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Dog Bites

You cannot always predict situations that may cause you harm. An unexpected dog bite can rip you from your routine in an instant, leaving you with hospital bills, jagged scars, and painful wounds that require special care.

When an unexpected attack results in a significant injury, you need the help of one of our compassionate personal injury attorneys to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. At Parke Gordon, we have more than 25 years of experience securing favorable outcomes for our injury clients. The Idaho Falls dog bite lawyers from our firm hold the owner accountable for their dog’s behavior and get you the compensation you need.

Who Is Responsible After a Dog Bite?

A dog owner is responsible for their dog’s bite injuries in accordance with a layered framework of state and local code. Under Idaho Code § 25-2810, even if the dog never bit anyone before, the owner may be liable for your medical expenses and any property damage as long as you did not trespass onto the owner’s property or provoke the dog. This law essentially establishes the owner’s fault for bite injuries regardless of whether the owner’s actions were negligent.

However, pet safety requirements under local law can establish liability for owners under a traditional negligence theory. Idaho Falls  Ordinance Chapter 5, Title 6 includes requirements for pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash, prevent them from running outside of a secure enclosure, and strictly contain dogs that are known to attack. These regulations serve as powerful evidence that one of our skilled animal injury attorneys can use to strengthen your claim in Idaho Falls.

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Our Process

How We Handle Your Case

1

We start by understanding your situation, reviewing the details of your accident, and advising you on your legal options.

2

Our team gathers medical records, accident reports, expert opinions, and all necessary documentation to support your claim.

3

We engage with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement while keeping your best interests at the forefront.

4

If a fair offer is not made, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Fighting for the Results You Deserve

Handling Injury Claims For Over 25 years
No Fees Unless We Win
Client-First Legal Representation
Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled

Strong Advocacy When It Matters Most

When a case moves into litigation, having a confident and experienced legal team comes essential. We approach every case with the mindset that preparation and precision make the difference. From presenting evidence to challenging opposing arguments, we advocate for your position with clarity, strategy.

Our team is committed to standing firmly on your behalf in every setting—whether in negotiations, hearings, or the courtroom. We understand the pressure clients face during this stage, and we work to ensure your voice is heard and your case is presented with strength and credibility.

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Statute of Limitations for Dog Injury Claims

After sustaining injuries from a canine wound, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for damages in accordance with Idaho Code § 5-219(4). Time-sensitive evidence and insurance company considerations warrant swift action on your part. You should consult with legal counsel after your injury to prevent your claim from being dismissed or denied on a technicality.

Understanding Comparative Fault and Damages

Recovering a settlement after a dog-related injury is not as simple as compiling all your medical bills. The state follows a modified comparative negligence model under Idaho Code § 6-801 for purposes of pursuing financial compensation. Under this model, if you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault for the dog bite incident, you may not be able to recover damages.

In dog bite litigation, courts consider your specific actions when determining your amount of fault in accordance with Idaho Code § 6-802. For example, they may review whether you provoked the dog in any way, trespassed onto private property, or ignored a warning or sign about the dog.

As long as you are not more than 49 percent responsible, you may recover both economic and non-economic damages for the dog bite injury. Economic damages compensate for the financial harm you suffered, such as your medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional harm you endured, including disfigurement, scarring, and emotional distress. One of our dedicated attorneys can help you overcome the comparative fault determination and maximize your overall compensation for a dog bite injury in Idaho Falls.

Contact One of Our Idaho Falls Attorneys for Help With a Dog Bite Injury Today

The consequences of a sudden dog bite can be lasting. Between your medical bills, your potential lost earnings, and the physical and emotional toll of the attack, the stakes are too high to leave your future to the whims of an insurance company.

By partnering with our Idaho Falls dog bite lawyers, you gain a fierce advocate who understands how to quantify the extent of your damages and build a compelling case for fair compensation. Call Parke Gordon today for your free case review.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should hire a dog bite attorney as soon as possible. At the outset, we can speak to insurance adjusters, make sure you are getting the right medical treatment, and handle medical bills.

Hiring a dog bite attorney does not cost you anything upfront. Instead, dog bite attorneys are paid a percentage of your settlement funds when the claim is paid. This type of fee arrangement is called a contingency fee – the attorney fee is contingent on your attorney obtaining a recovery for you. You owe your attorney nothing if your attorney cannot obtain a settlement for you.

A person bitten by a dog is entitled to recover economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are damages that you can calculate by adding them up, including property damage, lost wages, and medical bills. Non-economic damages include intangible damages commonly referred to as pain and suffering. Non-economic damages can be significant and include compensation for scarring, disfigurement, permanent injury, emotional stress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The foregoing is a brief description of a few factors that are important in evaluating a dog bite case but are not intended to substitute for individual legal advice. If you want to learn more about evaluating your dog bite claim, please call us, and we’d be happy to discuss your claim with you.

The laws governing dog bites vary and include municipal and county codes, state statutes, and common law negligence. Some jurisdictions have enacted strict liability laws for dog bites, some have enacted strict liability laws for dog bites by certain breeds of dogs, and in other jurisdictions, you may have to prove that the dog owner knew that their dog had the propensity to bite someone and failed to take precautions to avoid dog bites before you can obtain a recovery. Call us and we can determine what the law is in your jurisdiction.

Yes, if the person who owns the dog that attacked you owns a home and has purchased homeowner’s insurance, then most homeowner’s insurance policies will provide liability coverage. Sometimes, a person who rents a home or apartment will purchase renter’s insurance, and the renter’s insurance policy will provide liability coverage for dog bites. Unfortunately, there are circumstances when the person who owns the dog that attacked you is not covered by any liability insurance policy.