly to the attack. Make sure to follow all your doctor's advice and keep your appointments.
Take photos of your injuries right after the bite and during healing. Try to get pictures of the dog and where the attack happened, even if it occurred at the dog owner's property or near your front door.
If anyone saw the attack, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witness statements support your version of events, especially if the owner denies responsibility.
Keep a daily journal about your pain levels and how the injuries affect your daily life. At Reshlaw, we can help organize all this evidence to build a strong case.
In Utah, incidents of dog bites need to be reported to multiple authorities. This creates official records of what happened and supports your claim.
The reporting requirements include contacting animal control and sometimes the police for serious attacks. You should also tell your health insurance company about the incident.
We can walk you through each step. Our team knows exactly who needs to be notified and what information they need from you.
Local animal control tracks dangerous dogs, enforces leash laws, and can check animals for rabies. They also handle lost pet reports and may direct some animals to an animal shelter.
To find your local animal control in Utah, call your city offices. When you report the bite to animal services, describe the dog, where the attack happened, and your injuries.
The report they create becomes valuable evidence. It establishes an official record and may show if the dog has hurt others before.
Police reports matter for severe attacks. If you've sustained severe injuries, contact the police immediately. Police dog bites (when K-9 units are involved) follow different rules, but a law enforcement officer can help with any dog attack case.
To file a report, call the non-emergency police line unless it's an emergency. Give all the details about what happened, including any unprovoked behavior by the dog.
We can help you talk with the police and make sure your report contains all the key facts. Having a lawyer from our practice areas of personal injury can make dealing with officials much easier.
As a dog bite victim in Utah, you have specific legal rights. The law allows you to seek payment for all your losses, from medical bills to time missed at work.
The majority of claims begin with filing an insurance claim under the dog owner's policy. If that doesn't work, you can file a lawsuit. There are exceptions to owner liability, such as if you were trespassing or provoking the animal.
We stand ready to protect your rights. Our legal team is skilled in handling insurance companies that attempt to downplay your pain and suffering.
Dog bite victims can seek payment for:
Medical costs
Lost wages
Physical pain
Emotional distress
The extent of your injury influences the compensation for your dog bite case and how long it takes you to recover. The owner's homeowner's insurance covers most bites.
We have helped many Utah victims receive fair compensation. Our team knows how to calculate the true cost of your injuries.
A dog's history matters. If it has been bitten before, it shows that the owner knew about the risk, which can lead to higher compensation. You can check with local animal control for the dog's record. The rules for animal bites from other pets, such as cats, are similar, though dog cases are more common.
We can thoroughly investigate the dog's history. Utah's strict liability laws hold the owner responsible even for first-time incidents.
At Reshlaw Accident & Injury, we specialize in helping injured dog bite victims. Our team has the experience to handle these cases with skill and care. We treat each case with personal attention. From your first call, we treat you like family. We handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
In Utah, the location usually doesn't matter. Dog owners are responsible whether the bite happens on public or private property, with few exceptions.
Most claims are settled within 3-6 months, but complex cases may take longer. We work to resolve your case quickly while fighting for what you deserve.
Yes. Utah follows "comparative negligence" rules. You can still recover damages even if you are partly responsible, though your compensation may be reduced.
If the owner lacks insurance, we can explore other options, including filing a lawsuit directly against them. Call us to discuss your situation.
Don't face a dog attack alone. Call Reshlaw Accident & Injury today for a free case review. Time limits apply, so reach out soon. Our caring team is ready to help you heal and move forward.
