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Great Falls Dog Bite Lawyer

When you have suffered an attack by a vicious dog in Missoula, Helena, Kalispell, Bozeman, Great Falls, or anywhere throughout Montana, The Advocates are here for you.

Dogs are man’s best friend, and many of us absolutely adore our furry friends. However, dogs are still animals and can be unpredictable at times. We can sometimes forget that dogs are incredible predators and can be dangerous in the wrong circumstances. 

The Advocates personal injury law firm is here to help if you have suffered significant injuries from a dog bite. We can handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery.

If you’ve suffered severe injuries from an animal attack, you need an experienced injury attorney for your case. Contact The Advocates’ Great Falls, MT, dog bite lawyers today for your free initial consultation.

The Next Steps in Your Montana Dog Bite Case

Injury

Immediately after being bitten, assess your injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.  

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.  

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We do not get paid unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.  

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.  

Your attorney will gather evidence, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.  

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a several years. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.  

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Professionals Assigned to Your Case   

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.   

We can help you:  

  • Understand the claims process  
  • Investigate your accident  
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries  
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters  

Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at-fault party

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Montana Dog Bite Laws and FAQs

Dog is overwhelmed by too many people touching them.

When do dog bites occur? 

Dogs you don’t know can act unpredictably, so it’s crucial to be safe and pay attention to the dog’s body language. Dog bites are more likely to happen when: 

  • A stranger approaches a dog: Always ask the owner if it is okay to pet their dog.
  • A human breaks up a dog fight: If dogs are fighting, you might feel the need to jump in and break it up. Doing so puts you at risk of being seriously hurt. There are safe ways to break up a fight without becoming physically involved. 
  • Aggressive dogs are unsupervised or unrestrained: Dogs should be on a leash or under voice control in public. 
  • Dogs are not adequately trained and socialized: Without the necessary socialization, dogs may bark, lunge, and bite when stressed. Dog owners should spend the time training and exposing their dogs to various environments.

What are the most common dog bite injuries? 

Dog bite victims may be left with severe injuries. Some common injuries resulting from dog attacks include: 

  • Punctured skin 
  • Broken bones 
  • Eye and face injuries 
  • Scarring and disfigurement 
  • Bruising and lacerations 
  • Tissue and nerve damage 

If you have been injured due to a dog owner’s negligence, contact The Advocates’ Montana dog bite lawyers for your free consultation today. We will review your legal options and see if you have a case at no charge.

Common injuries that occur from dog bites
Dog walked on a leash

Do dogs have to be on leash in public spaces? 

Leash laws are generally set by the town, city, or county. Dog owners are responsible for knowing the leash ordinances in their area. In Great Falls, dogs must be on a leash no longer than ten feet.

Does insurance cover dog bites? 

Dog bites are generally covered by renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policies. If the dog owner is found liable, insurance should cover medical expenses up to the liability limit. The dog’s owner is responsible once that limit has been reached.

Dog warns person that it is angry before biting
Medical bill from the hospital, concept of rising medical cost.

What damages can I seek in my dog bite case? 

Every personal injury case is unique. You cannot know how your case will turn out without legal counsel. 

Some commonly sought damages in personal injury cases include: 

  • Medical bills 
  • Lost wages and loss of future earnings 
  • Non-economic damages such as emotional distress 
  • Funeral and burial expenses

What is the statute of limitations for dog bites? 

For any legal case, a plaintiff has a set timeframe to file their claim. After which, they lose their right of action, referred to as the statute of limitations. 

In Montana law, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years. This seems like a long time, but it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to have the best chance of obtaining a settlement.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Missoula

man using smartphone taken dog sitting photo

Seek medical treatment 

If you are bitten by a dog you do not know or experience substantial injury, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible. Dog bites can cause significant damage, and a trip to the emergency room may be your best course of action. 

If the bite is minor, you can likely treat it with basic first aid, like washing it with warm water, mild soap, and antibacterial ointment at home. However, if the bite is more than skin-deep, you should seek proper medical treatment. 

Speak with the dog owner 

If you can find the owner, get their information and the vaccination history of the dog. 

If you cannot find the owner, note as many details about the incident as possible. Note the dog’s appearance, including color, breed, and size. Remember where you were when bitten. Animal control may be able to identify the dog’s owner from your description. 

Notify animal control 

Report the bite to your local animal control department. In Great Falls, the police department handles animal control. 

Reporting your bite is essential so local officials can identify dangerous animals, check their medical history, and follow up with owners. It may also help preserve your right to a dog bite claim. 

Document your injuries and healing 

Taking pictures of your injuries through the healing process helps document your recovery. Keep track of any treatment you receive. Your medical bills are generally added to your personal injury claim.

When Should I Hire a Great Falls Dog Bite Injury Attorney?

Suffering a dog bite can leave you feeling upset and betrayed. Dogs are usually our best friends, so the emotional toll can hurt as much as the physical damage. It’s a stressful and challenging time; your legal representation shouldn’t add to the difficulties.

The Advocates pride ourselves on empathy first attorney-client relationships. We work hard for you while understanding that you and your loved ones are dealing with hardships and need to be seen and heard.

When you have an Advocate, you can focus on recovering while our law office handles your case’s complex and tumultuous legal side. We put our years of experience to work for you so you have less to worry about.

Contact The Advocates today for your free case evaluation. You deserve to be treated with care and respect. You deserve an Advocate.

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