Utah Dog Bite Law
Labeled as "mans best friend," dogs in the United States today are viewed as loving and social companions. Aside from offering protection for owners and their homes across the country, it is not unusual to encounter canine companions in social settings and public areas where tolerance for their presence is at an all time high. The popularity of "toy dogs," which are smaller breeds that can easily be secured in carriers, has also resulted in the adjustment of the policies regarding dogs in many public places that were formally "canine unfriendly."
The number of dogs in the United States is at an all time high of 60 million. With so many dogs and humans thrown together in so many situations, it is no wonder that attacks are a common occurrence. As many as 5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs and almost 20% of animal bites require medical attention. Children are especially prone to suffering from dog and animal bites. More then 50% of those that suffer dog attacks are children and one out of ten injured is a sleeping baby. The American Humane Association (AHA) reports that dog bites are the leading health threat for children, with more dog bites reported than cases of whooping cough, mumps, and measles combined.
In most instances, the owner of a dog is responsible for the injuries caused by their dog, regardless of any actual negligence. Your ability to recover from dog bite damages depends upon your injuries and any medical care you have received or may receive as a result of them. Due to statutes of limitations, the time to bring a dog mauling injury claim is limited, which makes it imperative that you contact one of Christensen Law Firms experienced Salt Lake City Dog Bite Attorneys as soon as possible.
What you do immediately following a Utah dog bite incident can strongly affect your ability to recover monies from those responsible at a later date. After you have made sure the dog bite victim is safe or at least receiving proper medical attention, it is important to do the following:
- Determine the name and address of the dogs owner.
- Determine the name and breed of the dog.
- Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses to the incident.
- Take photographs of the wound.
- Take photographs of the incident location.
- Have the doctor who treats you perform an in-depth evaluation of the wound.
- Do not permit the dog to be destroyed until you have consulted with an attorney. There is evidence that can be gathered from the dog while it is alive that will help with your dog bite lawsuit.
At The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, our Utah dog bite injury lawyers have extensive experience in representing victims of dog and animal attacks. Being bitten by a dog is a serious medical and psychological issue. We work closely with plastic surgeons and other medical providers to insure your damages are fully documented. Our attorneys can help you in negotiations with insurance companies concerning compensation for present and future medical costs. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury, you may contact us online or call us at 801-506-0800 (Main number), 801-224-2999 (Utah County) or 801-294-9500 (Davis County) to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights.