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While dogs are beloved pets and companions for thousands of people, some have the capacity to cause physical and psychological trauma if they attack a human. Fortunately for people impacted by such aggression, canine owners are typically held strictly liable under state law for the harm their pets cause to other people or animals.
Pursuing restitution for the damages of an animal bite could be challenging without a knowledgeable personal injury attorney’s guidance. A qualified Ponchatoula dog bite lawyer could explain how state statutes govern this type of claim, work to enforce your right to recovery, and ensure you demand compensation for every recoverable loss you have suffered.
To have valid grounds for a civil case based on an attack by any kind of domesticated animal, the injured person must have experienced at least one physical injury that needed treatment by a medical professional. Once that requirement is met, a plaintiff who successfully proves the liability of a canine owner for their injuries may demand restitution for them, including economic and non-economic losses.
A dedicated dog attack lawyer could help a plaintiff recover for:
A well-versed Ponchatoula canine bite attorney could help someone start the filing process promptly in most circumstances, as Louisiana Civil Code § 3492 sets a filing deadline of one year after most injury claims.
In most personal injury claims, the plaintiff’s ability to recover financially for their damages depends on whether they can prove legal negligence by the defendant in their claim. The plaintiff must not only prove that the defendant did something negligent, but also prove that the behavior was the primary cause of the losses for which they are seeking restitution. A skilled dog attack attorney in Ponchatoula could assist someone in proving who was responsible for their losses.
LA Civ. Code § 2321 designates dog owners strictly liable for any physical harm their animal inflicts on someone else. This means that it does not matter whether the owner was reckless since they are responsible for keeping their pet under control. The exception is that pet owners are not legally liable for injuries that someone suffers because they were provoking the canine into attacking them.
LA Civ. Code § 2323 states that plaintiffs found partially liable for causing or worsening their own injuries may have their final award reduced proportionally by their percentage of total fault. For example, if the claimant asks for $100,000 in damages and they are found 20 percent at fault, their compensation would be reduced by 20 percent, leaving them $80,000 left in awards.
Even domesticated pets might act in unfriendly ways if they believe they, or their owner, are in danger. The repercussions of aggressive behavior could last for months or even years after an attack. If you sustained physical injuries because someone else’s pet attacked you, compensation may be crucial to preserve your prospects.
A Ponchatoula dog bite lawyer could answer questions and offer guidance about next best steps during a confidential meeting. Call today to schedule your initial consultation.
Parker Layrisson Law Firm
