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Dog bites can cause severe injuries requiring costly treatment, ongoing care, and missed time from work. Without pursuing a claim, victims may be burdened with overwhelming expenses through no fault of their own. In Idaho, owners are responsible for their dogs’ actions, and in most cases, they are responsible for paying compensation when their dogs cause injuries.
If you were the victim of a dog bite, you have rights under the law. The compassionate Boise dog bite attorneys at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers will protect your rights while providing you with the personalized attention you deserve as you struggle to recover from this traumatic incident.
Call us to learn more about your right to compensation. We have secured over $40 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Find out what our Boise personal injury lawyers can do for you.
A Team That Fights for Dog Bite Victims in Boise
Choosing the right attorney after a dog attack can affect how confident you feel about your case. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we treat every client like family, not a file number. Our attorneys work together as a team, combining resources and experience to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Getting started with us is simple. Once you sign up, we notify the insurance company right away, so you can focus on healing while we handle the pressure.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Personalized attention to your unique injuries and circumstances
- Bilingual services for Spanish-speaking clients
- A collaborative legal team, not a single overworked attorney
- Deep community ties
We know a dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. That’s why we work relentlessly to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Holding negligent dog owners accountable through the legal system with the help of a lawyer does more than secure compensation for victims. It sends a clear message that irresponsible ownership carries consequences, encouraging owners to take precautions like securing their dogs, following leash laws, and providing proper training.
Without accountability, owners have little incentive to act carefully, leaving others at risk of future attacks. Taking legal action helps victims pursue justice while making communities safer for everyone.
Is Idaho a Strict Liability State for Dog Bite Claims?
Under Idaho’s dog bite statute (Idaho Code § 25-2810), a dog owner is liable for dog bite injuries, regardless of whether the dog had previously bitten someone or shown any vicious tendencies. This is known as a strict liability law.
There are a few exceptions where strict liability may not apply, such as if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the bite.
What Damages Can Victims Claim in a Lawsuit?
Dog bite victims can claim various types of damages in a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. Here are some of the common damages that you may recover:
- Past and future medical bills for treatment of the dog bite injuries, including costs of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and physical therapy
- Income lost due to missing work for treatment and recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity if injuries cause permanent disabilities
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack
- The effect of trauma, anxiety, and PTSD
- The effect of permanent scarring, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function
- Repair or replacement costs for any property damaged during the attack
The damages and amounts awarded will depend on the severity of injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and other factors specific to the case. An Idaho dog bite attorney from our firm can properly evaluate and pursue full and fair compensation for all damages.
You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File a Lawsuit
According to Idaho Code § 5-219, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years.
The clock starts ticking on the date the dog bite occurred. It’s crucial to file your lawsuit against the dog’s owner within this two-year window. If you miss this deadline, you could be permanently barred from having your case heard in court or receiving compensation for your injuries and damages.
To ensure your rights are protected after an animal attack, call us for a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationFiling a Dog Bite Claim for a Child
The impact of a dog bite can be even more devastating for a child. Traumatic events can shape a child’s development and leave lasting psychological effects, such as a fear of animals, persistent nightmares, and difficulty trusting others. The physical scars may also lead to bullying and self-esteem issues as the child grows older.
If your child was bitten by a dog, it’s crucial to take legal action to protect their rights. Dog bite cases involving minors can be complex, with additional considerations for future medical expenses, emotional trauma, and the long-term impact on the child’s life. Claims involving minors can also have different timelines.
Our lawyers can navigate these complexities, gather evidence, and fight for the total compensation your child deserves. Don’t let your child’s incident go unaddressed; let us help safeguard your child’s future well-being.
Why You Should Not Accept a Settlement Before Running It By Us
Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers in dog bite claims, hoping you’ll accept without consulting a lawyer. Accepting a quick settlement offer from an insurance company can be tempting, especially if you’re facing mounting medical bills and lost wages. However, it’s crucial to understand that these initial offers rarely account for the full extent of your damages and future needs.
Your attorney will consider all the current and future expenses related to your injuries, including ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost earning potential, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. With a clear understanding of the financial impact, your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
You Pay Us Nothing to Get Started
Treating the injuries from a dog attack can cost thousands. Our team doesn’t want to add to your financial strain. To prevent this, we take cases on a contingency basis. This means you owe us nothing unless and until we recover compensation for you.
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowSee How Our Lawyers Can Help You for Free
Have you or a loved one suffered a dog bite? Don’t try to navigate the complex legal process alone. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team of Boise dog bite lawyers understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take.
Our attorneys will provide compassionate guidance every step of the way, from investigating the attack and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and taking your case to court if necessary. We’ll work tirelessly to seek maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Don’t let the negligent dog owner off the hook; contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Experience the personalized attention and tenacious advocacy that sets us apart. Call our team today to learn more about your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Landlord Be Held Liable for a Tenant’s Dog Bite in Boise?
Possibly. If a landlord knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies and failed to act, or if they maintained control over the property and failed to enforce pet restrictions, they may share liability. A Boise dog bite attorney can investigate property records and lease agreements to determine if the landlord has legal responsibility.
What Happens If the Dog Owner Claims I Provoked the Dog?
Provocation is a potential defense under Idaho law. However, it must be proven. Our team will investigate the attack, gather witness statements, and review any video or photographic evidence to refute claims of provocation.
Even if it was determined that your actions contributed to the attack, you may still be able to recover compensation so long as you are less than 50 percent at fault.
Are Mail Carriers and Delivery Drivers Covered Under Boise Dog Bite Laws?
Yes. Postal workers, delivery drivers, and service providers lawfully entering property are protected under Idaho’s strict liability statute. Our team frequently represents injured workers whose jobs require them to approach private property and face dangerous dogs.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Case in Boise?
Most dog bite cases resolve in a few months or a year depending on injury severity, insurance cooperation, and whether litigation is necessary. We will guide your case through negotiation or trial while ensuring no damages are overlooked.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim When a Dog Attack Is Fatal?
When a dog attack results in a fatality, certain individuals are legally permitted to file a wrongful death claim. According to Idaho’s wrongful death statute (Idaho Code § 5-311), the following parties can bring a wrongful death action:
- The decedent’s spouse
- The decedent’s children and stepchildren
- The decedent’s parents
- Any blood relatives, including adoptive brothers and sisters, who were partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services
Other parties may be able to file a lawsuit. We can help you determine whether you qualify.
In Idaho, only one wrongful death claim can be brought on behalf of the deceased person. If there are multiple eligible parties, such as children from different relationships, they must collectively file a single claim. You or a family member has two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Idaho.
