Orem Dog Bite Lawyer | Gunter Injury Law

Orem Dog Bite Lawyer

Do you need an Orem Dog Bite Lawyer? At Gunter Injury Law, we pride ourselves on providing the same exceptional strengths and benefits that clients value most in top-tier legal representation. Our team combines deep legal expertise with a compassionate, client-centered approach, making sure that every case is handled professionally and with care. We prioritize clear communication, keeping you informed and empowered throughout the legal process. Whether navigating complex personal injury claims or advocating for justice after a traumatic event, we craft tailored strategies to meet your unique needs and achieve the best possible outcomes. At Gunter Injury Law, you’re not just a case—you’re a valued individual, and we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.

What Are The Most Common Injuries Associated With Dog Bites?

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-term physical and emotional impacts. Understanding these common injuries is crucial when seeking compensation with the help of an experienced Orem dog bite lawyer.

1. Puncture Wounds and Lacerations:

Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds or severe lacerations, which can damage skin, muscles, nerves, and even bones. These injuries may require stitches, surgery, or reconstructive procedures, particularly if the face or hands are affected.

2. Infections:

Bacteria like Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga are commonly transmitted through dog bites. Infections can spread quickly if untreated, potentially leading to cellulitis or sepsis in severe cases.

3. Nerve Damage:

A strong dog bite can damage nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or even permanent loss of function. Nerve damage is especially common in bites to the hands, arms, or legs.

4. Scarring and Disfigurement:

Scarring can have lifelong effects, particularly if it occurs on the face or neck. Plastic surgery may be necessary to restore appearance and function after a severe dog bite.

5. Emotional Trauma:

Dog bite victims, especially children, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or a lasting fear of dogs.

If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog bite, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. An experienced Orem dog bite lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Who is liable? 

Determining liability in a dog bite case is crucial for securing compensation. In Utah, strict liability laws generally hold dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. This means that if a dog bites someone in Orem, the owner is typically liable, even if the attack was unexpected.

1. Dog Owners

Under Utah Code § 18-1-1, a dog owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes, whether the bite occurs on public or private property. Unlike some states with a “one-bite rule,” Utah does not require the victim to prove that the owner was negligent or aware of previous aggression.

2. Property Owners or Landlords

If a landlord or property owner knew that a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action, they might also be held liable under premises liability laws. However, liability depends on whether they had control over the dog’s presence on the property.

3. Negligent Third Parties

In some cases, a third party, such as a dog walker or pet sitter, may be responsible if they were negligent in handling the dog. For example, if they allowed the dog to roam freely in a prohibited area, they could be partially liable.

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Utah, an experienced Orem dog bite lawyer can help you determine liability and fight for fair compensation. Contact us today for a free case review.

How much is my case worth? 

Determining the value of your dog bite case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical costs, and the emotional impact of the attack. At our firm, we offer a free compensation calculator to help you estimate your potential settlement.

Key Factors That Affect Case Value:

  1. Medical Expenses:
    This includes emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatments related to the dog bite. Severe cases requiring reconstructive surgery often lead to higher compensation.

  2. Lost Wages:
    If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be eligible for compensation to cover lost income and reduced future earning capacity.

  3. Pain and Suffering:
    Dog bites can cause significant physical pain and emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and a lasting fear of dogs. Compensation for pain and suffering is subjective but essential in calculating case value.

  4. Permanent Disfigurement or Disability:
    Scarring, nerve damage, or loss of function can dramatically impact a victim’s quality of life, leading to larger settlements.

  5. Liability Factors:
    Utah’s strict liability dog bite laws generally hold dog owners responsible, but cases involving shared liability might reduce the settlement amount.

Try Our Free Compensation Calculator

Curious about what your case might be worth? Use our free dog bite compensation calculator to get an instant estimate. For a more personalized assessment, contact our experienced Orem dog bite lawyer today.

How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, you might worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. The good news is that most Orem dog bite lawyers, including our team, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs—our fees only come from the settlement or verdict we secure for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

How Contingency Fees Work:

  • No Upfront Payments: You don’t need to pay anything when you hire us.
  • Percentage of Settlement: We take a pre-agreed percentage of the final compensation amount.
  • No Win, No Fee: If we don’t recover compensation for you, you pay nothing.

Additional Costs to Consider:

In some cases, there may be costs for expert witnesses, court filings, or medical record retrieval. We’ll discuss these potential expenses upfront, so there are no surprises.

Why Invest in a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Dog bite cases can get complicated, especially when insurance companies try to minimize payouts. An experienced Orem dog bite lawyer can help maximize your settlement by gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and ensuring all damages—like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—are fully accounted for.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today for a free consultation and use our compensation calculator to estimate your potential case value.

What proof is needed for a dog bite? 

To successfully pursue compensation for a dog bite injury, you’ll need to gather solid evidence that supports your claim. An experienced Orem dog bite lawyer can help you collect and present the necessary proof to build a strong case. Here are the key types of evidence you’ll need:

🛠️ 1. Medical Records

Medical documentation is one of the most critical pieces of evidence. After a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately. Your records should detail the extent of your injuries, treatment received, and the prognosis for recovery. These records establish a clear link between the dog bite and your injuries.

📸 2. Photos and Videos

Take clear, dated photos of your injuries immediately after the bite and throughout the healing process. Additionally, capture images of the location where the bite occurred and, if possible, the dog itself. Video evidence can be particularly compelling if the dog acted aggressively before the attack.

👁️ 3. Witness Statements

If anyone saw the dog bite or witnessed the dog acting aggressively before the incident, collect their contact information and written statements. Witnesses can help corroborate your account of what happened.

🐕 4. Dog Ownership Documentation

You must prove which dog caused your injuries and identify its owner. Vet records, registration information, and neighborhood testimonies can establish ownership.

📑 5. Incident Reports

If you filed a report with animal control or local law enforcement, obtain a copy. Official reports provide unbiased documentation of the attack and may include information about the dog’s history of aggression.

Need Help Gathering Evidence?

Our Orem dog bite lawyer can assist you in collecting and organizing the necessary proof for your case. Contact us today to get started and use our compensation calculator to estimate your potential claim value.

Learn More About Orem Dog Bite Lawyer Jake Gunter Jacob S. Gunter | Personal Injury Attorney in Provo

For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:

These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.