Salt Lake City Dog Bite Attorneys

Providing Compassionate Legal Representation

Being attacked or bitten by a dog is an incredibly frightening and painful experience. For many, the event will leave them with serious injuries, lasting scars, and significant emotional trauma. This is especially pronounced in children who, unfortunately, are statistically the most at risk of being bitten by a dog. Tragically, some dog attacks are fatal.

If you, your child, or a loved one was bitten, attacked, or otherwise injured by a dog, Lowe Law Group is here to help. We understand the immense trauma of what you have been through, as well as the many challenges that still lay ahead on the road to recovery. Our Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys offer caring and compassionate support, providing answers to your questions and guiding you through the legal process. You shouldn’t have to face the devastating consequences of a dog owner’s negligence on your own; let our firm share how we can help.

Utah Dog Bite Laws

Every state has its own laws regarding dog bites and dog owner liability. Utah follows the rule of strict liability, meaning dog owners are always liable for injuries their animals cause, even when the dog owner had no reason to believe the dog might bite or be aggressive. Additionally, the law isn’t only limited to instances in which a dog actually bites someone; dog owners are also liable when their pets cause injuries to others by attacking them, knocking them down, or otherwise injuring them without biting.

A person who is bitten or injured by a dog may bring an injury claim against the owner under the state’s dog bite statute or they may bring a claim based on the theory of negligence. This simply means that the injured individual can seek compensation for their damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.) by arguing that the dog owner was negligent. In order to do so, the injured individual will need to prove that the dog owner negligently failed to take reasonable care to ensure that their dog would not injure someone. A dog owner may be considered negligent if they allow their dog to run loose in a public park and the dog, while off-leash, attacks another park visitor.

What If the Dog Owner Says I Provoked the Dog?

One common defense to Utah dog bite claims is arguing that the injured individual provoked the dog or is otherwise somehow responsible for the attack. In fact, under the state’s comparative negligence rule, you could be barred from recovering compensation if the dog owner proves that you were more than 50% at fault for the incident. If you are less than 50% at fault, you may still recover compensation for your injuries and damages, but the total amount you will be able to recover will be reduced by whatever percentage of fault the jury decides you have.

Can I Sue a Dog Owner If I Was Bit by the Dog While Trespassing?

If you were unlawfully on someone’s private property (trespassing) when you were attacked or bitten by a dog, you may not have a case. Landowners are responsible for ensuring safe premises for those who visit their homes, businesses, or properties, but their legal responsibility to trespassers is far less than their responsibility to those who are lawfully on the premises.

This does not mean that you cannot file a claim if you were bitten by a dog on the dog owner’s property. If you can prove that you were lawfully on the property when the attack occurred, you can still file a claim under Utah’s dog bite statute or, possibly, under the state’s premises liability laws. It’s important that you contact an experienced Salt Lake City dog bite attorney who can walk you through your options and provide personalized legal counsel tailored to your specific situation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Utah?

In Utah, you have four years from the date of the injury/attack to file a dog bite claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to bring your claim within this timeframe, you will almost assuredly be barred from recovering compensation.

How Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help

At Lowe Law Group, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial impact dog attacks have on victims and their loved ones. If you were bitten by a dog, you are likely dealing with serious injuries and extensive medical treatment, not to mention a long road to recovery. Our attorneys are here to help you fight for the fair compensation you are owed and to hold negligent dog owners accountable. We are committed to seeking justice on behalf of dog bite victims, providing personalized support and guidance every step of the way.

With years of experience and a proven record of success—having won millions for our clients—Lowe Law Group is ready to represent you. We want to hear your story and learn how we can help. There is absolutely no cost and no pressure when you call, and we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. This means, should you decide to work with our attorneys, you do not owe any fees unless we successfully win your case—guaranteed.