Were you bitten by a dog in New Orleans, LA? A dog attack can be a terrifying ordeal, leaving you with painful wounds, emotional distress, and a long recovery. When another person’s negligence or other actions lead to a dog bite, Louisiana law may allow you to recover compensation. An experienced New Orleans dog bite lawyer can help you secure money for your hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to guide you from the start. Our lawyers have 50 years of combined experience and have obtained tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
If you’ve been harmed by a dog in New Orleans, contact us today for a free consultation at (504) 294-3804. We’ll explain your rights, assess your case, and work to protect your financial and personal well-being.
How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Dog Bite in New Orleans, Louisiana
A dog bite can leave you facing medical bills, disrupted work, and significant emotional fallout. Insurance companies might offer a quick settlement, hoping you’ll accept without realizing the true cost of your injuries. That’s where our award-winning New Orleans personal injury attorneys at Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers step in:
- Thorough Investigation: We will look into any background of the dog’s aggression, speak with neighbors, and gather all available evidence — like vet or animal control records — to show that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
- Accurate Valuation: Beyond your hospital bills, we will account for lost wages, ongoing therapy, and emotional pain so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Negotiations: Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing claims. We will counter with strong evidence, expert opinions, and a clear demand for fair compensation.
- Trial Readiness: Our willingness to present your case to a judge or jury can motivate insurers to propose better offers. If they won’t make a fair offer, we’re fully prepared to go to court.
By letting us handle the legal aspects, you can concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery. Contact our law office in New Orleans, Louisiana today to get started with a free consultation.
Dog Bite Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana has distinctive rules for dog bites, applying elements of strict liability, negligence, and the so-called “one-bite” rule in different cases. The state’s core law uses a “limited strict liability” model:
- Strict Liability: Owners can be automatically responsible for dog-bite injuries if the dog poses an “unreasonable risk of harm.” They can argue that there is no strict liability if the injured person provoked the dog or if the injury was preventable.
- Negligence: Even if strict liability doesn’t apply, an owner can be found negligent if they fail to take reasonable steps to secure their dog or warn others of its dangerous tendencies.
- One-Bite Concept: Although Louisiana doesn’t have a pure “one-bite rule,” courts often consider whether the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, similar to how “one-bite” laws operate elsewhere.
In practice, Louisiana courts analyze factors like the dog’s history, the owner’s precautions, and the victim’s role. These cases are highly fact-specific, with judges or juries deciding if the dog indeed posed an unreasonable risk of harm and if the owner could have prevented the bite.
For instance, owners are typically liable if they knowingly let an aggressive dog roam free or if they created conditions that put children at risk. However, owners might avoid strict liability if the victim provoked the dog, trespassed, or ignored warning signs.
Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Claim
To succeed in a Louisiana dog bite claim, you must generally show:
- The dog owner knew or should have known the dog could hurt someone, or they were negligent in controlling it.
- They failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent injury, such as using a leash or gate for a known aggressive dog.
- Their failure caused your injuries. You were bitten directly because the owner didn’t secure the dog.
Evidence can include animal control records of past complaints, statements from people who’ve seen the dog act aggressively, and proof the owner disregarded local leash laws. You’ll also need to present medical records detailing your wounds, the care you’ve received, and any scarring or emotional damage.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Dog Attack in New Orleans?
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault rule for personal injury claims, including dog bites. This means your share of fault could reduce your compensation, but you can still collect something even if you’re 99% responsible. However, if the dog’s owner can show that you provoked the animal or entered the property illegally, it might drastically reduce or even negate your award.
Because comparative fault can cut down your damages, insurers frequently argue the victim did something to cause the incident. An attorney can respond by showing that the owner knew their dog was dangerous and had failed to take the proper steps to prevent the attack.
Damages Available for a Dog Bite in New Orleans
Victims in Louisiana can often pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the concrete, measurable losses tied to your dog bite, such as:
- Medical Bills: hospital stays, surgery, medication, and rehab
- Lost Wages: any pay you miss during your recovery
- Property Damage: if personal items (e.g., a phone, glasses, or clothing) were ruined
Non-economic damages account for the personal impacts that don’t come with a price tag, including:
- Pain and Suffering: ongoing physical pain, discomfort, or difficulty with daily tasks
- Emotional Distress: anxiety, depression, or fear around dogs
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: being unable to do hobbies or regular activities
- Scarring or Disfigurement: permanent marks that can affect self-esteem or social interactions
In many cases, non-economic damages are worth more than economic damages.
How Much Is My New Orleans Dog Bite Claim Worth?
Because each dog bite case is different, there’s no standard amount for all claims. Generally, more severe injuries and bigger financial losses lead to higher settlements or verdicts. Factors that may impact the final value include:
- The seriousness and permanence of your injuries
- Whether you’ll need ongoing medical treatments
- Proven emotional or psychological trauma
- Any shared fault on your part
- The dog owner’s conduct, such as breaking leash laws or ignoring warnings from neighbors
A lawyer will review your medical records, consult experts if needed, and ensure the full range of your losses is accounted for. Insurance companies may push for a quick, low settlement, but thorough documentation can prompt them to make a more realistic offer.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Louisiana?
Most personal injury lawyers in New Orleans use a contingency fee model for dog bite cases. That typically involves:
- No Payment Upfront: You don’t have to pay a retainer or hourly bill.
- Fees Only if You Recover: The lawyer gets a percentage (around 33%) of your settlement or court award.
- Possible Extra Costs: Filing fees and expert witness expenses might come out of your final settlement, depending on your agreement.
This arrangement helps ensure you can afford legal help, as you only pay attorney’s fees if you secure compensation. It also motivates your attorney to obtain the best outcome for your claim.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Following a recent change, Louisiana now gives you two years from the date of a personal injury — including dog bites — to file a lawsuit in most cases. Before this change, it was only one year. Despite the extra time, it’s risky to wait. Memories fade, documents vanish, and the court likely won’t consider your case if you file after the deadline.
Some exceptions exist — such as if you were a minor at the time of the bite — but those are limited. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure you don’t miss key evidence or crucial filing dates.
Contact a New Orleans Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Consultation
A dog bite can leave you struggling with physical pain, expensive treatments, and long-lasting emotional scars. You shouldn’t have to shoulder the costs when someone else’s negligence played a role. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers stands ready to help.
Our New Orleans dog bite attorneys have 50 years of combined experience and have obtained tens of millions of dollars for people just like you. We won’t hesitate to bring your claim to court if that’s what’s needed to secure a fair resolution. Call us or reach out online for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, let you know your legal options, and fight hard for every dollar you deserve.
