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From minor nips to severe attacks, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. About 800,000 of these bites require medical attention, and half of these cases involve children.
Dog bite statistics highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership, proper training, and public awareness to reduce the incidence of these events. Unfortunately, even the most well-behaved pets can be unpredictable. When they bite children, adults, or elders, the injuries are often life-changing, leading to scarring and disfigurement that requires long-term care.
At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Salt Lake City dog bite injury lawyers are not just legal practitioners, but also advocates for our clients. We believe in equipping our clients with the legal tools and resources they need to regain control of their lives.
Our dog bite attorneys in Salt Lake County understand the physical and emotional pain that dog bite injuries can cause. We are here to deliver much-needed relief through our compassion, attention to detail, and tenacious advocacy.
Once you partner with our Utah personal injury law firm, you can rest easy knowing your team has a proven track record. We have represented clients in more than 1,200 mediation/arbitration cases and over 85 jury trials, achieving tremendous success. Let us use our over 90 years of combined experience to help you and your family confidently move forward.
Contact our Midvale personal injury attorneys today to learn more during a free consultation. We will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand every step and feel secure in your decisions.
Utah follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that the dog’s owner is automatically responsible for any injuries caused by their pet, regardless of whether the dog has shown any prior aggressive behavior.
In most cases, a victim does not need to prove that the dog was previously dangerous. However, there are exceptions, such as if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the attack.
In Utah, about 8,000 people visited emergency rooms for dog-bite injuries between 2016 and 2021, underscoring the seriousness of these incidents statewide. However, only 2.5% of cases (around 33 annually) required hospitalization, showing that most bites are treated without needing intensive care.
In 2018, 116 dog-bite insurance claims were filed in Utah, with average payouts exceeding $45,000 per claim, totaling more than $5 million in settlements.
Nationally, there are 4.5 million dog bites each year, with 885,000 seeking medical care and 395,000 going to the ER. About 2.5% of these cases result in hospitalization, similar to Utah’s trends. Children under 10 and adults 65+ are the most affected groups.
Salt Lake City reported 17 dog bite incidents in the 2025 USPS rankings, placing it among mid-ranked cities for dog bites.
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries such as lacerations, broken bones, infections, and sometimes permanent scarring. Beyond the physical harm, the emotional and psychological impact can be significant. Many victims experience anxiety, fear, or even PTSD as a result of the attack.
In Utah, pet owners are legally responsible for their animals’ actions. If a dog bites you, the owner may be held liable for your injuries. However, proving liability in a dog bite case can be complex without legal. Salt Lake City dog bite injury lawyers can assist you by:
If you have been the victim of a dog bite in Salt Lake City, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
Our dog bite injury attorneys in Salt Lake City are well-versed in the nuances of these cases and will ensure that all your losses are accounted for when seeking fair compensation.
At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our Midvale dog bite attorneys know that most people do not understand the extent of the injuries that can occur during these incidents.
According to the latest statistics, of the approximately 800,000 people who receive medical attention for dog bites each year, 30,000 require reconstructive procedures.
Common dog bite injuries include but are not limited to:
Tragically, between 30 and 50 people are killed by dogs every year. Last year alone, 46 people were killed.
When dog bite injuries lead to severe injuries or wrongful death, our skilled Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys want to help build your case for success.
The better we build your case, the more compensation we retain for you, which increases the amount of compensation for the work done on your case. Accordingly, we are interested in doing everything we can to build you the most robust case possible under the facts and circumstances of your case to ensure you get all the compensation you deserve. In turn, the higher the amount we can obtain for you in your recovery, the more we do to the contingency nature of the relationship.
That is why personal injury attorneys do the cases on a contingency basis so an injured party who may be missing work and has a pile of medical bills does not have to now pay an attorney weekly or monthly on an hourly basis to move their case forward. In other words, we are in a case with you and take the risk with you. If you do not recover any compensation, your team does not. In addition, we are not reimbursed for the costs we paid to move your case forward. All of that is written off.
