Mobile Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

How do I Know If I Have a Valid Dog Bite Case in Alabama?

Dog bite cases can be complicated, so you should review your situation with an experienced lawyer to determine if there may be a case.

If your situation meets the following criteria, there may be a case and you should discuss it with an attorney:

• The bite occurred on the owner’s property or because the dog was chasing you in the vicinity of the owner’s property.
• The owner was negligent, either through knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior or failure to properly secure the dog, in violation of city or county statute.
• You suffered damages from the bite, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys today to review what happened and your potential path forward.

What Are Alabama’s Laws on Dog Bites?

Alabama dog bite laws are quite complex, which is why victims should not assume there is no case until they talk to a licensed Mobile dog bite lawyer.

The ‘Mailman Rule’

The “Mailman Rule” is an Alabama law that states that a dog owner may be liable if their dog bites or injures someone who is on their property. This includes individuals like mail carriers, utility workers or anyone else with a legal reason to be on the property. Dog owners can also be held liable if their dog bites someone while chasing them in the vicinity of the property.

One-Bite Rule

Dog owners can be held liable for bites if they had prior knowledge of the animal’s vicious or dangerous behavior. For example, owners have prior knowledge if their dogs’ violent tendencies if they have been legally classified as dangerous.

In other words, keeping a dangerous dog can be considered negligence. There would be no need for the victim to prove the owner did something else that created an unreasonable risk of a dog attack.

How Do I Prove My Case Against a Negligent Dog Owner?

You need strong evidence to prove a Mobile dog bite case. Our Mobile dog bite attorneys can handle the gathering of the evidence you need to build a robust case. This evidence may include:

• Documented instances where the dog attacked or bit another person or animal.
• Witnesses’ observations of the dog’s aggressive behavior, such as growling, snarling, chasing or knocking people down.
• Documentation showing the dog’s need for sedation during treatment or any other indication of aggressive tendencies.
• Evidence that the dog was specifically trained to exhibit aggressive or protective behaviors may highlight the risk of encountering the dog.

What is the Definition of a Dangerous Dog in Alabama?

Alabama classifies a dog as dangerous based on its behavior, not breed. In this state, a dangerous dog is one that has:

• Bitten, attacked or caused physical injury, serious injury or death to a person without provocation or justification

How Much Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Alabama?

The value of your case largely depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, the impact on your quality of life and the financial loss you have incurred.

If you were injured by a dog in the Mobile area, you may be able to seek compensation for these types of damages:

Medical Expenses

You can claim your medical expenses for treatment of your dog bite injuries, which may include:

• Emergency medical treatment, including ambulance fees
• Hospital stays for surgery, observation and recovery
• Rehabilitative services could include physical therapy or occupational therapy required to regain lost mobility or function
• Medication for pain management or to prevent an infection from the bite
• Ongoing care includes long-term treatments or nursing care that may be necessary for severe injuries

Lost Wages and/or Earning Capacity

This may include:

• Lost wages during your hospitalization or immediate recovery when you are unable to work or restricted from working
• Future earnings may be claimed if your injuries result in an inability to return to work, either temporarily or permanently
• Loss of earning capacity if you cannot earn at the same capacity as before the accident

Pain and Suffering

Generally, you cannot recover compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering unless the dog was dangerous or the owner had knowledge of the dog’s propensity for vicious, dangerous or mischievous behavior.

Pain and suffering can include:  

• Physical pain: Compensation for the immediate and ongoing physical pain resulting from your injuries
• Emotional distress: This refers to the psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, PTSD or loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of companionship or consortium: If your injuries affect your relationships with your spouse or family, you may claim compensation for these effects.

Our experienced attorneys are committed to seeking full compensation for your damages. We often consult medical experts and other relevant experts to evaluate a claim and determine all the ways the victim has been affected. We want you to have all the compensation you need to move forward after this incident.

What Kinds of Injuries Can Dogs Cause When They Bite?

A dog bite incident could lead to a wide range of potential injuries:

Lacerations and Abrasions

The dog’s teeth can easily break the skin and cause severe cuts or lacerations. Victims may roll around on the grass, sidewalk or pavement, which could cause skin abrasions.

Some cuts and scrapes might appear minor but there is a risk of an infection, particularly in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Children, due to their smaller body size and weaker immune systems, may face severe infections from these injuries.

Emotional Trauma

The psychological impact of a dog bite can be the same as the effects of physical injuries, especially for children who may develop a lasting fear of dogs or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Rabies and Other Infections

Although rare, dog bites can transmit rabies. If infected, individuals with compromised immune systems face more severe outcomes.

Nerve Damage

Bites can cause temporary or permanent damage to nerves, leading to loss of sensation or motor function. For the elderly, this may compound existing mobility challenges, severely impacting their independence.

Broken Bones or Dislocations

If a large dog gets ahold of an arm or leg, it could pull hard enough to dislocate or even break a bone. The break could also cause damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

If you suffered any of these injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages. Call our Mobile dog bite lawyers today to learn more.

Are There Deadlines for Filing Dog Bite Injury Claims in Alabama?

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is two years from the incident date. If the two-year period expires before you file a lawsuit, you usually cannot pursue compensation for your injuries or other related damages.

However, there may be exceptions to this law if the case involves minors. The two-year period usually starts when the minor turns 19.

We highly recommend speaking to a Mobile dog bite lawyer if you have any concerns or questions about the statute of limitations.

Do I Have a Case if I Was Bitten While Visiting a Friend?

Yes, you may have a case if you were bitten by a friend or family member’s dog. Alabama law holds dog owners liable if their dog bites someone who is lawfully on their property, including family members and friends.

We understand that you may be hesitant to file a claim with a family member or friend. However, these claims are usually with the dog owner’s insurance company. That means your lawyer would be dealing with them and not your friend or family member.  

Can I Receive Compensation for a Dog Bite if I Was Trespassing?

If you were trespassing when bitten by a dog, you might not be eligible for compensation, as trespassing can provoke the dog. However, each case is different. For example, if you were on the property for work, the circumstances will be considered to determine eligibility for compensation.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

If a dog has attacked you, there are some important steps you should take for your health and your legal rights:

Visit a Doctor

Seek medical attention immediately to get a diagnosis for your injuries. Even if they seem minor, your injuries could become infected or you could develop symptoms of a more severe condition over time.

Find Out More About the Dog

Determine if the dog that bit you has vaccinations for rabies. Also, find out if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Ask if the dog has attacked others in the past. The owner may not provide this information, but your attorney may be able to investigate.

Report the Dog Bite

File a report with a local animal control center or police department. Note the time you called and the name of the person you spoke to about the attack.

Document the Incident

If it is safe to do so, take photographs of your injuries, the place where the attack took place and the dog that hurt you.

Obtain Contact Information

Write down the names and contact information of the owner and any witnesses who saw the attack.

Contact Our Mobile Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Alabama, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses.  

Our Mobile dog bite lawyers are dedicated to helping victims throughout the legal process. During a free initial consultation, we can help you determine your options without any upfront fees.

Our law firm has assisted more than 10,000 clients, securing hundreds of millions in compensation on their behalf. There are no fees with our services unless we win.

Our Mobile office is located about 15 minutes from the Mobile County District Courthouse.