Justice and Compensation You Rightfully Deserve
Few people expect an ordinary day to end with a trip to the emergency room because of someone else’s dog. In a matter of seconds, a preventable attack can leave you facing painful injuries, unexpected medical bills, and questions about responsibility. When that happens, understanding your legal options is an important first step toward recovery.
The Phenix City personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Gary Bruce help people pursue justice after serious dog attacks. We proudly serve our neighbors on both sides of the river through these difficult situations. While you focus on healing, our dog bite attorneys in Phenix City, AL, can investigate the attack, explain how Alabama law applies to your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today for your free case consultation.
Injured and Unsure What to Do Next?
Talk with our team about your legal options today.
Call (706) 576-GARYGuiding Your Dog Bite Claim From Start to Finish
After a dog attack, knowing what to do next isn’t always easy. That’s where the Law Offices of Gary Bruce steps in. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- A free consultation to discuss your case.
- A meeting at our office if you’d like to meet in person.
- Protection from insurance company tactics that could hurt your claim,
- Find insurance coverage to cover your medical bills and lost earnings,
- Try to preserve evidence.
- Collection of your medical records and bills to document your damages.
- A careful evaluation of your case to determine your losses.
- Litigation when necessary if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Representation on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Our goal is to make the legal process as straightforward as possible. We’ll keep you informed, handle the details, and fight for the compensation you deserve every step of the way.
Dog Attack Cases Deserve Serious Attention
Victims of dog bite injuries often suffer puncture wounds and serious infections, but dog attacks encompass any behavior that results in injury. People have broken bones after being knocked down, torn ligaments, received head injuries, experienced nerve damage, and had deep lacerations. Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital provides emergency medical attention and, in some cases, surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing medical care.
The emotional effects of a dog attack can last long after the physical injuries have healed. Many people become fearful around dogs or feel self-conscious about permanent scars. Children often face the greatest risk because they are more likely to suffer serious injuries to the face, head, and neck.
Because these injuries can affect your health, your finances, and your daily life, it’s important to understand your legal rights after a dog attack.
How Alabama Laws Apply to Dog Bite Claims
Dog attack claims in Alabama are governed by both state statutes and common law. Depending on where the attack occurred and the circumstances involved, more than one legal theory may apply.
- AL Code § 3-6-1: A dog owner may be held liable when a person who is lawfully on the owner’s property is bitten. The law also applies when the dog chases the person from the property and the bite occurs immediately afterward.
- AL Code § 3-6-3: If the owner proves they had no knowledge that the dog was vicious, dangerous, or mischievous, the law may limit the victim’s recovery to actual expenses, such as medical costs.
- AL Code § 3-1-3: An owner or keeper may be liable for injuries caused by a vicious or dangerous dog if they carelessly managed the animal or allowed it to roam freely.
- Common-Law Negligence: If the owner knew or should have known the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack, they may be held responsible for your injuries.
Evidence in dog attack cases may include medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos and video. Reports from Phenix City Animal Control on prior bites, previous attacks on people or animals, repeated aggressive behavior, or other incidents may also be sought.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
The steps you take after a dog attack can protect both your health and your legal rights. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence and document what happened. Waiting too long can make it harder to locate witnesses, gather records, and build a strong claim.
- Move to a safe location away from the dog
- Call 911 to report the attack
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Take photographs of the dog, your injuries, and the location of the attack
- Keep copies of your medical records and expenses
- Avoid discussing your claim with the insurance company before speaking with our attorneys
The Costs of a Serious Dog Attack
If someone else’s negligence caused your dog attack injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses, including physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages while recovering
- Reduced earning capacity for long-term or permanent injuries
- Pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress and anxiety
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
The value of your case depends on factors such as the extent of your injuries, the medical treatment you require, the effect on your ability to work, and how the attack has changed your daily life. The injury lawyers with the Law Offices of Gary Bruce carefully evaluate every loss to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, please call the Law Offices of Gary Bruce today at (706) 523-4797 to discuss your case for free. We welcome clients in and around Columbus and Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia, as well as Phenix City, Alabama, and surrounding areas.