An estimated 4.5 million dog bites happen in the United States yearly. Many of those situations require immediate medical attention. Dog attacks can be devastating and even fatal, especially in young children, who account for nearly 70% of all bite-related fatalities.
A dog may attack for no apparent reason, or it may do so if it feels provoked. Such an incident can be costly for the victim, who may accrue medical bills from visits to healthcare providers and the emergency room. Dog bite cases can also cause victims to suffer temporary or lasting pain and suffering, including disfigurement, fear and anxiety, lost wages, and infections.
Most dog attacks occur in the home or neighborhood, and the animal is usually owned by someone you know. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, you may be eligible to take legal action to recover damages from the animal’s owner. But you’ll need an experienced Utah dog bite attorney by your side.
As a trusted dog bite attorney in Utah, Michael Ipson and the Ipson Law Firm know that you never wanted this attack to happen, and you likely did nothing to provoke the attack. Dog owners are responsible for keeping their dogs on leashes and preventing them from causing harm to others. If they fail in that duty and the dog hurts someone, they can be held liable, and Ipson Law can help you recover compensation for medical bills and other costs associated with the attack.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You
If you are bitten by a dog, seek medical attention right away. Dog bites can result in serious personal injury and complications, including life-threatening infections. Depending on the severity of the injury, you should visit the emergency room or an urgent care facility immediately.
In addition to seeing medical attention, it’s important to take the following steps after a dog attack:
- Obtain the dog owner’s details, including name, address, and contact information. Also, note the dog’s breed and color, and ask for vaccination records.
- Report the dog bite to local authorities.
- Take pictures of your injuries after the bite and throughout your recovery.
- Keep a medical record of any medical visits and treatment, including emergency room or urgent care records, along with details about missed work and other relevant information.
- Contact the Ipson Law Firm for a free consultation to explore your legal options for compensation.
Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Salt Lake City?
At Ipson Law, we understand the severity of a dog bite claim and the vital importance of securing compensation for the mounting medical bills and other related expenses. We are always ready to stand beside our clients in their time of need, and that’s what we’ve built our reputation on here in Salt Lake City. Our dog bite attorneys in SLC care about our clients and deliver their desired results.
When working on a dog bite case, we can take the following steps:
- Look Into the Incident and Gather Evidence: We’ll help gather evidence on your behalf before filing a claim, including obtaining a copy of the accident’s police report, reviewing any photos taken, acquiring medical records, and contacting relevant witnesses.
- File Your Claim: Our legal team will prepare and file your claim with the involved insurance agency.
- Negotiate Compensation: We will fight for the compensation you deserve. After submitting a demand letter to the dog owner’s insurance company, we’ll negotiate with the insurer for fair compensation.
- Represent You in Court: If the involved parties can’t reach a fair settlement outside of court, we’ll file a lawsuit and represent you.
If you have been bitten by a dog or another pet in Salt Lake City or the surrounding area, there is one firm with the community’s trust: Ipson Law.
Dog Bite Cases We Handle
We know that taking legal action is often the last thing on your mind regarding an animal attack. You may be concerned with your recovery and medical expenses and need clarification over what action you should take, especially if a family member or friend owns the dog. Fortunately, insurance is often called in to pay for the medical bills and other expenses associated with animal attacks, so the owner may have to pay very little out of pocket to cover your costs.
We can help you with claims involving:
- Property Owners – If the owner of a property has a dangerous animal on the premises, they may be held liable for injuries that the animal causes
- Landlords – If a landlord is aware that a tenant owns a dangerous animal and the animal attacks someone, the injured party may be able to hold the landlord responsible
- Parents of Minors – If a dog owned by someone under the age of 18 attacks someone, the minor’s parents may be held accountable for the attack
- Guardians or Keepers – Anyone responsible for the care of an animal may be held liable if the animal attacks someone. This category includes animal sitters, shelter owners, and the pound
While you may be unsure of your rights following an animal attack, rest assured that the team at Ipson Law has the experience you need on your side to get you the financial payment you need to pay your bills and recover from the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one expects to be bitten by a dog when visiting friends, family, or neighbors, but it can happen. You may not know where to turn for help when a bite occurs. We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about dog bite claims to help you get answers.
Ipson Law is here to help you understand your legal options and will be there for you every step of the way. Contact us at 801-332-9655 to discuss the specifics of your case.
A dog bit me. Who is responsible for my injuries?
Typically, the owner of the animal is responsible for any injuries that the dog causes to others. If a child owns the animal under the age of 18, the parents of the child may be held responsible for your injuries if the child allowed the dog to bite you. An experienced Utah dog bite attorney will investigate the facts of the case and will help you determine who ultimately is responsible for the attack that should never have occurred in the first place.
What types of compensation am I owed?
The amount of compensation you are owed will vary depending on the seriousness of your injuries, but the types of compensation that may be due include:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Pain, suffering, and Mental Anguish
We will work hard to help you recover the maximum amount for your injuries to make sure that you can fully rest, recover, and return to normal life as soon as possible.
What is the first thing I should do if I’ve been bitten?
The first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Do not wait to consult a doctor, especially if the wounds are severe.
Many people are embarrassed following an animal attack, and others may be worried about the impact it will have on the animal’s owner, especially if the owner is a family member or friend. By seeking treatment immediately, you can ensure that you get the care you need, and the injuries are properly documented if you need to file an injury claim.
What is the statute of limitations on a dog bite in Utah?
In Utah, you have up to four years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite claim. After these four years, you will generally be beyond Utah’s statute of limitation and may be unable to pursue compensation. Therefore, we recommend you contact Ipson Law immediately to discuss your case.
Is it required in Salt Lake City to report a dog bite?
Yes. Many cities in Utah, including Salt Lake City, have specific laws on dog bite reporting requirements. In SLC, all the following persons are required to report a dog bite:
- The owner of the dog that has bitten someone
- The victim of the dog bite
- Any person who knows about a dog bite incident
- Any medical professional who treats a person for a dog bite
Failing to report a dog bite in Salt Lake City can result in citations and fines.
Are there criminal charges against the dog owner?
Yes, victims can bring criminal charges against the owner of a dog that bites someone. In Salt Lake City, a dog owner can face up to a class B misdemeanor. Some exceptions do apply in dog bite cases.
Is the dog put down after a dog bite?
Whether a dog is put down following a bite depends on the city where the incident occurred and other factors. Some cities require dogs to be put down after a certain number of bites. For example, the municipal code in South Salt Lake requires an owner to relinquish ownership of a dog if any of the following applies:
- It has bitten someone more than once within 12 months
- The dog inflicted severe injuries in the attack
- The dog bit multiple people in a single attack
- A qualified veterinarian determines that the animal is likely to attack again
However, the code in that city dictates that the dog may either be put down or relinquished to another owner or agency, depending on the circumstances.
Can I recover damages for a minor dog bite injury?
Yes, you may still be entitled to compensation, even for a minor dog bite injury. You can learn more about the damages you may be awarded by contacting Ipson Law for a free consultation.
Will my insurance cover a dog bite injury?
Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies sometimes include dog bite liability coverage. Coverage depends on the individual policy and provider.
How much is my dog bite injury case worth?
Since every situation has its own circumstances, there is no set compensation for dog bite cases. Compensation amounts depend on many factors, such as the severity of the attack and injuries, long-term impacts, and financial losses suffered because of the bite.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Salt Lake City
If you’re looking for a dog bite lawyer in Salt Lake City, Ipson Law has the needed experience and resources. We will not rest until you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us at 801-332-9655 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.
