Available 24/7Idaho Dog Bite Lawyer
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 dog bite lawyers at Sargent Law fight for the rights of adult and child victims of animal attacks. Find out what we can do to help you by contacting our team at 844-SARGENT or by filling out our online contact form. We are here to explain your rights and legal options. We make filing a claim easier so you can focus on recovering.
Why Victims of Dog Bites in Idaho Deserve Compensation
As Idaho personal injury 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 treatment, 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 laws that govern liability in dog bite cases. Under Idaho’s “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 “which shall bite 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 person who was bitten was trespassing or provoking the dog. Even if the strict liability statute does not apply in a particular case, 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.
Damages 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 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 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.
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Schedule NowWhy Choose Sargent Law for Your Dog Bite Claim in Idaho
Since we were founded in 2011, the Sargent Law Firm 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 experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, handling all the complexities so 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.
The Deadline to File a Dog Bite 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 being “injured by the negligent or wrongful act or neglect of another” 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Failing to gather evidence: Collect and preserve all evidence related to the dog bite incident, including photographs of the injuries, witness statements, and any information about the dog’s owner and vaccination history.
- Posting on social media: Refrain from posting details about the incident or your injuries on social media, as these posts could be used against you by the insurance company or opposing party.
- Underestimating your damages: Dog bite injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. Don’t underestimate the potential value of your claim.
- 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.
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 NowGet 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, our dedicated team of dog bite lawyers in 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 justice and compensation 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 at 844-SARGENT or by filling out our online contact form.
