Arkansas Dog Bite Lawyers

Courts in Arkansas typically follow the “One Bite Rule.” This rule states that a dog owner might not be responsible for a dog bite if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown any previous signs of aggression. This is because, legally, the owner had no reason to believe their dog was dangerous.

However, once a dog has bitten someone or shown aggression, the dog’s owner is expected to be aware of this behavior. If the dog bites again, the owner could face liability for any injuries caused, as it’s assumed they knew their dog had the potential to be dangerous and did not take necessary precautions.

Some areas in Arkansas have “leash laws” that require owners to keep their dogs on a leash. If a pet owner in one of these areas ignores this law and their dog attacks someone, they may be held liable for the attack because they failed to uphold the duty imposed by the law.

There may be other cases where a dog owner fails to abide by a law that governs their animal’s behavior. In those cases, the owner could be liable for their negligence.

Specific laws like Arkansas Code § 5-62-125 and Little Rock Municipal Code Chapter 6 further define legal responsibilities. Arkansas Code § 5-62-125 addresses criminal penalties for owners of dogs that attack, injure, or kill without provocation. Under this law, an attack can be considered a Class A misdemeanor if:

• If the owner knows, or has reason to know, that their dog has a natural tendency to attack or cause injuries to people,
• The owner fails to take reasonable care to prevent the dog from attacking someone else, and
• The dog’s attack causes serious physical injury or death.

Remember, each case is unique, and a dog bite attorney at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton can provide clarity and direction specific to your situation.

When dealing with a dog bite incident, particularly involving a loved one’s dog, it’s worth noting that homeowners’ insurance policies often provide coverage for such injuries. This is an important consideration, as it can be a way to seek compensation for your injuries without directly impacting your loved one financially.

Homeowners insurance exists for situations like these. It’s designed to protect homeowners from various liabilities, including the actions of their pets. If a family member’s dog bites you, their insurance policy might cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the bite.

In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is typically three years from the incident date. This means you have three years to initiate legal proceedings. It’s crucial to begin the process as soon as possible, as waiting too long can result in losing the ability to file a lawsuit. Consulting a lawyer promptly can help ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe.

To strengthen a dog bite claim, gathering comprehensive evidence is key. This includes:

• Medical Records: Documenting your injuries and the treatment received.
• Photos of Injuries: Taken immediately after the bite and throughout the healing process.
• Witness Statements: If anyone witnessed the incident, their accounts could be crucial.
• Dog Owner Information: Details about the dog and its owner.
• Incident Report: If you reported the bite to animal control or the police, obtaining a copy of this report is important.
• Evidence of Lost Wages: If the injury caused you to miss work.
• Personal Account: A detailed description of the incident and its impact on your life.

Collecting this evidence can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from an injury. An experienced Arkansas dog bite lawyer can assist in gathering and organizing this information, ensuring your claim is as strong as possible.