New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been attacked by a dog in New Orleans, you need more than sympathy, you need a New Orleans dog bite lawyer who will fight for you. At Daly & Black, P.C., we don’t shy away from tough cases.

We take on negligent owners and self interested insurance companies, building aggressive claims that demand accountability. Our mission is simple: pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to so you can heal, rebuild, and move forward with strength.

Call us today to start your free consultation—because when you’ve been hurt, Daly & Black is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.

Why Dog Bite Cases in New Orleans Are So Complex

Dog bite claims in Louisiana are rarely simple. They involve navigating Louisiana Civil Code Article 2321, interpreting how courts apply the so‑called “one‑bite rule,” and considering state laws like the Luna McDaniel and Michael Blaise Landry Act. That law increases penalties for owners of dangerous dogs and imposes stricter public safety requirements when an animal has a history of attacks.

Each case demands careful investigation into the dog’s history, the owner’s ability to prevent the attack, and whether the victim provoked the animal. On top of that, insurance companies look for every possible way to minimize their liability—arguing provocation, trespassing, or exaggeration of injuries.

For victims, the result is overwhelming: medical bills rise, wages are lost, and trauma lingers, all while insurers fight to protect their bottom line. This complexity is exactly why experienced legal counsel is essential.

Common Injuries from Dog Attacks

Dog bites are not minor events. They leave lasting scars—both physical and emotional. Victims often face:

Severe Lacerations and Scarring

Deep puncture wounds and torn skin often require stitches, plastic surgery, or skin grafts. Scars can become permanent reminders of the attack.

Infections and Rabies Concerns

Dog saliva carries bacteria that can lead to dangerous infections. Victims may also require painful rabies shots if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown.

Nerve Damage and Long-Term Disability

Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation, chronic pain, or even permanent disability that affects work and daily life.

Emotional Trauma and PTSD

The psychological impact of an attack is just as real. Victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or a fear of animals that disrupts everyday living, especially if young children are involved.

Louisiana Dog Bite Laws and Liability

Understanding the legal framework is key before diving into the details. Louisiana has unique statutes that shape how responsibility and compensation are determined in dog bite cases. The subsections below explain strict liability, defenses, and the role of insurance in these claims.

Louisiana Dog Bite Laws and Liability

Understanding the legal framework is key before diving into the details. Louisiana has unique statutes that shape how responsibility and compensation are determined in dog bite cases. The subsections below explain strict liability, defenses, and the role of insurance in these claims.

Louisiana’s Strict Liability Law

Under Civil Code Article 2321, Louisiana holds dog owners strictly liable for damage their dog causes—but only if the owner could have prevented the harm and the injured person did not provoke the dog. Prior aggression or the dog’s temperament does not need to be proven. These limits on liability highlight the common defenses owners raise.

Exceptions and Defenses

In practice, owners often argue provocation or trespassing to avoid paying damages. While these defenses can complicate recovery, they do not erase the underlying responsibility when the conditions of strict liability are met.

Dog owners may argue that the victim provoked the animal or entered the property unlawfully. These defenses don’t erase responsibility but can complicate recovery.

Homeowners Insurance and Dog Bites

Most dog bite claims are paid through a homeowner’s insurance policy. Insurers are notorious for lowballing settlements or denying valid claims. This is where Daly & Black’s deep experience in insurance litigation makes the difference.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in New Orleans

Quick action strengthens your case and protects your health:

Get Immediate Medical Attention

Even seemingly small bites can lead to infections. Always seek professional treatment right away.

Report the Attack to Authorities

New Orleans law requires reporting dog bites to animal control. This creates an official record of the incident.

Document the Scene and Injuries

Take photos of your wounds, the location of the attack, and—if possible—the dog itself. Collect contact information from witnesses.

Contact a New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer

The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your claim becomes. Daly & Black ensures no detail is overlooked.

What Happens After You Report a Dog Attack?

Once a dog bite is reported in Louisiana, animal control investigates and typically requires a ten‑day quarantine to monitor for rabies. This can occur at the owner’s home or in a shelter. If the dog is extremely aggressive or the injuries are severe, officials may order euthanasia to protect the public.

Authorities also decide whether the animal should be labeled “dangerous” under Louisiana Revised Statutes §14:102.13. Owners of dangerous dogs must follow strict rules, and a repeat attack can lead to the court classifying the animal as “vicious.”

How Louisiana Defines a Vicious Dog

A dog may be deemed vicious if, after being declared dangerous, it attacks again and causes serious bodily injury. At that stage, the court can order euthanasia in the interest of public safety. These designations carry heavy consequences for owners, but victims still face the lasting effects of the attack. Daly & Black is ready to challenge negligent owners.

Pursuing Dog Bite Compensation in Louisiana

When pursuing damages after a dog attack, victims may be entitled to recover compensation in several key areas:

Medical Expenses

Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy can create crushing bills after a dog attack. Compensation should cover both immediate costs and long‑term medical needs.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

A serious injury can force you to miss work or even change careers. Victims may recover lost wages and compensation for reduced earning potential in the future.

Pain and Suffering

Dog attacks leave lasting physical pain and limit quality of life. Compensation can reflect the severity of these hardships and their ongoing impact.

Emotional Distress

Beyond physical injuries, many victims endure anxiety, nightmares, or PTSD. The law allows recovery for this psychological harm, recognizing the profound toll an attack can take.

At Daly & Black, we don’t just accept what the insurance company offers. We build your case, fight aggressively, and pursue every dollar you may be entitled to.

The Statute of Limitations in Louisiana Dog Bite Cases

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1, victims have two years from the date of injury to file a dog bite claim. This two‑year prescriptive period makes it critical to act quickly, as missing the deadline can permanently bar your right to recover compensation. At Daly & Black, we make sure no time is wasted in protecting your claim.

Why Choose Daly & Black for Your Dog Bite Case

Daly & Black isn’t just another personal injury firm. We’ve been recognized as Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year, and our attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers year after year. We combine courtroom toughness with compassionate client service. When you hire us, you’re not just getting a lawyer, you’re getting a team that goes ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. to fight for your rights.

We know insurance companies and their tactics. We know how to prove liability. And we know how to win.

FAQs

Q: What should I do immediately after a dog bite in New Orleans?

Seek medical attention, report the incident to authorities, document everything, and contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.

Q: Who is responsible for a dog bite injury in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana’s strict liability law, dog owners are generally responsible unless the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing.

Q: How can a New Orleans dog bite lawyer help with my claim?

A lawyer investigates the case, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurers, and takes your case to court if necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Ready to Go ALL IN for Your Recovery?

If you or a loved one suffered from a dog attack, don’t face the insurance companies alone. A New Orleans dog bite lawyer from Daly & Black, P.C. will fight to hold negligent owners accountable and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to.

Call Daly & Black today to schedule your FREE consultation. We’re ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.