In Sandy, Utah, victims of dog bites have the right to take legal actions, such as filing a lawsuit against the dog owner, under one of the most victim-favorable laws in the country. 

The path to recovery includes not just healing, but also holding the dog’s owner financially responsible for your injuries. With the help of a Sandy dog bite lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for medical care, emotional distress, lost wages, and more.

With countless clients who reached settlements in different personal injury cases in Utah, including dog bite injuries in Sandy, Craig Swapp & Associates is available 24/7 to help with your case. If you or someone you love was injured in a dog attack in Sandy, here’s what you need to know about your legal rights and next steps.

Can I File a Lawsuit for Dog Bite Injuries in Sandy?

Yes. 

Under Utah dog bite laws, victims of dog bites have the right to sue the dog’s owner, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown aggressive behavior in the past. Unlike some states that follow a “one-bite” rule, Utah imposes strict liability on dog owners. 

This means:

  • The dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of prior behavior.
  • You don’t need to prove negligence or that the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous.
  • The law applies to both public and private property (as long as you were lawfully present).

Utah Code § 18-1-1 makes it clear: If a dog injures a person, the owner is liable. This statute removes many of the legal hurdles that victims face in other states.

There are some exceptions, such as incidents involving law enforcement dogs performing official duties or situations where the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog. But in most Sandy dog bite cases, the victim has a strong basis to file a lawsuit for dog bite injuries in Sandy.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Sandy? 

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Sandy, your health and legal rights deserve immediate attention. The actions you take in the hours and days following the attack can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Here’s what to do:

  • Get treated by a doctor right away; even small puncture wounds can lead to serious infections
  • Report the bite to animal control and law enforcement
  • Photograph the injuries from day one and continue documenting healing stages
  • Write down everything you remember – how it happened, who was present, what was said

Partnering with a dog bite lawyer can give your case the foundation it needs to succeed. Local attorneys understand city ordinances and county leash laws that may further support your claim.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Sandy 

Dog attacks can result in serious injuries that go far beyond initial trauma. Common injuries include puncture wounds, torn muscles, permanent scarring, nerve damage, infection, and emotional distress. Children, in particular, are more vulnerable to long-term effects, both physically and emotionally.

Under Utah’s dog bite law, if you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Surgery and follow-up care
  • Plastic surgery or scar revision
  • Psychological counseling
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In severe cases involving permanent disfigurement or disability, the value of a claim may increase significantly. A dog bite lawyer can help gather the necessary documentation and evidence to calculate and support your full damages. To better understand how dog attacks are affecting Utah residents, visit our content about dog bite statistics in Utah.

How Much Can I Get for a Dog Bite Claim in Sandy?

The value of your dog bite claim depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, how the incident has impacted your life, and the availability of insurance coverage.

Factors that affect the value of a claim include:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Length of recovery or permanent impairment
  • Visible scarring or disfigurement
  • Emotional and psychological trauma
  • Liability disputes or comparative fault claims
  • Insurance policy limits

Most dog bite claims are paid through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies, which often provide coverage for injuries caused by pets. In Utah, average settlements can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the facts.

To learn more about how much your case might be worth, explore our content about dog bite settlements in Utah.

How to Win a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in Sandy

Even though Utah law favors victims through strict liability, there are still steps you must take to build a strong and successful case. Dog owners and their insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries, shift blame, or argue provocation to reduce the payout.

To win a lawsuit for dog bite injuries in Sandy, it’s essential to:

  • Report the bite immediately: File a report with Sandy Animal Services or the Salt Lake County Animal Services Division. This creates a legal record of the incident and can help identify the dog and its owner.
  • Seek medical attention: Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or primary care provider immediately. Prompt care reduces the risk of infection and helps establish the connection between the incident and your injuries.
  • Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, any visible blood or clothing damage, and any signs or leash violations. Save all medical records, expenses, and receipts related to your treatment.
  • Identify the dog and owner: Gather as much information as possible – name, address, insurance details, and any witnesses. If the dog was loose or unaccompanied, animal control may assist in tracking down the owner.
  • Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters: Insurance companies often reach out quickly to take recorded statements. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with a legal professional. These statements can be used to minimize your claim.

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our injury lawyers in Sandy understand how devastating these attacks can be. We’re here to make sure you’re treated fairly and that the law works in your favor. From negotiation to trial, we’re ready to fight for the outcome you deserve.

Call us at 801-845-9026 to schedule a free consultation or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp