Few incidents and events are as traumatic as those involving dog bites and attacks. The sheer terror injury victims experience can be emotionally debilitating and have a lasting impact on their lives. You are not alone if this sounds like what you have gone through.
With help from a Birmingham dog bite lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys, you can get justice for your suffering. Contact our office for a free consultation today and learn more about how to get started on your dog bite claim.
Alabama Dog Bite Laws
While some states may follow strict liability laws, others follow the one-bite rule. However, Alabama is unique in that they combine both strict liability and the one-bite rule depending on the case’s specific circumstances.
Generally, under Ala. Code § 3-6-1, strict liability laws will apply if the incident occurs on a property where the dog bite victim was invited or on public property. However, the one bite rule will apply under Ala. Code § 3-1-3 if the dog owner should have known that the dog was aggressive or had a propensity for violence.
As of 2018, Alabama also has Ala. Code § 3-6A-4 which allows the court to humanely euthanize a dog or return it to its owner if the dog is considered dangerous.
Also commonly referred to as Emily’s law, if a dog has bitten, caused physical injury, or attacked someone else, it should be declared dangerous. The prosecutor can then petition the court to declare the dog as such. If the dog attacks after it has been declared dangerous, its owner could face criminal penalties for their negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Birmingham, call 877-562-0000
Evidence To Support Your Case
After a dog bite, if your lawyer hopes to recover compensation in your case, they will need to be prepared to prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence. This means the jury must find the event so compelling there is little doubt that the defendant is responsible for the victim’s injuries.
Some examples of evidence that could be used to prove fault in a dog bite case in Birmingham include:
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Photos of the dog bite victim’s injuries
- Video of the attack or bite
- Records of previous dog bites or attacks
- Reports from injury reconstructionists
- Police and accident reports
- Medical records
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Recoverable Damages In Dog Bite Claims
After being attacked or bitten by a dog in Birmingham, you may be anxious to know what your case could be worth. Although every person’s case is different, the amount of compensation you can be awarded can vary based on the impact your damages have had on your life. In addition, there are specific types of damages you may be able to recover as part of your claim.
To ensure every loss is taken into account, your attorney will separate these damages into categories known as economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are monetary and can be proven through paystubs, bills, quotes, receipts, and other financial records.
Some examples of economic damages you may have the right to recover include:
- Coverage of your medical expenses in full
- Compensation for your loss of income and diminished earning capacity
- The costs of increased insurance premiums
- Unexpected childcare expenses and household maintenance fees
- Property damages
However, in addition to your economic damages, you also have the opportunity to seek compensation for your non-economic damages. Non-economic damages do not have a fixed financial value. Dog bite victims may find it more difficult to calculate the value of their non-economic damages. Your attorney can review your non-economic damages to ensure you are compensated for them fairly.
Some examples of non-economic damages seen in dog bite claims include:
- Chronic pain
- Physical suffering
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Reputational damage
- Inconvenience
Punitive damages may be awarded in dog bite claims as well. However, they are only awarded when the court system wants to send a message and finds the defendant’s conduct grossly negligent or intentional.
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There Is A Deadline To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit In Alabama
According to Ala. Code § 6-2-38, you have just two years from the date of the dog bite or attack to get your claim filed before the statute of limitations runs out. However, the statute of limitations could be tolled depending on the specific details of your case.
Since it may not always be clear when the statute of limitations will run out, it is essential that you get a dog bite attorney working for you as soon as possible after the incident. Failure to file your case before the statute of limitations expires means you will lose your opportunity to have your case heard within the civil court system.
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Costs Of Hiring A Lawyer To Handle Your Dog Bite Case
Many dog bite victims have concerns that they will get into debt by hiring a dog bite lawyer for help. However, one of the great opportunities for personal injury cases is the ability to work with your attorney on contingency.
Here, your lawyer will absorb the risk of pursuing your case. They will cover all the costs of hiring experts, investigating the cause of your dog bite, gathering evidence to support your claim, the court fees, and more.
You will not be expected to cover any out-of-pocket expenses. You will only cover attorney’s fees if we win in your case. This creates an opportunity for dog bite victims to seek the justice they deserve with minimal risk.
Contact A Dog Bite Attorney In Birmingham For Help Today
When your dog bite injuries have taken a toll on your life, and you do not know where to turn for help, reach out to a Birmingham dog bite lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys.
If our firm agrees to take on your case, you can rest easier knowing we are working diligently to recover total compensation for your damages. Receive your no-cost, risk-free consultation by completing our convenient contact form or calling our office today.
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form