Injuries from dog bites can be extremely serious, and cost the victim large amounts of money in medical bills. Dog bites almost always cause strong emotional trauma to young children. Often times, children who have been bitten by a dog, experience loss of sleep, fear of dogs, and general trepidation. It is necessary for anyone whose child has suffered from a serious dog bite injury to seek an experienced personal injury attorney.

Historically, the legal rule applying to dog bites was simply this: If a dog attacked once, the owner was then on notice that the dog was vicious, accordingly, the owner was then responsible for paying for any damage caused by later attacks or bites by the dog.  This is often referred to as the "one free bite" rule.  Like many other states, Utah has abandoned this rule.

Currently, Utah law places strict responsibility upon the dog owner for any injuries caused by the pet. That is, a dog owner in Utah need not be aware of the dog's vicious tendencies before the owner is responsible for the damages caused by the pet (see U.C.A. §18-1-1).  This is referred to as the "strict liability" rule.  As with most legal rules, this rule is not without exceptions.

In Utah, a dog owner may not be held responsible for the acts of his dog if the victim is to blame. For example, if the dog was provoked by kicking or striking, teasing or tormenting the dog, tehn the owner is not liable. Petting or playing with a dog is not usually considered provocation, unless the victim was warned not to do so. However, a child may not be expected to know not to provoke a dog, depending on his or her age. If a dog owner is held responsible for a child's injuries from a dog bite, the owner will be required to pay for treatment of all of the injuries caused by the animal. The owner may also have to pay extra money for physical pain, mental anguish, and apprehension of rabies. In addition, the owner may have to pay punitive damages, which is money required to punish the owner, if he knew about the vicious nature of the dog. If a dog is found to be extremely vicious, a court may require that the dog be put to death.

Dog attacks can be extremely stressful for a young child. A child may obtain a lifelong fear of animals after an attack. It is important to have a skilled attorney to insure that your family is fully compensated for all consequences of the attack. It is also important to keep good medical records, and keep track of all the psychological changes in your child.

Dustin Lance and The Lance Firm has successfully handled many cases involving dog attacks bites and he knows how to handle insurance claims and lawsuits caused by dog attacks.

If you or a loved one is a victim of a dog bite or animal attack, CONTACT US TODAY for a free legal consultation.