Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, but not all dogs are friendly or trained to do well with
people. When a dog attacks and bites a person the resulting injuries can be devastating for victims.
Utah is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bite attacks, so if you or a loved one has been
injured by a dog bite, you may have a claim for compensation. To learn more about your legal
options after a dog bite attack, call or contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the
Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center today to schedule a free evaluation of your case.
Utah Dog Bite Law
Under Utah state code, anyone who owns a dog is liable for damages stemming from a dog bite
attack, even if the owner did not know or have any reason to suspect that the dog might cause
injuries. Known as a strict liability statute, it is not a defense for a dog owner to claim that the dog
had never bitten someone before or had a propensity for violence. This differs from other states
that have a “one bite rule” that protects dog owners from liability if their pet had not previously
attacked a person.
The statute of limitations on a dog bite lawsuit in Utah is four years from the date of the incident.
If the claim is filed after that window, the court can throw out the case and bar the victim from
recovery.
Recovering Compensation for Dog Bite Attacks
Victims of dog bites are able to collect economic and noneconomic damages stemming from the
injuries caused by the attack. Economic losses refer to all out-of-pocket costs caused by the bite,
including all medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic
damages compensate a dog bite victim for any disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of
enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
It is important to note that Utah uses a modified comparative fault rule when determining the final
compensation award for dog bite victims. This means that the court determines the degree of fault for every party involved in the incident and reduces the overall award by that percentage.
However, if a party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any
compensation. For example, if a dog bite victim suffered $100,000 in damages and is found to be
10% at fault, the overall award is reduced to $90,000. However, if the dog’s owner claims that the
victim provoked the animal and the court finds the victim equally at fault for the incident, they are
barred from recovering any compensation for their injuries.
Because the determination of fault plays such a substantial role in compensation for dog bite
injuries, it is essential that you hire an attorney with experience handling dog bite claims.
Talk to Our Office Now
Have you or a loved one been injured in a dog bite attack? If so, call or contact the Rocky Mountain
Personal Injury Center today to schedule a free consultation.
