Dog bite injuries can cause severe physical and emotional trauma. Beyond the immediate pain and medical expenses, victims often face scarring, infection risks, and lasting psychological effects. In Fayetteville and throughout Arkansas, property owners and dog owners have a legal responsibility to prevent injuries on their premises.
Odom Law Firm handles dog bite cases with the understanding that these injuries extend far beyond the initial wound. Our team brings over 100 years of combined legal experience in personal injury litigation, including premises liability cases involving animal attacks. We investigate thoroughly, challenge insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve. Whether your injury resulted from a dog bite, slip and fall, or other premises liability incident, we have the expertise to help.
Why Choose Odom Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Case
Selecting the right law firm after a dog bite injury can make all the difference for your future.Odom Law Firm brings a reputation for thorough investigation, aggressive negotiation, and straight answers for every client.
Dog bite victims choose our team because:
- Our attorneys have handled a wide range of serious animal attack claims, from single bites to disfiguring and traumatic injuries.
- We respond quickly to preserve evidence, secure animal control and medical records, and fully document damages.
- Our founder’s background as an insurance adjuster provides strategic insight for maximizing settlements.
- Clients benefit from direct communication, honest case assessments, and a commitment to seeing every claim through to completion.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
We help injury victims pursue justice and the compensation they deserve, whether the bite affected a child, adult, or loved one.
How Odom Law Firm Fights for Dog Bite Victims
Our approach to dog bite cases combines thorough investigation with aggressive representation:
Investigation: We investigate the circumstances of the attack, the dog’s history, the owner’s knowledge of dangerous propensities, and any prior complaints or incidents involving the dog.
Insurance Negotiation: We handle all communication with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company. Our founder’s background as an insurance adjuster gives us unique insight into how insurance companies evaluate and settle claims.
Evidence Gathering: We collect medical records, animal control reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a compelling case. Our team has successfully handled dog bite lawsuits across Arkansas, including cases involving nursing home abuse and other serious premises liability matters.
Settlement vs. Trial: We pursue fair settlements when possible, but we are prepared to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse reasonable offers. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience in personal injury litigation. We also handle drunk driving accidents, uninsured driver claims, rideshare accidents, and hit and run cases.
Contingency Basis: We represent dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only recover a fee if we win your case.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Arkansas
Arkansas has specific laws governing dog attacks and owner liability. Under Arkansas Code § 5-62-125, an unlawful dog attack is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, civil liability for dog bite injuries operates under different rules. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for building a strong dog bite injury claim.
Arkansas follows a “one-bite” rule in most jurisdictions, meaning a dog owner may not be held liable for the first bite unless the owner knew the dog had dangerous propensities. However, this rule varies by location. Some municipalities, including Benton County, impose strict liability for dog bites regardless of the dog’s prior history. Understanding dog bite negligence laws is essential to protecting your rights.
Fayetteville has its own local ordinances governing dangerous dogs and animal control. Understanding which rules apply to your specific situation is critical to building a strong case. Our attorneys know Arkansas dog bite law and local ordinances inside and out. If you’ve been injured, contact our dog bite attorney to discuss your legal options. We also handle other serious injuries, including catastrophic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and burn injuries.
Types of Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims may recover several categories of damages:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency room treatment, surgery, reconstructive procedures, rabies prophylaxis, infection treatment, and ongoing medical care
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and future earning capacity if permanent disability results
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Additional damages for permanent visible injuries
- Psychological Trauma: Damages for PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and other mental health impacts
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant
The total value of a dog bite claim depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and the circumstances surrounding the attack. If you’ve suffered a serious injury, our team can help you understand your dog bite settlement options and dog bite compensation available to you. Similar to workers’ compensation claims, dog bite cases require thorough documentation and expert representation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
Dog bites cause a range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to life-altering trauma:
- Facial and head injuries, including bites to the face, ears, and scalp
- Deep puncture wounds and severe lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
- Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or permanent loss of sensation
- Infection and disease transmission, including rabies exposure and MRSA
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement, particularly on visible areas
- Psychological injuries, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, and phobias
Children face particular risk from dog bites, as they are often at eye level with dogs and may not recognize warning signs. Adults can suffer severe injuries during dog attacks as well, especially when multiple dogs are involved or the dog is a large breed. Similar to other premises liability injuries, dog bite cases require thorough investigation and expert representation. Our personal injury lawyers have handled numerous animal attack injury cases, as well as motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Fayetteville
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite protects your health and strengthens your legal claim:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even seemingly minor bites can become infected. Get evaluated by a healthcare provider and follow all treatment recommendations. This is as critical as seeking immediate care after a car accident or workplace accident.
Document the Incident: Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and any visible damage. Document the date, time, and circumstances.
Gather Witness Information: Collect names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack.
Report to Animal Control: File a report with Fayetteville Animal Control. This creates an official record and helps protect others.
Obtain Dog Owner Information: Get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information if possible.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, photographs, and documentation related to the incident.
Contact an Attorney: Call Odom Law Firm promptly. The sooner we begin investigating, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case. Our dog bite lawyers are ready to help you pursue dog bite damages. We also represent victims of product liability incidents and medical malpractice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Arkansas?
Arkansas has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases. This means you have three years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. However, do not wait to contact an attorney. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies move quickly to minimize claims. Contact our dog bite lawyer today to protect your rights.
Who is liable for a dog bite injury?
Liability depends on Arkansas law and local ordinances. Under the one-bite rule, the owner may be liable if they knew the dog had dangerous propensities. Under strict liability rules in some municipalities, the owner is liable regardless of prior knowledge. Property owners may also be liable if they failed to secure a dangerous dog or warn visitors of its presence. This is similar to liability in other premises liability cases.
What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a common defense in dog bite cases. However, provocation does not always eliminate liability. Arkansas law recognizes comparative fault, meaning even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. We investigate provocation claims thoroughly and challenge them with evidence.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
The value of a dog bite case depends on multiple factors: severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent scarring or disability, psychological impact, and the defendant’s degree of negligence. Minor bites typically result in relatively low settlements, while severe injuries can lead to substantially higher compensation. Our personal injury attorneys can evaluate your case.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Most dog bite cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we are prepared to litigate. Our trial experience and willingness to go to court often motivates insurance companies to settle reasonably.
Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim?
While you can file a claim without an attorney, having legal representation significantly improves your outcome. Insurance companies often undervalue claims when victims represent themselves. Our attorneys know how to value your claim properly, negotiate effectively, and litigate if necessary. Contact Odom Law Firm for a free consultation.
Contact Odom Law Firm Today
Contact Odom Law Firm today for a free consultation. Call our Fayetteville premises liability lawyers at 479-442-7575. We represent dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs.
