Dog Bite Lawyer
Often, the individual bitten by the dog doesn’t know where to start. Fortunately, we’re here to lend a helping hand to dog bite victims. When you come to us for assistance, we make sure to arrange the required medical treatment, physical therapy, plastic surgeon evaluations as well as psychological consultations.
We help you get the required medical treatment you need even if you do not have medical insurance. We have doctors that will treat you on a lien and will get paid at the time your case settles. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for you.
You can put your trust in our law firm, as our record of success allows us to provide these services to you. Additionally, we’re confident that you’ll get the reimbursement you deserve for the injuries caused by the bite.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Regardless of the size and age of the dog, it’s important to know that any dog can bite. Even the sweetest, fuzziest, and cuddliest canine can bite. Some of the reasons that can get a dog to bite an individual include:
- Sickness: A dog may bite if he/she is not feeling well. Medical issues may decrease a canine’s threshold for reactivity, which results in a higher chance of attacking individuals.
- Miscommunication: Dogs and people do not speak the same language. This disconnect sometimes results in interactions that individuals consider as friendly, but are actually threatening to dogs.
- Inadequate or Improper Training: When an attack happens, it could be due to improper (or the lack of) supervision or training by the dog owner.
Most dog owners understand the responsibilities they assume when owning a dog or taking it out in public, but despite the owner’s best intentions, getting bit by a dog is an everyday possibility faced by many Utah residents. Even the most well-behaved canine can lash out if it’s scared, cornered, or injured. Accidents can happen, and the perception that the bite was out of the dog owner’s control could be part of the reason why only around 1 in 5 dog bites are reported to authorities. Ultimately, however, the dog is the responsibility of the owner.
What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog
The first thing to do if bitten by a dog is to seek medical attention. Even if the dog’s teeth or claws did not break the skin, other injuries can be sustained like bruises to both bone or both bone and muscle, or even a sprain in an attempt to fight off the animal. Seeing a medical professional is obviously important for health reasons, but it also helps strengthen your case should legal action be taken.
If the skin is broken, dog teeth will often cause a puncture wound. WebMD suggests placing a clean towel over the wound to stop any bleeding, keeping the area elevated, and washing it with soap and water. Dog’s mouths can harbor a lot of bacteria, so keeping the wound clean and sterile is of the utmost importance. Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus are all signs of infection and should be addressed by a doctor as soon as possible.
Certain pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or liver disease may be at a greater risk for disease. The American Red Cross warns against chasing down or trying to capture the dog that bit you; a captured dog will most likely become frightened and attempt to fight its way to freedom. If the dog is one you do not know, it is important to get tested for diseases like rabies.
The best chance of surviving rabies is if a vaccine is administered before signs of illness are apparent.
Establishing Fault
After being attacked, exchange information with the dog’s owner if they are present and you are able to. Most circumstances that involve a dog attack will also include other witnesses, and it would be wise to collect their information as well if they are willing to share it.
Testimonials from other people who saw the attack help to serve as secondary accounts of what you, your attorney, will allege happened. The firm will use any information available to call witnesses as well as capture a police animal control report from the authorities if they’re involved to make sure the account of the attack is accurate. Accurate reports, accounts, and testimony strengthen your case and increase your chance of getting a fair settlement.
California is a strict liability state, however, the issue in dog bite cases is often proving ownership of the animal, locating the owner, confirming insurance information, and the assets of the owner of the animal.
- We can provide an immediate doctor’s visit for your injuries regardless of the insurance available
- We will get all medical bills paid
- We will get you reimbursement for time missed from work
- Obtain a consultation with a plastic surgeon for all permanent scars
- Consultation with a psychologist for any emotional issues that need to be resolved
William Rawlings & Associates has successfully represented hundreds of children and adults attacked by vicious dogs and domestic animals. We have medical specialists who are able to provide treatment and care without any upfront cost to you.
If you have been injured in a dog bite or other animal attack and you need a dog bite lawyer, contact William Rawlings & Associates as soon as possible, so that we may begin the work necessary to obtain a fair recovery for you and your loved ones.
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I cannot speak highly enough about this place. They do an incredible job at taking care of their clients and really go out of their way to make it a smooth, sailing process. I had the opportunity to have Ryne Jones as my lawyer and he is extremely knowledgeable and was very communicative through out the entire process. Again, highly recommend.
I hired Matt and his company’s services and received excellent assistance throughout the entire process. Everything was clarified and explained to me, and I am highly satisfied with the outcome. The staff treated me exceptionally well, demonstrating honesty and ensuring that every step of the process was thoroughly explained.I really recommended them!!
