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Missoula Dog Bite Lawyer

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

A Dog Bite Attorney Can Help Your Case 

Being attacked by a dog is a traumatizing experience that can leave you or a loved one with substantial injuries, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear for the future. You are left to wonder how you can return to your normal life or if that’s even possible.  

You are not alone. The Advocates personal injury law firm works to get dog bite victims the fair compensation they are due. We can help you with the legal issues so you can focus on recovery.

After an animal attack, you may need an experienced injury attorney for your case. Contact The Advocates’ Missoula, 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 Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case  

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have been helping victims navigate their truck accident cases, and we are ready to do the same for you. We are a capable, compassionate legal team who make it our mission to help our clients with all aspects of their recovery, not just negotiation and litigation. 

In addition to providing legal representation, The Advocates are prepared to help you: 

  • Access necessary medical treatment 
  • Find body shops in your area for vehicle repairs 
  • Get a rental car if needed 
  • Communicate with your employer regarding your injuries 
  • Keep track of expenses and paperwork related to your accident 

We only get paid if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Montana Dog Bite Laws and FAQs

Aggressive dog show its teeth to warn before a bite

When do dog bites often occur? 

Any dog can bite or attack unexpectedly, but you can drastically reduce the chances of a dog bite happening to you. Dog bites are more likely to happen when: 

  • When a stranger approaches a dog: Always ask the owner if it is okay to pet their dog before reaching out. 
  • 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 socialization they need, dogs may bark, lunge, and bite when stressed. Dog owners should spend plenty of time training and exposing their dogs to various environments. 

What are the most common dog bite injuries? 

A dog bite may leave a victim with serious 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 the negligence of a dog owner, 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.

Owner walks their yellow lab on a leash

Do dogs have to be on leash in public spaces? 

Each town, city, or county generally sets leash laws. Dog owners are responsible for knowing the leash ordinances in their area. In Missoula, dogs must be leashed at all times when in public.

Does insurance cover dog bites? 

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

health insurance form, paperwork and questionnaire for insurance concepts
Medical bill from the hospital, concept of rising medical cost.

What damages can I seek in my dog bite case? 

Each 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 that period, they lose their right of action, referred to as the statute of limitations. 

In Montana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years. This may seem like a long time, but it is a good idea 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

Seek medical treatment 

If you are bitten, especially if by a dog you do not know, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible. Dog bites can cause substantial 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 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 dog’s vaccination history. 

If you cannot find the owner, remember the incident as much as possible. Note the dog’s appearance, including color, breed, and size. Remember where you were when bitten. It’s possible animal control can identify the dog’s owner from your description.

German Shepherd attacking dog handler during aggression training.

Notify animal control 

Report the bite to your local animal control department. Your local shelter, police department, or another organization may handle animal control, depending on your city and county. 

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 can help 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 Missoula Dog Bite Injury Attorney?

Handling a dog bite lawsuit is difficult in the best of circumstances. The insurance company will likely fight against compensating you in the way you deserve. A personal injury attorney knows how to fight back to get fair compensation for your injuries. 

The Missoula dog bite attorneys with The Advocates approach cases empathetically to ensure our clients’ needs are met. Our legal team will do our part to make your legal experience as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery.

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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