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-specialized lawyers are experienced in litigating these cases, knowing how to handle every aspect and move forward to the quickest, most ideal resolution. With our knowledge we will guide you through the legal process, keeping you fully informed and making sure your voice is heard.
Taking the right steps after a dog attack can help ensure your safety and strengthen your claim. Here are the essential actions to take:
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.
Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, sometimes leading to complications or lasting psychological damage. More specifically, victims could endure:
When our dog bite lawyers review your case we will factor in the number and degree of injuries to determine the maximum settlement amount you are entitled to.
Fair compensation is intended to address the suffering, losses and recovery after a dog attack. We are committed to fight for compensation that covers you across the board, including:
Provided with medical records and other substantial evidence related to the incident, our team can build out a case that outlines exactly the right compensation you deserve.
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:
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.
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.
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.
These are exceptions to the strict liability rule to be aware of:
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.
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.
As is the norm for personal injury cases in Utah, a case may be filed within 4 years of the dog bite incident.
It is difficult to give a specific figure on settlements for dog bites as each case is evaluated based on a number of factors. You can expect a fair settlement to cover medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and in some cases punitive damages.
Yes, the severity of a dog bite does not affect whether or not you have a case, only the amount of compensation awarded.
You can sue for dog bites on public property, provided you can establish the owner's liability under Utah law.
We handle these cases sensitively, focusing on the insurance claims process to minimize personal conflict while pursuing fair compensation.
It depends; Utah's strict liability rule does not apply to dogs getting bitten while on the other dog owner's property. If the other dog was not reasonably secured and attacked your dog while on your property, then the other dog owner may be held liable.
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 free consultation.
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We recognize that no two personal injury cases are the same, with a different impact and set of circumstances every time. That's why our attorneys craft a personalized plan for each of our clients.
We will aggressively pursue fair compensation for you, meaning we're not afraid to go to court if necessary. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who will fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
We make the legal process of resolving your personal injury case as stress-free as possible. You'll get one-on-one contact with an attorney as your guide, answering your questions and keeping you informed as needed.
As a part of the Utah community, we are committed not just to our clients but to the betterment of our community as a whole. We take pride in our ethical approach to law and our role in ensuring justice is accessible to everyone.
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