Louisiana law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals in many circumstances. When a dog bites or attacks an adult who was lawfully on public or private property, the owner may be responsible for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any scarring or disfigurement that results. Our attorneys pursue every available avenue of compensation to make sure you are fully made whole.

Children are the most common victims of serious dog bite injuries, and the physical and psychological harm can be profound and lasting. Young victims may require reconstructive surgery, long-term counseling, and ongoing treatment for lasting trauma. Our attorneys pursue the maximum available compensation for injured children and their families, including damages for future medical needs and lasting emotional harm.

When a dog has a documented history of aggression or has attacked before, the owner’s liability is heightened. Evidence of prior incidents, animal control reports, and neighbor accounts all play a critical role in establishing that the owner knew their animal posed a danger and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others. Our attorneys know how to build a powerful case around an owner’s prior knowledge.

Mail carriers, delivery drivers, and other workers who visit private properties are frequent victims of dog attacks. These victims are lawfully on the property in the course of their work and are fully entitled to compensation for their injuries. Our attorneys pursue claims against homeowners and their insurers on behalf of workers injured in the line of duty.

Dogs that attack in parks, on sidewalks, or in other public spaces pose a danger to the entire community. Owners who allow their dogs to run off-leash or fail to maintain control in public settings may be liable for any resulting injuries. Our attorneys document the circumstances of the attack and hold negligent owners accountable for failing to protect the public.

When a dog attack occurs at a rental property, liability may extend beyond the dog’s owner to the landlord — particularly if the landlord knew the tenant kept a dangerous animal and failed to take action. Our attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability including both the dog owner’s insurance and any applicable property owner coverage.

Not all dog-related injuries involve bites. A large dog jumping on or knocking down a person — particularly an elderly individual or a child — can cause serious falls, broken bones, and head injuries. Louisiana law may hold dog owners liable for these injuries as well. Our attorneys evaluate every circumstance of your injury to identify all available claims.

Dog bites to the face, neck, and hands can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement that affects a victim’s quality of life and self-confidence for years. Our attorneys pursue compensation for the full extent of these damages, including the cost of reconstructive surgery, future treatment, and non-economic damages for the emotional impact of lasting disfigurement.

Dog bites carry a significant risk of serious infection, including rabies, Pasteurella, and MRSA. When an infection results from a dog attack and requires hospitalization, surgery, or extended treatment, those costs are fully recoverable as part of your claim. Our attorneys document all medical complications and ensure they are included in the damages we pursue on your behalf.

The psychological impact of a dog attack can be just as serious as the physical injuries. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs that affects their daily lives. Our attorneys pursue non-economic damages for emotional distress and psychological harm, and work with mental health experts to document and value these injuries appropriately.

As of July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Louisiana has a strong strict liability standard for dog bites, meaning the owner can be held liable even if they had no prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies — as long as the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the animal. Learn more about how fault is determined in Louisiana. Our attorneys evaluate the full circumstances of your attack to build the strongest possible case.

Provocation is one of the most common defenses in dog bite cases. Insurance companies are trained to use this argument to reduce or deny your claim. Our attorneys gather witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence to refute this defense and demonstrate that the owner’s negligence — not your conduct — caused the attack.

Seek medical attention right away — dog bites carry a significant infection risk and injuries may be more serious than they initially appear. Report the attack to local animal control and get the dog owner’s contact and insurance information. Take photos of your injuries and the location of the attack. Get the names of any witnesses. Then contact Mansfield Melancon as soon as possible so we can begin building your case.

In most cases, yes — homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability claims. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or may have coverage limits that fall short of fully compensating serious injuries. Our attorneys identify all available insurance coverage and pursue every source of compensation on your behalf.

Nothing upfront. Our dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

Many dog bite claims settle within a few months once medical treatment is complete and the full extent of the injuries is established. Cases involving serious injuries, scarring, or disputed liability may take longer. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep you informed throughout and never pressure you to accept a settlement before you are ready.

Yes. Psychological harm — including anxiety, PTSD, and a lasting fear of dogs — is fully recoverable as part of your dog bite claim. Learn more about quality of life damages in Louisiana. Our attorneys work with mental health experts to document these injuries and ensure they are properly valued in your claim.