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Provo Dog Bite Lawyers

The pain of a dog attack endures long after the incident. Don’t let an injury like this define you: Call The Advocates today to begin your recovery journey.

Attorney talks with client in a lobby

A Dog Bite Attorney Can Help Your Case 

Seeing canines alongside people is common in Provo. Many households own dogs. Man’s best friend can be seen on sidewalks and trails, in cars and restaurants. The chances of a dog bite incident are statistically small, but they still happen.

The Advocates know this because thousands of dog bite victims have reached out to us for help. They often have a personal injury case that needs legal action but have no idea how to proceed. That is where our dog bite lawyers come in. 

We understand the intersection of Utah dog bite law and personal injury law. From day one, our legal team will work to protect you from insurance companies, help you access medical professionals, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Call our office today. Together, we will overcome your pain and suffering.   

The Next Steps in Your Utah Dog Bite Case

Injury

Immediately after being bitten, assess your injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of all treatment you receive during recovery

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.  
Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.  
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We do not get paid unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.  
For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.  

If the dog’s conduct resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.  
Your attorney will gather evidence, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.   

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime.   

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.  
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to several years. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.  
In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.  

A Team of Dog Bite Professionals Assigned to Your Case 

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their injuries, and we are prepared to do the same for you.  
We can help you: 

  • Understand the claims process 
  • Investigate your accident 
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries 
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters 
  • Obtain a fair resolution of your claim 

Hable con un profesional

When Should I Hire a Utah Dog Bite Injury Attorney? 

As a personal injury law firm with decades of experience, we recommend hiring an attorney as soon as you physically can. The only guarantee in the realm of law is that it is not quick. If you call The Advocates, we will first do a case evaluation. Here, you can tell us about the details of your case, and we can start to create a rough idea of what your case will look like. From there, you can choose to hire us if you are satisfied with the plan. Many people from Provo, Orem, and Salt Lake City have come to us in need. We have worked to provide all of them with excellent legal services. If a dog has bitten you, then you deserve nothing but the best. You deserve an Advocate.

Utah Dog Bite Facts 

Strict liability for dog bites  

According to the Utah Code, this state has strict liability for dog bites. Dog owners are responsible for the damage their dogs inflict, even if it is the first time they have bitten someone. You could have a sweet Labrador with no history of aggression, and it still does not matter: If it bites someone, you will probably be responsible.   
Dogs are considered property. As is the case with a car accident you cause, if your dog bites someone, then you will be responsible, which is why many dog owners have an insurance policy for their canines.   

The defenses against a dog bite claim 

Dog bite victims are not automatically entitled to compensation. There are situations when the dog owner will not be held accountable for their dogs. Here are two defenses a dog owner can make to prevent you from filing a claim against them:  

  • The injury or death is to another animal 
  • The injury or death occurs: 
  • On the person’s private property 
  • While the dog is reasonably secured within a fence or other enclosure 

The most common dog bite injuries   

Always seek medical care for dog bite injuries. Even if you do not go to the emergency room, at least see a doctor shortly after the incident. 
These are common physical injuries dog bite victims face:   

  • Puncture wounds 
  • Broken bones   
  • Eye and face injuries   
  • Scarring and disfigurement   
  • Bruising and lacerations   
  • Tissue and nerve damage  
  • Emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder 
  • Wrongful death of a loved one  

Approaching unfamiliar dogs 

Here is some advice to follow to lessen the probability of a dog bite:   

  • Choose not to approach a dog you do not know.  
  • If you insist on petting a stranger’s dog, ask the owner how you should approach.  
  • Dogs say a lot through their body language. Observe how they react to you. The signs of an aggressive dog are usually obvious. They will growl or have a rigid, tense posture.  
  • Get close to the dog slowly and let it smell you before petting it.  
  • Leave service dogs alone. They are trained to help blind people or other individuals needing assistance. Please do everything you can not to impede them. 

What to Know Post Dog Bite 

How long do dog bite injury claims take?  

There is no definitive timeline for when your case will be complete. It could take several months or years. This is because each case is different. Several factors determine how long it will take: Disputes about liability, insurance companies’ settlement offers, the severity of your injuries, and the amount of time it takes to negotiate. 

What damages can I seek in my dog bite case?  

Given the unique nature of your case, even the most experienced Utah dog bite lawyer cannot say exactly what damages you can seek.    
The following are commonly sought damages in a personal injury case:    

  • Medical expenses  
  • Pain and suffering  
  • Economic damages such as lost income and loss of future earnings   
  • Non-economic damages such as emotional distress 
  • Funeral expenses for a loved one   

What is the statute of limitations for dog bites?  

A dog bite claim is no different from other personal injury cases. Therefore, a dog bite victim generally has four years from the incident to file a claim.   

Steps to take after getting bit by a dog  

  • Get away from the dog 
  • Seek medical attention 
  • Obtain information about the dog owner right away 
  • Call animal control and obtain a report 
  • Document everything by taking pictures or videos of the dog, the injury, where the bite occurred, and any other piece of evidence 
  • Keep all documents related to the accident, such as medical bills 
  • Follow up with a doctor to ensure you have not contracted rabies or other diseases 
  • Call a personal injury lawyer to know your legal options