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When Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?

If you have any issues related to a dog bite, whether you were the victim or the owner of the dog, it is essential to reach out to a dog bite lawyer. The liability a dog owner may face will depend on the location where the incident occurred.

In some states, such as California and Florida, a dog bite is a strict liability issue, meaning that a dog owner will be held strictly liable for the conduct of their dog. There can be certain exceptions when an owner will not be liable for their dog’s conduct, such as if the victim provoked the dog or if the victim was a criminal who was bitten while committing a felony.

In other locations, such as New York and Texas, a dog owner will only be held liable if they knew or had reason to know that their dog had aggressive tendencies. Because of the variations in dog bite laws, it is important to have the assistance of a lawyer for dog bites.

A dog bite attorney can be valuable because they can determine what claim you may be able to make and how the local laws may affect your claim. In addition, your lawyer will help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim.

It is also important to have a lawyer in a dog bite case because there may be a statute of limitations, or time limit, on when you can bring your claim, as with other types of personal injury claims. In the majority of situations, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is two years.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in the U.S.?

Dog bite cases are usually handled by attorneys using a contingency fee. This means that your dog bite lawyer will not be paid unless they win your case.

Typically, your lawyer will take a percentage of your award or settlement, often between 33 and 40 percent. Some lawyers use a variable fee structure where the percentage they take increases or decreases depending on the time when the case is resolved or whether it goes to trial.

If you are facing dog bite charges or a dog bite lawsuit, you will likely pay your defense attorney on an hourly fee basis. This means that your lawyer will likely charge between $200 to $400 hourly to handle your case.

What to Look for in a Dog Bite Lawyer?

When looking for a dog bite lawyer, it can be helpful to consider the following:

• Experience: Look for a lawyer who has previous experience with dog bite cases.
• Success rate: Ask your lawyer about their success rate handling dog bite cases.
• Availability: Make sure they will be available to handle your claim.
• Communication skills: Ensure the attorney communicates in a way you understand and is available for regular updates and communication.
• Location: Make sure the lawyer is licensed in your state.
• Reviews: Find a lawyer who has positive reviews from previous clients.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Prior to attending your dog bite lawyer consultation, it is important to take time to do the following:

• Prepare all questions: Make a written list of any questions you have about your case and take it to the meeting.
• Gather relevant documents: Bring anything related to the incident to the meeting, such as medical records, medical bills, and police reports, and let the lawyer determine what is important.
• Discuss the case strategy: Ask about how the dog bite case will be handled and strategies for settlement negotiations and trial.
• Being realistic: Have realistic expectations about the possible resolution of your case and the amount you may be able to receive in monetary damages.

Where to Find Dog Bite Lawyers in the U.S.?

There are many benefits to having a dog bite lawyer help you with your case. Your lawyer will help you gather evidence, advise you of the laws that can apply to your claim, and provide advice about what kind of legal action you should take.

A dog bite attack may have serious consequences for the victim and the dog owner. If you have been a victim, your lawyer will help you obtain the maximum available compensation for your injuries.

If you were the dog owner, your lawyer will help you present all defenses that are available to you. Your attorney will help you with every aspect of your case, including settlement negotiation and trial.

If you are wondering, “where to find dog bite lawyers near me?” or “where to find a dog bite attorney near me?,” LegalMatch has the answer. You can use LegalMatch’s lawyer matching service for free to find a lawyer near you who will help you resolve your dog bite case.