A dog bite can leave you facing serious physical injuries as well as emotional trauma and financial burdens. Thankfully, Louisiana has strict laws in place for dog bites and other animal attacks. By filing a claim, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses, including direct costs and more abstract losses like pain and suffering. A Lafayette dog bite lawyer can help you understand the claims process and advocate for you in and out of the courtroom.
The law firm of Gauthier & Granger is local to Louisiana and has decades of personal injury law experience under our belt. Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of state dog bite laws.
We’re not afraid to go up against insurance companies to advocate for fair compensation on your behalf. Whether we’re negotiating settlement terms or entering litigation, we are committed to seeing you through your case.
Louisiana operates under a modified strict liability for dog bite accidents. Under state law, owners are responsible for any damages caused by their animals if they could have avoided the situation through their knowledge and reasonable care.
This includes livestock, too. Louisiana recognizes a one-bite rule, which states that owners can only be negligent if they knew or had reason to believe their dog would bite someone. However, there is a lot of nuance in each dog bite claim that can affect the outcome.
Aggressive animals pose serious risks to workers as well as individuals simply living their lives. In 2023 alone, Louisiana USPS employees reported 113 dog attacks.
Dog bites can lead to serious injury or even death. It’s estimated that about 43 people die every year from dog attacks in the United States. It’s important to understand these risks and to know how to hold the right parties accountable if you’re injured or suffer other damages.
Accidents like this are usually quick and chaotic, and the aftermath is, too. It’s up to you to remain calm enough to gather the information you need at the scene and to know what to do next.
If you’re not in need of immediate medical attention, it’s wise to get everyone to a safe and secure area, including the animal, so you can exchange information with the dog’s owner. If there were any witnesses to the attack, try to gather as many statements as possible from them, too.
It’s also wise to document as much of the scene and your injuries as possible. The more concrete evidence you have, the better chance you have of securing fair compensation. It’s important to call the appropriate authorities after an animal attack.
For starters, you can contact a Lafayette dog bite attorney to help you take the right next steps. It’s wise to call the local law enforcement or Animal Control office to report the bite. Be sure to request a copy of this report for your records.
During the investigation of the attack, the authorities decide whether or not the dog is to be designated as a “dangerous dog.” This label imposes unique restrictions on the animal and their owner.
You can also expect the animal to be placed in quarantine to test for rabies. In some cases, the animal may be humanely euthanized if it’s deemed too dangerous to be kept under observation.
In order to recover compensation for your losses, you must file a personal injury claim. The majority of personal injury claims filed in Louisiana settle out of court through negotiations with the at-fault party and their homeowner’s insurance provider. That said, it’s not always easy to secure full compensation.
At the end of the day, insurance companies want to save money. This applies to your own policies, too. When communicating with insurers about claims, it’s imperative that you know how to negotiate a fair amount. Instead of going it alone, you can turn to a Lafayette dog bite lawyer from Gauthier & Granger.
If negotiations are unsuccessful, you’re not out of luck. If litigation is the only way forward, your attorney can advocate for you and help you secure a fair settlement. You can expect to handle a dog bite claim through the City Court of Lafayette or the 15th Judicial District Court, depending on the value of the claim.
How long it takes to settle a dog bite claim ultimately hinges on whether or not all involved parties are willing to cooperate. It’s helpful to have a Lafayette personal injury lawyer on your side to help keep things on track throughout negotiations and litigation alike.e is unique. Your lawyer can review the evidence in your case to determine whether you have a valid claim.
If you’re dealing with a dog bite case in Lafayette, it’s wise to contact a local law firm that is familiar with Louisiana personal injury laws and has experience settling cases just like yours. Fortunately, you found us. Gauthier & Granger opened its doors in 2025, but our team of lawyers brings decades of combined experience deeply rooted in Louisiana personal injury law.
We’re proud to be a Lafayette-based firm that cares about the community. You can count on our legal team to go above and beyond to answer all your questions and to be available when you need us.
Our attorneys offer compassionate and results-driven counsel as well as aggressive advocacy when it’s needed. We’re confident we can help guide you to a positive outcome in your personal injury case.
How long you have to file a dog bite claim in Lafayette can vary depending on the details of the case. Under Louisiana law, you typically have two years from the date of an incident to file a claim against the liable party.
If the victim in a dog bite case dies, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is different. You must understand your rights based on the facts of your case to recover fair compensation.
What damages are recoverable in a Lafayette dog bite case ultimately depend on the nature and severity of the losses you suffered. You can recover both economic and non-economic damages by filing a personal injury claim in Louisiana. Common recoverable damages in dog bite cases include:
Who you can hold liable in a dog bite case in Lafayette may vary based on the facts of the incident. In most cases, the owner is strictly liable for any injuries or other damages caused by their animal.
It’s also possible for a pet’s caretaker to be held liable. Landlords and property owners can be brought into the mix if they had knowledge of a dangerous animal on the premises and didn’t take action.
How much it costs to hire a dog bite lawyer to represent you in Lafayette ultimately depends on the facts of your case. Normally, you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket for representation.
Many Lafayette personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only collect their fees as a percentage of your total settlement. If you don’t secure compensation, you don’t have to pay your attorney.
The aftermath of an animal attack can be chaotic and frightening, especially if you’re trying to navigate the claims process on your own. It’s wise to contact a Lafayette dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the accident. That way, you can avoid common pitfalls during the claims process and work toward securing adequate compensation.
The Gauthier & Granger legal team brings decades of combined experience rooted in Louisiana personal injury law. We’re familiar with tactics used by negligent dog owners and their legal representation. Moreover, we know how litigation for these claims goes in the City Court of Lafayette and the 15th Judicial District Court.
Our attorneys are comfortable advocating for you in and out of the courtroom. No matter how far matters escalate, you can count on us to be there to see you through your case. If you want to talk to a Lafayette personal injury lawyer about your situation in more detail, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. Call us to schedule an initial consultation with a member of our team today.
We’re located right here in Lafayette for our clients throughout the city and in surrounding areas. You can find us on Jefferson Street. Additionally, we have another office in Grand Coteau. Both locations are quick trips off I-10, making us a convenient trip for everyone who needs us throughout the Acadiana region.
Schedule a Consultation 337-534-8026
Fields Marked With An “ * ” Are Required
"*" indicates required fields
Copyright © 2026 Gauthier | Granger Attorney At Law• All Rights Reserved-Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy. Digital Marketing By: 
