How Much Is a Dog Bite Lawyer?
After a dog attack, medical bills and worry pile up fast, and the last thing you should have to stress about is whether you can afford a lawyer. The reality is that a dog bite lawyer usually costs you nothing up front, and Utah law is often on the victim’s side. Here is what to expect.
Most dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee. No upfront cost, with the fee paid from the recovery only if they win. And because Utah is a strict-liability state for dog bites, the owner can be responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before, which often makes these claims easier to prove.
What a dog bite lawyer costs
You do not pay by the hour and you do not pay a retainer. The attorney advances the costs of building your case and is paid an agreed percentage of the settlement or verdict, only if there is a recovery. If they do not win, you generally owe no attorney fee. That means hiring help carries little financial risk, even while you are dealing with medical bills.
Utah’s strict-liability dog bite law
Unlike some states that give a dog “one free bite,” Utah generally holds owners strictly liable for injuries their dog causes. The victim usually does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous, only that the dog caused the injury. This is a major reason dog bite claims can be strong.
What a dog bite claim can recover
- Medical bills: emergency care, surgery, and follow-up treatment.
- Scarring and reconstructive care, which can be significant with facial or hand injuries.
- Lost wages if the injury kept you from work.
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma, which is common after an attack.
Compensation frequently comes from the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not their personal savings.