Alabama is cracking down on the owners of pets who injure people. The owners of the dogs that killed a 24-year-old Alabama woman are now facing charges of criminally negligent homicide. The couple was indicted for the fatal damage caused by their dogs during an attack in December 2017. Dog bite legislation can be difficult to understand. If you’ve suffered from an injury caused by a dog, you may be wondering how you recover. A skilled dog bite lawyer can help you untangle the complexities that exist in this area of law.
In today’s society, dogs are present in more places than ever. If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite injury in Alabama, Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. can help. Our dedicated lawyers understand what it takes to recover from a bite, and can answer your questions about compensation. Contact us today at (205) 933-1500 to schedule a free case consultation.
Owners Held Responsible for Injuries in Dog Attack
Brian and Melody Graden owned the five dogs that attacked Emily Colvin in December 2017. Colvin died outside her house of injuries she sustained during the attack. Another woman was also injured. Four of the Gradens’ dogs face court-ordered euthanasia. One of the dogs was killed by law enforcement on the day of the attacks.
Colvin’s death came on the heels of another fatality caused by dogs. In November 2017, Tracy Cornelius died in a dog attack in Guntersville. Another woman was also seriously injured in the attack that killed Cornelius. That makes two lives lost in Alabama due to dog attacks in the last eight months. It’s no wonder the state wants to crack down on the liability of their owners.
Owners of Dangerous Dogs Could Pay Steep Price
An Alabama law passed this year allows owners of dangerous animals that maim or kill to be charged with a felony. Since the attack involving the Gradens’ dogs occurred before the new law was passed, they will not face a felony charge. They will, however, face a misdemeanor homicide charge, and four counts of failure to immunize a pet for rabies. The Gradens were taken to Jackson County Jail to await their trial. They face charges of criminally negligent homicide, a class A misdemeanor. If convicted, they could face up to a year in jail.
Dog owners may be subject to even worse penalties than those the Gradens are facing. The owners of the dogs that killed Tracy Cornelius are facing charges of manslaughter. Manslaughter is a class B felony in Alabama, carrying with it a possible prison sentence of two to 20 years.
Call a Dog Bite Lawyer for Help Today
The Gradens were charged with homicide caused by their criminal negligence. According to Alabama law, negligence is criminal when the person in question has failed to perceive a substantial and justified risk. If a dog is aggressive, the warning signs are usually there. You should not have to suffer because someone else neglected to take the necessary precautions.
Considering how well-loved dogs are, an injury caused by one can be hard to deal with. The physical damage may be tough to handle, but the emotional pain can be equally distressing. If you need help in Alabama but are unsure where to look, contact Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C.. Our knowledgeable dog bite lawyers know the ins and outs of dog bite cases, and we can make sure you don’t have to handle it alone. For a free evaluation of your case, contact us at (205) 933-1500 today.
