If you were hurt by someone else’s dog, you may have a case against the dog’s owner. A Pocatello dog bite attorney from our legal team can help you develop a claim and fight for the money you need to cover your medical care, lost wages, and lasting scars.
Our Pocatello personal injury lawyers from Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers have helped clients win more than $40 million in settlements, judgments, and verdicts. We will evaluate your options and explain how we can help during a free consultation with our team. Contact us today.
Our Attorneys Pursue Damages for Pocatello Dog Bite Victims
Dog bites can vary widely in severity. Bites that break the skin require careful cleaning to prevent infection, while more serious bite wounds could require emergency medical care and hospitalization. Dog attacks can cause:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Lacerations and torn skin
- Infections, which could be deadly
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Facial scarring
- Amputation, especially in children
- Tendon or muscle damage
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD and fear of dogs
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowThese wounds lead to medical bills, lost wages, significant pain, and other damages. Our lawyers will gather evidence to prove your expenses and losses and seek money from the dog’s owner to cover them. Your economic and non-economic losses could include:
- Past and future medical care costs
- Lost income while recovering
- Diminished earning capacity for long-term disabilities
- Property damage, such as broken glasses or a lost smartphone
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns
- Scarring or disfigurement
Unfortunately, some dog bite victims pass away from their injuries. If this happened to your loved one, our team can work with your family to build a case based on their wrongful death.
Our Attorneys Are Dedicated to Helping Injured People Recover
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we are your local injury law firm. As you can see from our case results, we have helped our clients recover millions based on their injuries. We know that our work makes a difference for victims, so we fight for the best possible outcome in every case.
When you trust us with your Pocatello dog bite case, Attorney Ryan Sargent and our entire staff will help you get the highest level of medical care, provide your personalized legal representation, and fight for the best financial recovery possible. And we have over 400 5-star reviews from previous clients to attest to our commitment.
Additionally, we will manage your personal injury claim without charging any upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay for our services when we secure a payout for you.
Proving the Dog’s Owner Is Liable for Your Injuries
Under Idaho Statutes § 25-2810, a dog’s owner can be held strictly liable for the dog’s actions. Strict liability means the owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog, especially if it has previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior, even if the owner was not being careless at the time. This legal principle is sometimes referred to as a “one bite rule,” since the dog essentially gets one bite free before their owner is liable.
To win this type of case, our attorneys need to prove:
- The dog has a history of biting or aggression
- The owner knew about the dog’s history
- The victim was lawfully on the property where the bite occurred
- The victim did not provoke the dog
Alternatively, the victim can hold the owner accountable if the owner acted negligently and allowed a bite to occur, often by violating local leash laws.
If we pursue a case based on negligence or premises liability laws, we will need to have strong evidence to show that the owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the bite or control the dog. These cases usually depend on being able to show the dog was not adequately restrained, leashed, contained, or supervised.
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Schedule NowOur Pocatello Team Will Build a Compelling Dog Bite Injury Case
Each case requires a unique approach and strategy, which our team members will develop as we work on your case. When we take on your case, you can expect us to do the following:
- Investigate the incident and gather evidence
- Document your injuries and damages
- Interview witnesses
- Research the dog’s prior behavior and speak with those who know the dog
- Investigate whether the owner acted negligently
- Determine liability if the handler was not the dog’s owner
- Secure expert opinions if necessary
- Present a strong demand for compensation to the insurance company
- Negotiate with the liable party’s insurance companies
- File a lawsuit, if necessary
- Prepare the case for court if a fair settlement is not possible
Most cases do settle in negotiations. If we need to file a lawsuit based on your Pocatello dog bite injuries, we generally have two years to do so under Idaho Statutes § 5-219. Getting started as soon as possible after your injuries occur gives us the best opportunity to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Discuss Your Dog Bite Case With Our Team Serving Pocatello, ID
Our team from Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers will provide a free consultation for dog bite victims in Pocatello. We can evaluate your legal rights and discuss your next steps based on our conversation about your injuries.
Call us today to get started.
Pocatello Dog Bite FAQs
How long will it take to settle my dog bite claim?
It can vary, but typically, it could take months to a year. It depends greatly on the severity of your injuries and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate.
Is it worth suing for a dog bite?
Whether you will need to sue depends on the details of your injury and the circumstances. Our lawyer will provide advice and guidance based on the facts of your case.
What’s the average payout for a dog bite?
There’s no way to determine an average payout since each case is unique. Our attorney will document your damages and seek fair compensation for you.