Viciously attacked by a dog? Dealing with devastating injuries? Get help from a compassionate dog bite lawyer in Idaho.

Millions of people keep dogs as pets, but make no mistake, dogs can be unpredictable creatures. It is not uncommon for dogs to suddenly become aggressive or violent and attack or bite people. It is also not uncommon for dogs to cause injuries in other ways, say by knocking over an elderly person while running, for example. 

But when a dog causes you to suffer severe injuries, you may be unsure of what to do next. You can’t sue the dog, but you may be able to hold the dog’s owner accountable. The thought of going to court might seem overwhelming, but when you have a dedicated Idaho dog bite lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates by your side, you can feel confident in your decision to seek justice.

Continue reading to learn more about what Idaho’s dog bite laws look like, and how victims of dog bites might be compensated in their civil claims.

Dog Bite Laws in Idaho

The state of Idaho does not have a specific dog bite statute. Unlike other states where strict liability or “the one bite rule” is imposed, Idaho only allows people who have suffered injuries because of dogs to recover compensation when negligence is present. 

Negligence occurs when a dog owner has not exercised the appropriate level of care in maintaining control of their pet. The lack of specific statutes also means you can be awarded compensation whether the dog harmed you in violence or did so accidentally. 

It should be noted you may only file a claim against the dog owner if you were not trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time of your injuries. You might also be barred from being awarded restitution for your injuries if you provoked the dog into acting aggressively. Some examples of such provocation could include:

  • Kicking
  • Hitting
  • Scratching
  • Yelling
  • Throwing objects
  • Taunting
  • Spitting
  • Punching

Compensation for Idaho Dog Bite Victims

You have the right to be repaid for every way your dog bite injuries has negatively affected your life. This should include both your economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are financially based and have a set monetary value. Non-economic damages are intangible and do not have a set monetary value. Some of the different damages you could recover in your Idaho dog bite claim include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Loss of companionship and love
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income and earning potential
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Reputational damage
  • Inconvenience
  • Loss of household services

Meet with a Dog Bite Lawyer in Idaho

When an attack or bite by a dog has caused you catastrophic injuries, you have the right to justice. You shouldn’t be stuck struggling to cope due to someone else’s negligence. With the help of a respected Idaho dog bite lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates, fight to recover full compensation for your suffering. 

Our firm is proud to offer free, no obligation consultations to dog bite survivors across the state of Idaho. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Call our office at 1-800-404-9000 or fill out the quick contact form below to get started on your case today.