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.
Immediately after being bitten, assess your injuries
Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery
Seek medical attention as soon as you can
Keep track of all treatment you receive during recovery
Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward
Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
Here is some advice to follow to lessen the probability of a dog bite:
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.
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:
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.