The CDC estimates that 4.7 million dog bites occur each year. Of these bites, 800,000 of them require medical treatment, and half of these victims are children. Victims of dog attacks rarely expect to be injured by a dog, especially one they consider to be friendly. Sadly, kids and adults can be emotionally and physically scarred for years.

Dog bite injuries happen fast, and they can be severe. The sudden shock and the fear experienced by the victim are emotionally jarring, to say the least. The pain and healing from a serious dog bite injury can take months or longer.

The decision to seek compensation may not always be easy, but we will walk with you through every step. The dog bite attorneys in Richfield at 1Law can represent you and help you to recover the maximum compensation for your pain so that you can get on with healing.

What Are Dog Bite Cases Worth in Utah?

Dog bite claims in Utah vary. The average dog bite claim is anywhere from $45,000 - $50,000. A lower end dog bite case can result in a $10,000 recovery. Higher-end cases with extremely severe injuries and special circumstances have recovered half a million dollars or more.

As with any legal case, the specific details of your situation will have a direct bearing on the award or settlement amount. A dog bite attorney in Richfield can evaluate your case to determine the value of your claim. Some of the factors that will be considered in determining the worth of a dog attack claim include:

• Medical expenses (treatment for injuries and long-term therapy if required)
• Scars (the size, location, and nature of scarring)
• The number of times you were bitten
• The size or breed of the dog
• Lost wages due to injuries
• Emotional trauma (counseling and treatment)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Whether or not deformities of the face or loss of limbs are involved
• The length of time of the attack
• The age of the victim
• Punitive damages (in certain cases, especially if the owner directed the dog to attack or wasn’t concerned with diverting it)

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Dog Bite Claim?

Depending on the extent of the injuries it can be resolved in as little as a month or two. If the injuries were of a particularly serious nature and treatment is somewhat lengthy, your claim may take much longer.

Typical dog bite cases settle out of court, but if a legal suit is filed, it will take longer. Even if the suit is filed, it is still possible for a case to settle before the trial phase. In any situation, a lawyer with experience in dog bite claims will resolve your claim in the most efficient manner while working to optimize your compensation amount.

Can I File a Claim for a Minor Dog Bite Injury?

Even if you sustained only minor scratches, you can still file a claim to recover from a dog bite injury. A minimum amount of damages is not established in dog bite cases. It’s important to reach out to an attorney to learn more about dog bite claims and your legal options.

Speaking with a Richfield dog bite lawyer can help you to ensure that you don’t find yourself with future medical issues that must be paid out of your pocket.

Do I Have a Case If the Dog Has Only Bitten Once?

There doesn’t need to be a history or pattern of biting established to sue for a dog bite. The injuries you sustained came from a dog bite, and that is all that you need to prove. Some states still have a “one bite” rule, which basically allows the dog one free bite before you are held liable. However, Utah is not a “One Bite State.”

Even though Utah has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, it doesn’t mean your case will always be a slam dunk. In order to ensure that all your current and future medical expenses are considered in your case, consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.

Is a Dog Required to Be Put Down After Biting Someone in Utah?

Utah state law doesn’t dictate any specific circumstances requiring dogs to be forcibly removed from the owner and put down. Some city ordinances have regulations that state a dog must be put down after three biting instances, but it varies depending on the city or town.

Owners should consider putting down especially vicious dogs that are uncontrollable. But in general, there should be mercy and careful thought before taking a dog to be put down. It’s important to report dog bites to the local authorities and to keep your own dog from wandering into another person’s property.

If you experience a dog bite emergency, be certain to seek medical attention and call a Richfield dog bite attorney who can advise you about the laws in the jurisdiction of your case.

Can I Be Held Liable for Causing a Dog to Bite Me?

Liability can be shared in a dog bite case. If someone can prove that you provoked the dog, Utah state law says you can share the blame. Liability is assigned by percentages in such a case. In a state that honors "modified" comparative negligence, that means that your compensation amount can be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault.

For instance, if you are awarded $10,000, but you are considered 20% at fault, your award is reduced to $8,000. If it is decided that you are 51% or more at fault, you receive no compensation.

Contact Us Today for a Dog Bite Case Evaluation at No Cost

When you or your child have been hurt in a dog bite attack, a personal injury lawyer is your best option for recovering compensation. It may seem tempting to take a settlement check from the owner’s insurance company, but you will give up your rights to future damages if further complications arise.

The Richfield dog bite attorneys at 1Law can help you to maximize the recovery of damages following a dog attack. We understand the debilitating nature of dog bites and remain committed to protecting the rights of injury victims in Utah. Contact us today for a free consultation.