Law Offices of Elliott Owen Lipinsky
A serious dog bite can leave puncture wounds, infection, scarring, nerve damage, and lasting fear—especially for a child. Elliott Owen Lipinsky represents dog-bite and animal-attack victims in Selma, Montgomery, Dallas County, and communities throughout West Alabama.
When may a dog owner be responsible in Alabama?
Responsibility can depend on where the attack occurred, whether the injured person was lawfully present, the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s behavior, how the dog was restrained, and the circumstances leading to the bite. Alabama’s dog-bite statute and negligence principles may provide different paths to recovery.
Does a prior bite matter?
A previous bite is not the only evidence that can matter. Prior growling, lunging, chasing, complaints, warnings, fencing problems, or the way the owner controlled the dog may help show what the owner knew. The available damages and legal theory are fact-specific.
Can negligence or a leash violation support a claim?
Potential claims may involve failure to restrain or supervise an animal, violation of an applicable ordinance, unsafe fencing, or other unreasonable conduct. A landlord, property manager, keeper, or another responsible party may also need to be evaluated in some cases.
What compensation may be available?
Depending on liability, coverage, and the injuries, a claim may seek payment for medical expenses, lost income, scarring, disfigurement, pain, emotional harm, and future treatment. Photographs taken throughout healing can be important evidence.
What should you do after a dog bite?
Get appropriate medical care, identify the animal and owner, report the incident to the proper local authority, photograph the wounds and scene, preserve damaged clothing, and obtain witness information. Avoid signing an insurance release before the full injury and scarring picture is understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alabama follow a “one-bite rule”?
The answer is more nuanced than that phrase suggests. Alabama has a dog-bite statute, and other legal theories may also apply. Prior behavior and the owner’s knowledge can still affect the claim and available damages.
What if a child was bitten?
A child’s medical, emotional, and scarring needs deserve careful attention, and special rules may affect deadlines and settlement approval. Families should not delay getting advice or assume that time is unlimited.
Who usually pays a dog-bite claim?
Homeowners, renters, premises, or other liability insurance may provide coverage, but exclusions and policy terms vary. Identifying the correct owner, property, and policy early can be important.
Preserve the evidence and get a clear assessment. Call (334) 230-7986 or start a free case review online.
Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after both the client and the firm agree in writing.