Available 24/7
Living in the aftermath of a dog attack can be an incredibly traumatic and life-altering experience, both physically and emotionally. Victims of dog attacks can work toward healing and regaining a sense of normalcy in their lives. However, you can only do so if you have the necessary resources and support to move forward.
When someone is attacked by a dog in Idaho, in most cases, the owners are legally responsible. Victims of dog attacks have the right to seek compensation for their bite-related costs through a civil claim.
The Idaho personal injury lawyers at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers fight for the rights of adult and child victims of animal attacks. Find out what we can do to help you by contacting our legal team. We are here to explain your rights and legal options during a free case consultation. We make filing a claim easier so you can focus on recovering.
Why Choose Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Claim in Idaho
Since we were founded in 2011, Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers has represented thousands of clients and secured over $40 million in settlements and awards. Our many awards, accolades, and 400+ five-star reviews are a testament to our dedication to our clients. If you are seeking personalized representation, you will appreciate our compassionate approach.
Our dog bite attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, handling all the complexities so that you can focus on healing. 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 protect your interests.
Read our client testimonials to learn more about what you can expect when you choose our Idaho dog bite lawyers.
Why You Deserve Compensation for a Dog Bite in Idaho
As Idaho dog bite lawyers, we understand that the victims of dog bites face a long and arduous recovery process. You may be dealing with severe injuries, disfiguring scars, and the haunting memories of the vicious attack. Even seemingly minor bites can leave significant emotional scars, causing anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Victims of dog attacks also often require extensive medical care, reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, and counseling. The financial burden of these medical expenses can be overwhelming, especially when they are compounded by the potential loss of income due to missed work or inability to return to the same career.
The owners of dogs are legally responsible for their animals’ actions. If a dog is known to be dangerous or aggressive, if the owner didn’t provide adequate fencing, and in many other situations, the owner could have taken steps to prevent a tragedy. If they didn’t and someone was hurt or killed, the dog’s owners need to be held accountable.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Idaho?
Idaho has specific dig bite laws that govern liability in these cases. Under Idaho’s main dog bite statute (Idaho Code § 25-2810), the owner of a dog is liable for damages caused by the dog biting someone, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown vicious tendencies or if the owner knew the dog could be dangerous. This is known as “strict liability.”
You can sue for a dog bite in Idaho because this statute states that the owner of a dog that bites a person while in a public place or lawfully in a private place shall be liable for such injury or death. This applies to injury to a person and injury to that person’s domestic animals.
There are a few exceptions where the owner may not be held strictly liable, such as if the bite victim was bitten while trespassing or provoking the dog. Even if the strict liability statute does not apply in a particular bite attack, you may still be able to sue the dog owner for negligence if the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining the dog.
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowDamages Your Idaho Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Recover in a Claim
In Idaho, if you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, you may be able to claim various types of damages. Here are some of the damages that you may be able to claim in a dog bite case:
- Medical expenses: You can claim compensation for all medical costs related to the dog bite injury, including hospital bills, ambulance fees, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical costs associated with the injury.
- Lost wages: If the dog bite injury caused you to miss work or rendered you unable to work for a period, you can claim damages for lost wages, both past and future.
- Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the dog bite injury. This damage can include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological effects.
- Disfigurement or scarring: If the dog bite resulted in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or other long-term physical effects, you can claim damages for the impact on your appearance and self-esteem.
- Disability or loss of earning capacity: In cases where the dog bite injury causes permanent disability or impairs your ability to work and earn income, you may be able to claim damages for the loss of future earning capacity.
- Property damage: If your personal property, such as clothing or other items, was damaged or destroyed during the dog bite incident, you can claim the cost of repair or replacement.
The specific damages you can claim, and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive will depend on the individual circumstances of your case and the applicable laws in Idaho. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your situation, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Deadline to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Idaho
Idaho has a specific deadline or statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim. According to Idaho Statutes § 5-219, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim based on a negligent or wrongful act of another party is two years.
