While Alabama’s dog bite laws are complicated, dog bite victims still have clear legal rights in many cases. If you were bitten by someone else’s dog in Alabama, you will want to discuss your legal rights with an experienced Birmingham dog bite lawyer promptly. You may be entitled to financial compensation, but you will need experienced legal representation to seek the full compensation you deserve.
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, including injuries that lead to permanent nerve damage and permanent disabilities in some cases. They can also cause severe emotional trauma. The financial costs associated with dog bites can be significant as well—and all of this makes it important for attack victims to speak with an experienced Birmingham dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Another important reason to seek legal representation after a dog attack is that Alabama’s dog bite laws are complicated. While dog bite cases might seem fairly straightforward, your legal rights after an attack depend on several different factors. An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to explain everything you need to know, and will be able to fight for just compensation on your behalf if warranted.
3 Important Facts About Alabama’s Dog Bite Laws
While you will need to speak with a lawyer to obtain legal advice based on the specific circumstances of your case, it will be worth learning some of the basics before your free initial consultation. This will help you understand your lawyer’s advice and create a list of questions to ask.
With this in mind, here are three important facts about Alabama’s dog bite laws:
1. As a General Rule, Dog Owners Can Be Held Liable for Attacks On or Near Their Property
In Alabama, the general rule is that dog owners can be held liable for attacks on or near their property. Specifically, Section 3-6-1 of the Alabama Code provides that dog owners can be held liable when an attack victim is “bitten or injured on property owned or controlled by the owner . . . or when such [the victim] has been immediately prior to such time on such property and has been pursued therefrom by such dog.”
2. Whether the Dog’s Owner was Aware of its Vicious Propensity Can Impact How Much You Are Entitled to Recover
Alabama law generally provides that when a dog-bite victim has a claim, the victim can seek full compensation for his or her financial and non-financial losses resulting from the attack. However, the law establishes a caveat when dog owners can show that they had “no knowledge of any circumstances indicating [their] dog to be or to have been vicious or dangerous . . . .” In this scenario, Section 3-6-3 of the Alabama Code provides that victims of attack are entitled to recover only their “actual expenses.”
3. Other Parties Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bites in Appropriate Cases
While these are the general rules that apply to dog owners, other parties can be held liable for dog bites in some cases as well. If you have a claim against a landlord, boarder, or veterinary office, for example, different rules will apply.
The Insurance Companies Will Try to Use the Complexity of Alabama’s Dog Bite Laws Against You
Unfortunately, the insurance companies will try to use the complexity of Alabama’s dog bite laws against you. They know the law is complicated, and they know that most attack victims do not have a clear understanding of their legal rights. This is one of several reasons why it is important to hire an experienced lawyer to represent you. In addition to explaining your legal rights, your lawyer will also be able to deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
What to Do After a Dog Attack in Alabama
Given the challenges involved in protecting your legal rights after a dog attack in Alabama, it is important to do everything you can to help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. In this scenario, your priorities should include:
- Getting the Treatment You Need – After a dog attack, receiving treatment is important for protecting your health and legal rights. This includes getting treatment for your physical injuries and your emotional trauma.
- Documenting the Attack as Thoroughly as Possible – You should document the attack as thoroughly as possible. Take detailed notes, take photos of your injuries, and be sure to keep any photos or videos you have from when the attack happened.
- Talking to a Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Legal Rights – An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to help protect your legal rights, but only if you get in touch. With this in mind, you should schedule a free consultation promptly.
FAQs: Filing a Claim for a Dog Bite in Alabama
Does Alabama have a “one free bite” rule for dog bite claims?
Not exactly. While some states have a “one free bite” rule that protects dog owners the first time their dog attacks someone, in Alabama, dog owners can be held liable the first time their dog attacks. However, if a dog owner can show that he or she was not aware of the dog’s vicious propensities, this can limit the owner’s liability.
What type of insurance covers dog bites?
Homeowner’s insurance and renter’s insurance policies typically provide coverage for dog bites. In some cases (i.e., those involving an attack at a boarder or vet), businesses’ commercial liability insurance policies can apply as well.
Do I need a lawyer to file a dog bite claim in Alabama?
While not legally required, hiring a lawyer to handle your dog bite claim is strongly recommended. An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to help you pursue your claim effectively and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Learn About Your Legal Rights from an Experienced Birmingham Dog Bite Lawyer for Free
To learn more about your legal rights after a dog attack in Alabama, contact us today. Call 205-855-2745 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.