Shreveport Dog Bite Lawyer

Fighting for You and Your Loved Ones

Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. Victims are often left dealing with hospital bills, infections, scars, and sometimes lifelong anxiety. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Shreveport, Louisiana, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our Shreveport dog bite attorney can help you understand your rights under Louisiana law, gather the evidence you need, and pursue justice against negligent dog owners. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

Secure the experienced and compassionate legal help by calling us at (318) 633-0186 or submit an online form now.

Common Reasons Why Dogs Attack

While dogs are often loving companions, they can become aggressive under certain circumstances. Understanding why a dog attacks can be important in determining liability in a dog bite case. Some of the most common reasons dogs bite include:

• Fear or Anxiety – Dogs may bite when they feel threatened or cornered, even if no real threat exists.
• Protectiveness – Dogs are territorial by nature and may bite to defend their home, owner, or food.
• Pain or Illness – An injured or sick dog may react aggressively when touched or startled.
• Lack of Training or Socialization – Dogs that have not been properly trained or socialized are more likely to bite.
• Provocation – Some dogs react to teasing, loud noises, or fast movements.
• Negligence by Owners – Owners who fail to leash, confine, or control their dogs can be held liable when their animals attack.

Dog bites are often preventable. When an owner’s negligence allows their animal to cause harm, they can be held legally responsible for your injuries.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Shreveport

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, which often require immediate medical attention. The severity of these injuries can vary depending on the size and breed of the dog and the location of the bite. 

Here are some of the common injuries resulting from dog bites:

• Puncture Wounds: These can cause severe tissue damage and potential infection if not treated properly.
• Lacerations: Deep cuts that may require stitches or surgical intervention.
• Broken Bones: Particularly in children or elderly victims due to the force of the bite.
• Infections: Bacterial infections, such as rabies or tetanus, can quickly escalate if untreated.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent changes to physical appearance that may require cosmetic surgery.

In addition to these physical injuries, the psychological impact of a dog bite can be severe, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and a lifelong fear of dogs. Victims may require therapy and long-term emotional support to recover from the trauma associated with the attack.

Louisiana Dog Bite Law

Louisiana follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2321. This means that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog if they knew or should have known the animal had dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent harm.

To prove a dog bite claim in Louisiana, a victim typically must show:

1. The dog posed an unreasonable risk of harm,
2. The owner knew or should have known about the risk,
3. The owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the injury, and
4. The victim did not provoke the dog and was legally on the property where the attack occurred.

Louisiana’s dog bite law differs from “one-bite” states, where owners are only liable after a prior attack. In Louisiana, an owner can be held liable even if it’s the dog’s first incident—so long as negligence or failure to restrain the dog can be shown.

If you’ve been bitten, contacting a Shreveport dog bite attorney immediately can help ensure that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected under state law.

Overview of Animal Control in LA

Animal control regulations in Louisiana and the city of Shreveport are designed to protect the public from dangerous animals. These laws outline owner responsibilities and local enforcement procedures for aggressive dogs.

Some key points about animal control in Louisiana include:

• Leash Laws: In Shreveport, dogs must be kept on a leash or confined within the owner’s property. Failure to do so can lead to fines or liability if an attack occurs.
• Dangerous Dog Classification: When a dog has bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior, animal control authorities may label it as “dangerous.” The owner may then be required to follow strict containment and insurance rules.
• Reporting Requirements: Victims of dog bites should report the incident to Caddo Parish Animal Services or the Shreveport Police Department. This ensures the dog is quarantined and checked for rabies, and that a formal record is created.
• Owner Accountability: Owners are expected to take all reasonable steps to prevent attacks, including securing fences, leashing pets, and warning visitors of known dangers.

A violation of local animal control laws can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your dog bite claim.

Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite

Dog bite injuries can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Victims may face hospital stays, reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. With help from our team, you can pursue compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or earning income.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, scarring, and long-term emotional trauma.
• Disfigurement or Disability: Compensation for permanent scarring, nerve damage, or mobility loss.
• Property Damage: Clothing or personal items damaged in the attack.

In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the owner acted with gross negligence or intentionally encouraged the attack.

Proven Strategies for Dog Bite Claims

When pursuing a dog bite claim, a strategic approach is vital to seek maximum compensation. Our firm utilizes proven strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each claim:

• Thorough Investigation: Gathering comprehensive evidence including medical records, witness testimony, and expert analysis.
• Collaborative Approach: Working alongside clients to understand their needs and develop personalized legal strategies.
• Negotiation Skills: Engaging in settlement discussions with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
• Litigation Preparedness: Ready to take the case to court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be achieved.

Understanding the local legal landscape and nuances is crucial in formulating strategies for dog bite claims. Shreveport's unique community dynamics and legal frameworks require an attorney who is not only knowledgeable about Louisiana dog bite laws but also locally grounded. Our firm leverages its intimate understanding of Shreveport's judicial environment to create robust legal strategies designed to address the intricacies of each client's situation. Speak with a qualified dog bite attorney today.

Connect with a trusted dog bite lawyer near you in Shreveport right away. Call us at (318) 633-0186 or fill out our online form.

Dog Bite Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana’s statute of limitations, you generally have one year from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could result in your claim being dismissed, so it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

What should I do immediately after a dog bite?

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Report the attack to animal control or local law enforcement.
3. Gather evidence, such as photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene.
4. Obtain witness statements and the dog owner’s contact information.
5. Contact a Shreveport dog bite attorney to protect your rights.

Can I recover damages if the dog belonged to a friend or neighbor?

Yes. Dog bite claims are typically paid by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not directly from the owner’s pocket. You can pursue compensation without jeopardizing your personal relationship.

What if the dog bite happened on the owner’s property?

You may still have a valid claim if you were lawfully on the property (for example, as a guest or delivery person) and did not provoke the dog.

Do I need an attorney to file a claim?

While it’s not required, having an experienced dog bite lawyer in Shreveport can significantly increase your chances of obtaining full compensation. An attorney can handle negotiations, collect evidence, and ensure your claim complies with Louisiana law.

Get In Touch With Our Dog Bite Attorney in Shreveport Right Now

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Shreveport, don't navigate the legal process alone. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we are deeply invested in community welfare and committed to supporting our clients with compassion and diligence. Our legal team is ready to assist you from initial consultation to resolution, ensuring that your interests are at the forefront of our efforts.

Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your situation with our experienced dog bite attorney. We understand the challenges you face and stand prepared to provide the guidance you need. Reach out to us at (318) 633-0186 to begin your journey toward recovery and compensation.

Get the help you need from our qualified Shreveport dog bite attorneys at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law. Call (318) 633-0186 or fill out our online form for a consultation.