Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyer

Lafayette Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bites can leave both physical and emotional scars. These injuries are real, and so are the rights of the victim. In Lafayette, the law doesn’t let negligence slide. A Lafayette dog bite lawyer can help hold people accountable.

A Firm That Listens

Our clients often say they felt heard during one of the hardest times of their lives. That’s not an accident. At the office of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, each case is personal. Every case gets the same level of pressure, regardless of whether it’s against a local owner or a national insurance company.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability in a dog bite case often falls on the dog’s owner. That includes people who live with or care for the animal. Failing to keep the dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard counts. If someone gets hurt, they can still be held responsible.

Sometimes, a landlord or property manager may also be responsible. They could share liability if they knew the dog was aggressive, but still allowed it on the property. In such cases, liability insurance coverage may come into play, depending on the policy and how much control the person had over the animal’s behavior at the time of the bite.

Louisiana dog bite law does not require the dog to have a history of attacks. If someone fails to attempt to prevent harm and the dog causes injury, that can be enough.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Almost 20% of dog bites become infected. This means that medical care should come first. A small puncture can still lead to infection or nerve damage. Even minor bites need treatment. A doctor’s visit creates a record. This helps build a claim.

Next, try to take photos. Document the wound or the place where it happened. If anyone saw the bite, write their name down. Their statements may help later.

It also helps to report the bite to animal control. They might be able to check the dog’s history and vaccination status. This report becomes part of the record and may support the claim. Talking with an attorney early can help protect the timeline and make sure key proof isn’t lost.

What Compensation May Cover

A successful dog bite claim may result in financial recovery. The value depends on what the victim lost, including:

• Medical treatment: This includes emergency room visits and follow-ups. Dog bites often need stitches or antibiotics to completely heal. The process can take several weeks or even months.
• Lost income: Many victims can’t return to work right away. Some of my days. Others miss longer stretches. A claim may seek pay for missed time and lost earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: A dog bite can hurt more than just the body. Victims may feel stressed for months after the accident. This kind of damage can be part of the claim.
• Scarring or disfigurement: Bites on the face, arms, or legs can leave permanent marks. These injuries may change how a person looks or functions. Future treatment costs may also be included.
• Mental trauma: Some victims develop a fear of dogs. They might avoid public spaces to avoid interacting with them. Kids, especially, may carry emotional effects long after healing. These may be part of the recovery as well.

Every case is different and can ask for different amounts of damages. An attorney can help calculate what to ask for and develop an argument to support it.

Legal Deadlines in Louisiana

In Louisiana, most dog bite claims must be filed within two years. This deadline is strict. If the case isn’t filed on time, it can be dismissed, no matter how strong it is. That window usually starts on the day of the bite. Some exceptions exist, but they’re rare. Waiting too long can mean lost proof and a weaker case.

An attorney can help track deadlines and move the case forward before time runs out. Starting early gives more time to gather evidence. A strong case starts with solid records. Medical treatment, photos, and witness names all help prove what happened. These details show the harm caused by the bite.

FAQs

Q: Is It Worth Filing a Claim for a Dog Bite?

A: It can be worth filing a claim for a dog bite. This is especially true if there was missed work or medical bills involved. Many people think a bite is simply an accident and try to move on. However, dog bites can cause infections that take time and money to treat. A claim can help hold the right person responsible.

Q: What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite?

A: The proof needed for a dog bite starts with medical records. A doctor’s report confirms the injury and can show how serious it is. Photos help, too, if they’re taken right after the bite. They show what happened in a way words can’t. Witness statements can support the story. So, a report can be made to local animal control.

Q: Who Is Legally Responsible for a Dog Bite in Lafayette, Louisiana?

A: The person who is legally responsible for a dog bite in Lafayette, Louisiana, can be the person who owns or controls the dog. This includes people who let a dog run loose or fail to keep a dangerous dog contained. In some cases, a property owner may also be liable if they know the dog was dangerous but allowed it to stay on the property.

Q: Can a Dog Owner Still Be Liable Even If the Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?

A: A dog owner can still be liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Louisiana follows a standard that does not require a prior bite. What matters is whether the owner could have prevented the attack. If a dog is aggressive and the owner ignores it, that can be enough. Almost 1,000 people per day are hospitalized due to a dog bite in the US.

Hold the Right Person Responsible

About 4.5 million dog bites happen annually in the US. Not all of them become infected, but the aftermath can still be painful. There’s no excuse for ignoring the damage a dog can cause. Schedule a consultation with Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, today to start building your case.