How Does Your Dog Bite Case Work
Getting attacked by a dog is scary. You have a lot to think about. How will I get better? Who is going to pay for my care? If the dog owner has no money how will I be compensated? We at The Victory Firm take the time to make sure we cover all of that for you, so you can focus on getting better.
1. Free Consultation with one of our Attorneys
We will talk to you about what happened, where it happened and what you know about the dog owner. We will then create a strategic plan for how to proceed on your dog bite case. You don't pay us anything unless we win.
3. We fight the dog owner, or their insurance company
Homeowner policies tend to kick in when someone is personally liable for the damages caused by a dog. Those insurance companies have legal teams to make sure you get as little pay out as possible.
2. We do all the investigation
We work up your case gathering animal control records, witness statements, medical bills, medical records. We investigate the owner to find out if they have insurance or assets to make sure you get a pay out. We will give you our honest opinion if you have a case.
4. We get you paid
We step in to make sure that you are compensated for your medical costs, lost wages, impairment, and pain and suffering. We will keep the insurance company honest and make sure we recover what your claim is worth.
LEGAL REFERENCE
Arkansas Follows a "One Bite" Rule. Unlike Colorado, Arkansas does not have a strict-liability dog bite statute. A dog owner is responsible when they knew, or should have known, about their dog's dangerous or aggressive tendencies. A prior bite or aggressive incident is strong evidence the owner had that knowledge - this is why our investigation into the dog's history matters so much.
Criminal Statute Can Support Your Claim. Arkansas Code Ann. § 5-62-125 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to negligently allow a dog to inflict serious injury or death, and that record can support a claim for your medical bills.
Local Ordinances Vary. Some Arkansas counties have their own strict-liability dog bite ordinances that go further than state law - we check local rules in your specific area.
Know Your Deadline: The standard 3-year Arkansas personal injury deadline applies (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(3)).
ARKANSAS DOG BITES FAQs
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before?
Not necessarily, but it makes your case significantly stronger. A prior bite or known aggressive behavior helps prove the owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous, which is the core of an Arkansas dog bite claim.
What if this is the dog's first bite and there's no record of past aggression?
You may still have a case if there's other evidence the owner should have known, like the dog being kept restrained or muzzled, prior growling or lunging incidents, or specific warnings from neighbors. We investigate all of that during our case review.
Does it matter which county I was bitten in?
It can. A handful of Arkansas counties, including Benton County, have local ordinances that impose stricter liability on dog owners than state law alone. We check the local rules that apply to your specific situation.