Utah’s dog bite laws are clear and strict. The law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, irrespective of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s tendencies. This means that as a victim, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, regardless of the circumstances.
Under Utah Code § 18-1-1, a dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog biting someone, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before. This means the victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent. However, the owner might not be liable if the victim provoked the dog. Provocation can include teasing, hitting, or harming the dog.
Utah also has regulations for dangerous dogs. If a dog has a history of aggression or has been previously deemed hazardous, the owner might face stricter penalties and requirements to prevent future incidents.
These laws aim to protect both victims and responsible dog owners by promoting responsible pet ownership and providing clear recourse for those injured by dog bites. If you have a specific case or need legal advice, consulting with our Midvale dog bite attorneys can help provide the answers you need to proceed with a claim.
When you partner with Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our team becomes your team. We provide top-notch legal representation that allows our clients to pursue the best outcome for their unique claims. Contact our Salt Lake City dog bite injury attorneys today to learn how we can help.
Studies show that over 90% of dog bites in the U.S. are caused by a “known” dog. This means the dog bite was caused by a neighbor, friend, or family member’s pet. The idea of having to pursue someone you have a relationship with for your damages can be an overwhelming and emotional undertaking. We can help.
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover dog bite injuries. This means our skilled Midvale dog bite lawyers can pursue a claim directly with the insurance company rather than directly impacting your friend or family member financially.
This can help preserve your relationship while pursuing the compensation you need to pay medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, your dog bite injury legal team is trained in tort law and all the ins and outs of handling your claim and putting it together. Even though there is no guarantee of how your claim will be resolved, your team has the experience and has successfully resolved over 90% of the claims we are retained on. Each claim and client is different, but we are all interested in positive outcomes. Contact our Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys for help today.
At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we handle personal injury cases, including dog bite injuries. Our team of Salt Lake City dog bite injury lawyers has a proven track record of securing compensation for our clients.
Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.
If you or someone you love has suffered dog bite injuries anywhere in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation. We provide top-notch legal representation on a contingency basis and never recover any legal fees until we win your case. Even then, we promise our clients that their net settlement will be more than our legal fee recovery percentage because it is the right way to do business.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Salt Lake City, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor. Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement and try to gather information about the dog and its owner. Document your injuries with photos, and contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is four years from the date of the injury. It’s important to take action as soon as possible to preserve evidence and build a strong case. Contacting a dog bite attorney early can help ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines.
While it’s possible to handle a dog bite claim without an attorney, having an experienced lawyer by your side greatly increases your chances of a successful outcome. Dog bite cases can be complex, especially if the dog owner disputes liability or if you’re dealing with insurance companies. Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys can negotiate on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected.
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance or refuses to pay for your injuries, you may still have options. Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help explore alternative avenues for compensation, such as suing the dog owner directly or finding other parties who may be liable for the incident.
Yes, you can file a claim even if the dog belongs to someone you know. It’s important to remember that filing a claim is often about seeking compensation from the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, rather than directly from the owner. This ensures that your medical bills and other expenses are covered without creating financial strain on your friend or neighbor.
Dog bites can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Common injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, broken bones, and infections such as rabies or tetanus. Victims may also suffer from emotional trauma or disfigurement, which can require reconstructive surgery or psychological counseling. An experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation for both physical and emotional injuries.
Yes, Utah follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bite cases. This means that a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggression or whether the owner was aware of its violent tendencies. If you were bitten and the bite caused injuries, you have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner without having to prove negligence.
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George T. Waddoups has practiced law since 1982 and is experienced in personal injury and wrongful death, with over $300 million recovered for clients. He is nominated as a Super Lawyer and a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. George is committed to community service and enjoys time with his five children.
Riley T. Waddoups, a personal injury attorney with 20 years of experience, represents clients across Utah in cases like wrongful death, truck accidents, and slip and falls. He is skilled in mediation, arbitration, and trial. Riley values family and has developed strong relationships with many clients over the years.
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