
Have you or someone close to you been attacked by a dog in Birmingham, AL? You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. However, you’ll need to establish a successful claim to recover the money you are entitled to under the law.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through the legal steps to pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward. Our Birmingham dog bite lawyers have 93 years of combined experience. We’ve helped clients win hundreds of millions of dollars and are prepared to put that knowledge to work for you.
Call our law office in Birmingham at (205) 206-5088 today to arrange a free consultation. You’ll have the chance to discuss your case at no cost. We can help you figure out your legal options and work together to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
How Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Dog Bite Claim in Birmingham, AL

Dog bite claims can be more complex than they first appear. The dog’s owner might deny responsibility or insist that you provoked their pet. Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, too, because they often try to minimize the payout. That’s where a Birmingham personal injury attorney can be incredibly helpful.
At Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, we know Alabama’s dog bite laws inside and out. We are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies or dog owners who want to avoid liability. When you hire us for your case, we can help by:
- Investigating the Attack: We’ll gather evidence such as incident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Calculating Your Damages: We’ll look at expenses like doctor’s bills and lost income, plus the emotional toll of the incident.
- Collecting Evidence: We’ll track down photos, medical reports, and possibly expert opinions to strengthen your claim.
- Identifying Who Is Liable: We’ll find out whether the dog’s owner or another party may be at fault.
- Negotiating on Your Behalf: We’ll handle discussions with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court.
We’ve proudly helped injured clients throughout Alabama for decades. If you have questions about forming an attorney-client relationship, contact us for a free case review.
What Is a Dog Bite Claim in Alabama?
In Alabama, a dog bite claim is a civil case that seeks compensation for someone who has been harmed by a dog. It’s somewhat similar to a personal injury claim involving a car accident or slip and fall, but certain laws and defenses apply specifically to dog bites and animal attacks.
Alabama’s dog bite statute imposes strict liability on the dog’s owner if the bite occurs on the owner’s property or if the dog chases the victim off the property. This liability may apply if the dog has a known propensity for aggression or is considered dangerous by law. Under strict liability, the injured person might not have to prove that the owner was negligent. However, the owner may raise defenses like provocation (if the victim intentionally provoked the dog) or trespassing (if the victim entered the property without permission).
When strict liability doesn’t apply, you might still show that the owner was negligent by failing to leash or restrain their dog or by not warning you of the dog’s dangerous nature. Every situation is unique. Our lawyers will listen carefully to the facts of your case and help determine which approach is most likely to succeed.
How Much Is My Birmingham Dog Bite Claim Worth?
It’s difficult to assign a dollar amount to an experience as traumatic as a dog bite. However, money is the only remedy a civil lawsuit or insurance claim can offer to help make you “whole” again. A variety of factors can affect the total value of your dog bite claim, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your medical costs and lost income
- Your level of fault, if any
- The impact on your life
Insurance companies often start with a lower offer, hoping you’ll accept it. But you don’t have to. We’ll work to ensure your case is valued appropriately and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can I Recover by Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Birmingham?
Dog bite cases can allow you to recover compensation under two basic categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages include:
- Medical bills (including hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy)
- Lost wages (for the time you can’t work)
- Future medical costs if the injury causes long-term problems
- Property damage (for any belongings ruined during the attack)
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you can’t do activities you used to enjoy
In severe cases, an Alabama court might award punitive damages to penalize especially reckless or intentional behavior. Punitive damages rarely come into play, but we’ll advise you if your circumstances warrant that kind of request.
Who Could Be Liable for My Dog Bite in Birmingham, Alabama?
Most dog bite claims focus on the dog’s owner, but liability can extend to others, depending on how the attack happened. Possible at-fault parties might include:
- The Dog Owner: if they didn’t leash the dog or let it run loose despite knowing it could be dangerous
- A Landlord or Property Manager: if they were aware a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to enforce rules or warn others
- A Caretaker or Pet Sitter: if they were supposed to watch the dog and neglect their responsibilities
- A Parent or Guardian: if a minor child was improperly supervising a large or aggressive dog
Determining liability often requires a careful look at local leash laws and city ordinances. Our lawyers can investigate your case and research any past reports or complaints about the dog.
How Does Shared Fault Affect a Dog Bite Claim in Alabama?
Alabama applies a pure contributory negligence standard for most personal injury cases. This rule can be tough on victims. Under pure contributory negligence, if you share even 1% of the blame for your injuries, you might be barred from recovering any compensation.
In dog bite claims, the owner or their insurance company may try to argue that you provoked the dog or trespassed on private property. Our attorneys will collect evidence to show that you did not cause the attack. We’ll fight hard to protect your interests and maintain the full value of your claim.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Birmingham, AL?
Most dog bite lawyers in Birmingham, including Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. This structure means:
- No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay when we take on your case.
- We Only Get Paid if We Win: Our compensation will be a percentage of our financial recovery for you.
- Financial Peace of Mind: You won’t face hourly rates or surprise bills.
Typically, the contingency fee is about one-third of the total settlement or verdict. This arrangement aligns our goals with yours because we’ll strive to recover the highest possible award for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for our legal services.
What Is the Time Limit To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Alabama?
Most personal injury cases in Alabama are governed by a two-year statute of limitations. You generally have two years from the date of the dog attack to file a lawsuit in court. If you miss this deadline, you might lose your chance to recover any damages.
Sometimes, there are exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors or claims against a government entity. Still, it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the easier it is to preserve evidence, track down witnesses, and build a strong case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Compassionate Birmingham Dog Bite Attorneys
Were you or someone you love bitten by a dog in Birmingham, Alabama? You may be able to file a dog bite claim to recover money for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers is here to guide you during this difficult time. Our lawyers have 93 years of combined experience. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for Alabama residents, and we’re prepared to fight for you next.
Our Birmingham dog bite attorneys will treat your case with the care it deserves. Call today to get started with a completely free consultation.