This two-year time limit applies to dog bite claims, which typically fall under Idaho’s personal injury or negligence laws. The clock starts ticking on the date the dog bite occurred. Filing your dog bite claim against the owner within this two-year window is crucial. If you miss this deadline, you could be permanently barred from receiving any compensation through the courts.
A few exceptions could pause or “toll” this statute of limitations, such as if the victim was a minor at the time of the bite or if the dog owner temporarily left the state after the incident. However, these exceptions are quite limited. It’s best to err on the side of caution and get the claims process started well before the two-year mark.
Call Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers today and receive a free case review. Learn more about your legal options of your dog bite claim in Idaho.
Mistakes to Avoid During an Idaho Dog Bite Claim
From the minute a dog bite happens, there are mistakes you can make that will affect the value of your dog bite claim in Idaho. The at-fault party’s insurance company is counting on it. Here is a list of mistakes to avoid during a dog bite claim:
- Failure to seek immediate medical attention: Getting prompt medical treatment for dog bite injuries is crucial, even if they seem minor initially. Proper documentation of the injuries is essential for pursuing a claim because it links your injuries to the accident. Otherwise, the insurance company could deny your personal injury claim, claiming your injuries were pre-existing conditions.
- Providing recorded statements: Avoid giving recorded statements to the dog owner’s insurance company without consulting an attorney. Insurers may use these statements against you to minimize or deny your claim.
- Making assumptions: Be very aware of what you say when you file a police report. Keep to facts as you know them. Don’t make accusations or assumptions about the attack. Stay calm and just report what you know.
- Failing to gather evidence: If your injuries permit, collect and preserve all evidence related to the dog bite incident that you can. This evidence should include photographs of the injuries, witness statements, and any information about the dog’s owner and vaccination history. You should also keep the clothing you were wearing, list any property that was damaged and destroyed, and keep a journal of your recovery.
- Posting on social media: Refrain from posting details about the incident or your injuries on social media. As with any statements you make, these posts could be used against you by the insurance company or opposing party, such as contesting just how hurt you were following the dog bite.
- Underestimating your damages: Dog bite injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. It is very easy for someone to underestimate the potential value of their claim. You may be unaware of all the losses you have incurred and damages you could claim. Your personal injury lawyer can determine the full extent of your damages.
- Ignoring medical advice: Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all recommended follow-up appointments and treatments. Failure to do so may undermine the credibility of your claim. The insurance company could argue that you were not as hurt as you claimed if you missed sessions.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can strengthen your dog bite claim and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowQuestions You May Have About Your Idaho Dog Bite Case
After reading this, you may find you still have additional questions regarding your dog bite claim. Below are some of the more common questions we are asked:
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Take?
Several factors will affect the duration of your dog bite case. These cases can last from a couple of months to a couple of years. Some of the factors that can influence the time it takes to resolve your case include the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- Determining fault and liability
- Whether the insurance company will negotiate
If the case goes to court, this could also extend the resolution of your settlement.
What Happens If the Dog Owner Is a Friend or Neighbor?
This would not be the most comfortable of situations, but seeking compensation to cover your losses is justifiable. In most cases, you are filing a claim with the friend’s or neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance policy.
What If the Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?
Whether the dog has bitten someone before does not matter. If you have suffered injuries because of a dog attack, you have a right to file a personal injury claim with the dog’s owner. As with any claim, you will need to build a case and contest any defenses the dog owner may use.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Bitten by a Stray Dog?
Yes, you can still file a dog bite claim. Your accident attorney will make every effort to identify the owner, but if that fails, who you would file your insurance claim with depends on the circumstances of the attack. You could file a claim with a homeowner’s insurance, your medical insurance, or a municipality.
Get a Free Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Idaho
Has a dog attack left you or a loved one injured and traumatized? Don’t go through this overwhelming ordeal alone. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team of dog bite lawyers serving Idaho understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the fair settlement you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and tenacity. You don’t have to face the aftermath of a dog attack alone—we’re just a phone call away. Contact our team by phone or by filling out our online contact form.