Absolutely a fantastic experience to work with Matt! I was contacted very shortly (within hours) of just sending in a message on the website, and it was so nice to let an attorney handle my case. I was so stressed out before contacting William Rawlings and Associates, but I am grateful I did because my stress levels went way down. I was guided throughout the process of my case, and I was included in all decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, without having to go to court. At William Rawlings & Associates, we successfully settle almost 98% of our accident cases outside of court. However, if the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement covering all your present and future losses, we are fully prepared to represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
When Should I Contact a Utah Personal Injury Attorney?
It’s important to talk to a Utah personal injury lawyer right after an accident. This helps make sure your side of the story is clear and important details aren’t lost. You can even call us while you’re still at the scene of the crash. Our Salt Lake City accident attorneys will start working on your case right away and help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have health insurance. We’ll be there for you from start to finish—and we’ll come to you, whether that’s at the scene of the car accident, the hospital, your home, or a nearby local meeting spot.
What If I Can't Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer?
At William Rawlings & Associates, we operate on a zero-fee guarantee—you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case. We also advance all necessary costs, such as filing fees and medical evaluations, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses. Contact our experienced Salt Lake City accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us by filling out our contact form here, using the chat feature on our website, or calling (801) 553-0505.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer and Why Do I Need One?
A personal injury lawyer practices law where individuals have been harmed due to others’ negligence. With over 100 years of combined experience, our firm understands the tactics insurance companies use to lower payouts. Having our skilled Utah personal injury attorneys on your side helps you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys will handle the entire process from start to finish, including the intake. You’ll also speak directly with an attorney when they reach out to you.
Why Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Hire an Attorney?
Insurance companies often discourage legal representation to settle claims quickly and for less than their full value. Once you accept a settlement, you forfeit the right to additional compensation. Our award-winning personal injury attorneys will advocate for your best interests, making sure you receive full compensation.
What Can I Expect During My Free Consultation?
During your free consultation, we’ll meet at a location convenient for you—be it our office, your home, or another place. We’ll discuss the details of your case, assess its merits, and outline the next steps. There’s no obligation to hire us immediately; take the time you need to decide. The sooner we begin, the sooner we can work towards your recovery.
I Was Injured in an Accident and Need Medical Attention. How Do My Bills Get Paid?
In Utah, most car insurance policies include at least $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which helps pay for medical bills regardless of who was at fault. However, it’s common for medical expenses to go over that initial coverage.
If you have health insurance, you can submit the remaining bills through your provider. If you don’t, a Utah car accident lawyer at William Rawlings & Associates can help. We’ll contact your medical providers and arrange a medical lien, allowing you to continue receiving necessary care—from physical therapy to surgery—without upfront payment. Your providers agree to wait for payment until your case is settled, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal and financial details.
What Types of Cases Does William Rawlings & Associates Handle?
We specialize in various personal injury cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents
- Wrongful death
- Dog Bites
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Bike accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury
Our Utah personal injury attorneys handle cases ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic losses. Our attorneys manage your case from beginning to end. You can contact your attorney at any stage of the process, and they are always available to assist you. You will also have a team of attorneys supporting your case.
What Is the Process of Hiring an Accident Attorney in Utah from William Rawlings & Associates?
Step 1: Contact Us — It’s Completely Free
It’s 100% free to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys about your accident. You can call us 24/7, connect with us via the live chat on our website, or fill out a form here, and a team member will get back to you quickly.
Step 2: We Come to You
Our Utah personal injury attorneys will meet you wherever it’s most convenient—at the scene of the accident, your home, the hospital, or a nearby location. We make it easy so you can focus on recovery.
Step 3: We Handle Everything
From the moment we take your case, we handle it from start to finish. You will have constant communication with the attorney who handles your case throughout the process.
Step 4: You Get the Compensation You Deserve
You don’t pay us unless we win. With our ZERO Fee Guarantee, there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. We cover all case-related costs and only get paid when we win or settle your case. Your compensation can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages—so you can focus on healing, not financial stress.
Why Choose William Rawlings & Associates as Your Utah Injury Attorney?
With more than 100 years of combined experience and 24/7 availability, William Rawlings & Associates has become a trusted name in Utah personal injury law. We’ve handled tough cases, won big results, and recovered hundreds of millions for our clients. We have attorneys who are former insurance adjusters and insurance attorneys, so we understand how insurance companies operate—and we use that insight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
We offer a zero-fee guarantee, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our team has been recognized among Salt Lake City’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers, named Utah’s Legal Elite, and honored as Top Trial Attorneys.
When you’re looking for the right attorney, experience and trust matter. We offer free consultations, a client-first approach, and support that goes beyond legal advice. Nearly 50% of our new clients are referred by former clients, and we’re the firm other lawyers trust to represent their own family and friends.