Being bitten by a dog can be terrifying. If you’re in Metairie, Louisiana, and dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help. Our team understands how overwhelming this situation can feel, especially when you’re in pain and unsure where to turn. A Metairie dog bite lawyer from our firm can explain your rights, help you understand your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (504) 323-6000 for a free consultation.
How Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Metairie
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring 26 years of combined experience to every case. Over the years, we’ve recovered millions for our clients, helping them rebuild their lives after unexpected injuries.
When you work with a Metairie dog bite attorney from our team, you can expect the following:
- A free case review where we listen to your story and explain your legal options
- Careful investigation of the incident to gather evidence and strengthen your case
- Negotiation with insurance companies to fight for a fair settlement
- Representation in court if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable deal
- Compassionate support from start to finish
We know Metairie, Louisiana, and we know how to navigate local laws and courts to best serve you. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you take the first step toward healing.
What is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s natural to wonder what your case might be worth. Every situation is different, and your story matters. The truth is that many aspects can affect the value of your claim.
Some of the biggest factors include:
- How badly you were hurt and whether you’ll need future medical care
- The medical bills and other costs you’ve already had to cover
- Whether you missed work or can’t return to your job
- The emotional toll the attack has taken on you
- Whether the dog owner ignored leash laws or acted recklessly
Louisiana law generally holds owners responsible if they knew or should have known their dog could be dangerous. However, it isn’t always simple to prove. We know how hard it is to put a price tag on pain, fear, and the way your life has changed. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your story, building a case that truly reflects everything you’ve been through.
It’s also important to remember that emotional trauma can play a big role in these cases. Many people experience lasting anxiety around dogs, difficulty sleeping, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious bite. These very real effects deserve recognition in your case. We want to make sure you’re not just compensated for the visible injuries but for the hidden wounds as well.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims?
In a legal case, “damages” refers to the money awarded to make up for what you lost because of the accident. There are two main types of damages in Louisiana: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover actual financial losses. This includes things like:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy or rehab costs
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Future medical care
These are things you can usually show with receipts, bills, or pay stubs. It’s not just your immediate hospital visit that matters. You may need follow-up appointments, counseling, or even surgery down the line. We factor all of this into calculating the full value of your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are harder to measure but just as real. They cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We know money can’t erase the trauma, but it can help you move forward. Emotional recovery can take just as long, if not longer, than physical healing. That’s why our team fights to ensure that these damages are treated seriously.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, we only get paid if we win your case.
A contingency fee is a percentage of your settlement or award. This setup lets you get top-notch legal help without worrying about the cost. Every case is different, so we’ll go over the details with you during your free consultation.
We believe that financial concerns shouldn’t stop you from getting the help you need. Whether your case is large or small, we give every client the same dedication and respect.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Dog Bite Accident in Louisiana?
Sometimes, the other side might claim that you somehow caused or contributed to the dog bite. In Louisiana, we follow a rule called pure comparative fault.
Comparative fault means that if you were partly responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
It’s important to understand that insurance companies often try to use this to their advantage. They might blame you, so they are on the hook for less. Our attorneys know these tactics. A Metairie dog bite attorney from our team will fight hard to protect your rights and make sure the blame is placed where it truly belongs.
Even if you think you might be partly at fault, don’t assume you have no case. Fault can be complicated, and Louisiana law still allows you to recover compensation even if you share some of the blame.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause much more than a scratch. Some common injuries include:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Infections like rabies or tetanus
- Emotional trauma, especially in children
Serious bites often need stitches, surgeries, or even long-term therapy. The emotional scars can last just as long as the physical ones. We know how much a dog bite can change your life, and we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Children are especially vulnerable to long-term effects after a dog attack. Fear of animals, social anxiety, and low self-esteem are common issues that may need years of therapy. We approach every case involving a child with extra care, compassion, and sensitivity.
What Causes Most Dog Bite Accidents in Metairie, Louisiana?
Dog bites can happen for many reasons, including:
- Lack of proper training
- Failure to leash or contain dogs in public spaces
- Neglectful supervision of dogs around children
- Aggressive breeds not properly restrained
In Metairie, we see a lot of bites happen at parks, during neighborhood walks, or even when visiting someone’s home. Many cases involve owners who violate local leash laws or fail to control their pets.
Neighborhood events, festivals, and outdoor markets are also common spots where dog owners may underestimate the risk their pets pose. Crowded, noisy environments can easily cause a dog to become anxious and act unpredictably.
Wherever it happens, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Louisiana?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim.
That might seem like plenty of time, but it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses can move away or forget what they saw. Plus, starting early gives your attorney more time to build a strong case.
Some rare exceptions could give you more time, like if the injured person is a minor. But it’s risky to rely on exceptions without talking to a lawyer. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to compensation forever.
Contact our Metairie Dog Bite Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in Metairie, Louisiana, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the experience, compassion, and drive to fight for you. Call our Metairie dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and guide you toward the justice you deserve.