Dog Bites

Dog Bite Lawyer in West Jordan, UT

At Nelson Jones, we recognize how tragic and difficult a dog bite is, in both its immediate and lasting impact. That’s why we prioritize care for victims, taking up the legal battle for compensation ourselves while letting them recover as needed.

Our Dog Bite Lawyers in West Jordan, Utah, are skilled in managing dog bite cases, using our extensive legal knowledge to move forward with your case quickly and effectively. We aim to provide compassionate and personalized legal representation, ensuring that your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and you get the justice you deserve. Contact us online today or give us a call at 385-275-6812.

Steps You Should Take After a Dog Bite

Taking the right steps after a dog attack can help ensure your safety and strengthen your claim. Here are the essential actions to take:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Immediately get medical help for any injuries caused by the bite. Get a record of the medical examination to support your claim.
2. Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or the Utah Health Department within 24 hours of the incident and obtain a record of your contact.
3. Gather Contact Information: If possible, get the dog owner’s contact information and any witnesses. Be cautious of any further discussion as what you say could possibly be used against you.
4. Avoid Negotiating Directly: Do not discuss the incident in detail with the owner or their insurance company without legal representation.
5. Consult a Lawyer: Contact a lawyer who can evaluate your dog bite case and guide you through the legal process.

How We Advocate for Dog Bite Victims

The team at Nelson Jones is focussed on making sure the full scale of injuries and setbacks are accounted for and addressed in each dog bite case.

We have the legal expertise to identify all the notable aspects of a dog attack and its repercussions, leveraging this information to secure justice and compensation.

Utah’s Dog Bite Laws That You Should Know

Making your case should be a relatively simple process under Utah’s laws. However, there are legal considerations that can complicate or even prevent you from getting a settlement.

The team at Nelson Jones are professional dog bite lawyers, with the legal expertise to ensure your case goes smoothly as possible and that fair compensation is secured. Here are the most important points we’d like you to know about dog bite cases in Utah:

Right to Defend

First and most importantly, you have the right to defend your life and physical wellbeing in every situation, including in a dog attack. Reasonable self-defense cannot be used against you when making your claim. If you exercised self-defense in the incident, avoid discussing anything related to it with anyone until you speak to one of our attorneys.

Strict Liability Rule

The laws for the state of Utah dictate a strict liability rule, meaning the owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog biting someone. This liability stands regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner’s knowledge thereof. For dog bite victims, this law simplifies the process for claiming compensation by removing the need to prove the owner’s negligence.

Exceptions to the Strict Liability Rule

While the strict liability rule works in the favor of victims more often than not, there are exceptions to this rule that can harm your case. We know how these exceptions can be used to poke holes in claims and avoid liability, which is why we make sure to cover our bases when reviewing your case.

• Police Dogs: Dogs trained by and under the supervision of police are exempt from the strict liability rule for bites that occur on-duty.
• Trespassing: Anyone bitten by a dog while entering a property without the owner’s permission is not protected by the strict liability rule. Children are not considered trespassers under Utah law and in those cases dog owners would still be held liable.
• Provocation: If a dog bites someone in reaction to being provoked (teased, hit, etc.), then Utah’s ‘Comparative Fault’ rule comes into play. This means liability for the dog owner and the amount for compensation would be reduced or eliminated accordingly.

Mandatory Reporting

In Utah, it is required by law that you report any dog bite to local animal control or the Utah Health Department within 24 hours of the incident. While this might seem like another hassle to deal with on top of the stress and pain, it’s actually quite beneficial to your case. After reaching out, you can request an official record to be used as supporting evidence for your claim.

Filing an Insurance Claim vs a Personal Injury Lawsuit

In addressing a dog bite incident comes the decision between filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys can guide you through both processes, often starting with an insurance claim and proceeding to litigation for compensation if necessary.

Filing an insurance claim may resolve your case more quickly, but also might only partially cover your expenses and losses. A personal injury lawsuit can provide more comprehensive compensation, especially for more severe and long-term damages. Our team will advise you on the best course of action based on the specifics of your case and available insurance coverage.

Contact Our West Jordan Dog Bite Lawyers To Schedule a Case Consultation

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, do not hesitate to reach out to Nelson Jones for legal support. Our lawyers are here to help you with your case and ensure you receive the compensation you need.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.