Bitten by a Dog in Arkansas? Here's What You Need to Know

Getting bitten by a dog is scary and painful. It can generally lead to broken bones and intense scaring. The good news is Arkansas Law is on your side. If a dog bit you and caused serious bodily injury, the owner may have to pay you for your medical bills, lost wages, and impairment.

What Arkansas Law Says

Arkansas dog owners owe a duty to protect against their dog who has an aggressive propensity. The owner becomes responsible for their dog's aggressive behavior when the owner knew or should have known about the dog's dangerous tendencies. If there is a record that the dog who bit the plaintiff has bitten someone before, it proves that the owner had knowledge that their dog has dangerous tendencies. The dog owner's knowledge of its past aggression establishes the owner's duty to take precaution. When precaution is not taken it establishes the breach of duty necessity to make a negligence claim.

What is paid for under your dog bite claim?

Generally, you as the victim of a dog bit are entitled to medical expenses, scaring/impairment, lost wages, pain and suffering. We here at The Victory Law Firm will make sure that you recover all that you are entitled to.

Steps to take right away:

1. See a doctor, even if the bite seems minor.

2. Take progression photos of the injuries.

3. Get the owners name and contact information.

4. Report the bite to animal control.

5. Call us at The Victory Law Firm, before talking to any insurance company.

Important Deadline: In Arkansas you have 3 years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(3)). Don't wait - evidence can disappear quick, and deadlines are firm.

Why You Need a Lawyer: The Dog owners insurance company will call and try to pay you as little as possible. Do not sign anything without consulting with a lawyer first. We handle everything here, we file the paperwork, we handle the phone calls, the negotiations, we handle everything until you get paid. You do not pay us unless we win.