You may think dog bites are a rare or uncommon occurrence that could never happen to you. Even if they are considered man’s best friend, the data suggests your safety around these furry creatures is far from certain.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually. If you are one of the 4.5 million bitten annually and a negligent third party owns that dog, you may be eligible for compensation.
The people of Birmingham call DeGaris Law because Annesley DeGaris leads the firm fighting for maximum compensation in your Birmingham dog bite case. With more than thirty years of experience fighting for victims, DeGaris Law Birmingham personal injury lawyers will help protect your rights for compensation and restitution every step of the way.
Get the expertise you need for your Birmingham dog bite case today by calling us at 205-575-8000 or book a free no-obligation review online.
Dog bites are often attributed to sickly dogs or dogs frequently considered “bad breeds” that are more commonly conditioned to be vicious and aggressive in our imaginations.
But according to the AVMA, the truth is that any dog who is unhappy, afraid, protective, or defensive can harm another person. Dogs can even accidentally bite when they play too aggressively.
These injuries can range from minor to life-threatening and can be accompanied by psychological distress. The costs of such incidents can be both financially and emotionally taxing.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average cost per claim nationally has risen 82.5% from 2014 to 2023 due to increased medical costs. The size of settlements and jury awards given to plaintiffs has also increased.
DeGaris Law is here to help our clients receive the maximum compensation for their injuries.
In Alabama, dog owners are held liable for any injuries caused by their pets due to strict liability, according to AL Code § 3-6-1 (2023).
Unless the owner can prove the victim provoked the dog or if the victim was not in a place where they had a legal right to be, the owners are completely liable. No consideration is given to the dog’s breed or former aggressive behavior (besides biting or chasing individuals).
It’s important to note that the strict liability rule only applies to injuries caused by dog bites, not to other types of injuries or damages caused by dogs.
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for a dog bite case against a negligent owner is two years.
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite injury, the time to file your case is now.
You should file your claim sooner rather than later to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional trauma caused by the dog bite.
DeGaris Law will be your Birmingham dog bite lawyer and handle the case with care and a commitment to achieving maximum compensation for your claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, call DeGaris Law at 205-575-8000 or book a free case review with one of Birmingham’s best law firms online today.
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