Bentonville Dog Bite Lawyer

Bentonville Dog Bite Attorney

Being attacked by a dog in Bentonville can leave you with lasting injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial strain. A Bentonville dog bite lawyer can help you hold the negligent dog owner accountable and pursue the compensation you need to recover. You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses caused by the attack.

A Personal Injury Law Firm Built for Clients

The trial-ready legal team at Bundy Law understands that a dog bite is more than a setback. An unexpected attack from a large canine can create immediate and long-lasting physical and financial hardships that require decisive legal action. Our industry-leading injury team has successfully guided many injured clients through the civil claims process and helped them secure the compensation they were owed.

Bundy Law was built from the ground up with a focus on the people we serve. We rely on advanced software to schedule and coordinate meetings so our clients are never lost in the system. We bill on the 1st and 15th of every month, so you aren’t hit with an unexpected mega bill. In every state we serve, our lawyers are respected as fearless litigators who do what it takes to see that their clients are financially restored for the harm they suffered.

Understanding Dog Attacks in Bentonville and Across the Country

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, especially when young children are involved. In a 2023 case near Bentonville, a toddler was bitten in the face by a landlord’s unvaccinated dog, requiring more than 50 stitches. Incidents like this highlight the importance of responsible ownership and legal accountability.

Nationally, insurers paid out $1.13 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2022. While total claims slightly declined, the average cost per claim rose sharply to $64,555, marking a 32% increase from the year before. Nearly one in five dog bite victims needs medical care, making legal action a critical step toward recovery.

Bentonville offers spaces like Bark Park at 2400 N Walton Blvd., a fenced, off-leash area with agility features and separate areas for small and large dogs. But even in pet-friendly communities, owners must keep dogs under control. If you or a loved one has been bitten, a Bentonville dog bite lawyer can help hold the right parties accountable.

Bentonville Ordinances and State Laws Pertaining to Dog Ownership and Injuries

Benton County, Arkansas, regulates animals under Chapter 10 of the Benton County Code of Ordinances. The following rules apply:

• Dog owners must keep their pets restrained on their property by fencing, enclosures, or leashes.
• Dogfighting is prohibited.
• Owners are responsible for any injuries or damages their animals cause off their property.
• Animal control officers have the authority to impound dogs found running at large.
• Dangerous or vicious animals must be confined, muzzled, and clearly marked with warning signs.

Violating these rules can lead to misdemeanor charges and fines.

Arkansas law § 5-62-125 defines unlawful dog attack as when a person owns a dog they know or should know has a tendency to attack or cause harm without provocation, that person negligently allows the dog to attack someone, and the attack results in serious injury or death. This offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. In addition to criminal penalties, the court can order the dog owner to pay restitution for the victim’s medical expenses related to the attack.

Establishing Fault Following a Dog Bite

The first step before you can pursue compensation is to establish fault. In Arkansas, establishing fault after a dog mauling centers on proving the dog owner knew or should have known their dog had a tendency to attack without provocation. Under Arkansas Code § 5-62-125, owners are liable if they negligently allow the dog to bite or seriously injure someone.

Dog owners may argue that the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack or that the victim provoked the attack. It is critical for anyone seeking compensation to rely on evidence like medical records, witness testimony, and animal control reports to build a strong claim for compensation.

Building a comprehensive and well-supported case increases the chances of holding the owner responsible and securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If you are falsely accused of trespassing or provoking the attack, you can rely on the services of a personal injury lawyer to prove who is really at fault so that you are eligible for fair compensation.

What Can I Be Compensated For?

If you were harmed by someone’s dog due to negligence on the part of the dog’s owner, you have the right to pursue compensation with the help of a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help you receive compensation for medical bills (both past and future), emergency care, surgeries, and therapy.

Lost wages are another type of financial loss that you can claim through a settlement with an insurance carrier or a court-ordered award. If you become disabled due to the animal attack, your lawyer can calculate the value of your future lost wages. Working with an experienced Arkansas dog bite attorney familiar with local laws is crucial for successfully proving fault.

Dog attacks are traumatic events that can leave emotional as well as physical scars. If you suffer emotional distress following a dog attack, you can also be compensated for pain and suffering. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can improve your chances of receiving the full range of damages that you’re owed.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial for Securing Compensation

Dog bites cause serious physical and emotional harm, but they should not leave you facing financial hardships. Having an experienced attorney who knows the local court system as well as the city and state laws pertaining to dog ownership and liability can greatly help your case.

From establishing liability to fighting attempts by the dog owner to skirt accountability, the strength and experience of your legal representation matter. Bundy Law is an industry-leading law firm whose attorneys are ranked at the top of the world’s most prestigious legal directories, including the Chambers Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth guide and the Spear’s 500 Family Lawyers index for high-net-worth individuals.

FAQs

How Much Do You Get if a Dog Bites You?

How much you get if a dog bites you depends on the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the injury. Arkansas law allows injured people to seek recovery for things like medical treatment and lost wages from missing work. Every case is different, and the outcome depends on the facts. Keeping detailed records and getting medical care right away strengthens your position if you pursue recovery.

Can I Press Charges for a Dog Biting Me?

You can press charges for a dog biting you in Arkansas if the bite involved reckless or criminal behavior by the owner. This is more likely if the dog was known to be dangerous and the owner failed to control it. Contact animal control and law enforcement to file a report. A criminal case is separate from any claim for injury-related compensation.

How Do You Get Compensation for a Dog Bite?

To get compensation for a dog bite in Arkansas, start by seeking medical care and reporting the bite to authorities. Document everything, including photos of injuries and witness names. You can file a claim through the dog owner’s insurance or take civil legal action. Acting quickly and gathering evidence gives you the strongest chance of receiving fair compensation.

What Happens When a Dog Is Reported for Biting?

When a dog is reported for biting, animal control opens an investigation. The dog may be placed under quarantine to check for rabies. Officials will review the circumstances, including whether the bite was provoked. Depending on the outcome, the dog may be labeled dangerous. Repeated incidents or serious harm can lead to stricter penalties or removal.

What Rights Do You Have After a Dog Bite?

After a dog bite, you have the right to report the bite, seek medical treatment, and request compensation for the harm caused. You can also ask officials to investigate whether the dog is dangerous. Understanding your rights helps you take the right steps early. Protect your health first and file a written report with local animal control.

Don’t Let an Animal Attack Become a Permanent Setback. Contact Bundy Law Today

An unexpected dog mauling or animal attack in Bentonville can lead to serious injuries, emotional distress, and overwhelming medical costs. Victims are often left with lasting trauma and financial strain through no fault of their own. With the right legal support, you can pursue compensation and hold the responsible party accountable under Arkansas law.

At Bundy Law, we handle animal attack cases with the attention and determination they demand. We understand that city and county leash laws vary across Arkansas and can directly impact your case. Don’t let an animal attack become a financial setback. Contact Bundy Law today so we can schedule a consultation and get you the legal representation you deserve.