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Dog bites in Mobile can cause serious injuries and medical bills. These injuries may need surgery or leave scars that last a lifetime. A Mobile dog bite lawyer helps victims get money for their injuries.
Alabama has tricky laws about dog bites. These laws have many parts that are hard to understand. People who try to handle claims alone often get less money than they deserve.
At Krebs Personal Injury Lawyers, we help dog bite victims in Mobile understand their rights. Our lawyers know how to build strong cases for people hurt by dogs.
Dog bite cases have many complex legal rules. You need someone who knows Alabama's dog bite laws. A lawyer can find out who is at fault and what proof is needed.
A lawyer knows how to talk to these companies and fight for fair payment. If the insurance company won't pay enough, your lawyer can take the case to court.
Alabama has two main rules for dog bite cases. The first is strict liability, which means dog owners can be responsible even if their dog never bit anyone before. This applies when someone is legally on the owner's property and gets bitten.
Under Alabama Code § 3-6-1 property owners are responsible when their dog bites someone who is lawfully on their land. This includes visitors, delivery people, and guests. The law protects people who have permission to be there.
The mailman rule is part of Alabama's strict liability law. It protects mail carriers, utility workers, and other people who have legal reasons to be on someone's property. These workers don't need to prove the dog was dangerous before the bite happened.
Outside of the owner's property, Alabama follows the one-bite rule. This means victims must show the owner knew their dog might be dangerous. Previous aggressive behavior like growling or lunging can count as evidence.
Dog owners have some defenses against bite claims. If someone teased or hurt the dog before being bitten, this counts as provocation. Trespassers who enter property without permission usually can't file claims. Warning signs like "Beware of Dog" might also help the owner's case if clearly visible.
Many factors can lead to dog bites in Mobile. Local leash laws exist to protect people, but when owners ignore these rules, the risk of bites goes up. Owner negligence is often at the root of many dog attack cases in our area.
Poorly secured property gates allow dogs to escape and roam freely. When gates are left open or fences have holes, even normally calm dogs may wander into the street and bite someone. This happens often in neighborhoods where homes are close together.
Mobile County requires dogs to be on leashes in public places. Dogs running loose at parks, on sidewalks, or in neighborhoods can approach strangers without warning. Unleashed dogs are more likely to bite because they lack the control of an owner holding their leash.
Dogs that haven't learned how to act around people often become scared in new situations. Without proper socialization, dogs may bite out of fear when they meet new people or animals. Good training teaches dogs to stay calm in different settings.
Sometimes people cause bites by scaring or upsetting dogs. Approaching a dog while it's eating, pulling its tail, or backing it into a corner can trigger a defensive bite. Children often don't understand dog body language and may accidentally provoke them.
At public parks and community areas in Mobile, improper restraint leads to many bite incidents. Dogs tied to weak leashes or held by someone who can't control them may break free. Large or strong dogs need proper equipment and handlers who can manage them effectively.
Alabama has special rules about who pays when a dog bites someone. These rules are written in Alabama Code § 3-6-1. Under this law, dog owners can be "strictly liable" in certain situations. This means they are responsible for injuries even if they didn't do anything wrong.
Strict liability applies when someone gets bitten while legally on the dog owner's property. The mailman, a guest, or a repair person all count as people who have permission to be there. The owner can't use the excuse that they didn't know their dog might bite.
For example, if a delivery person brings a package to your door and your dog bites them, you are responsible under Alabama law. It doesn't matter if your dog never showed any signs of being dangerous before.
The law works differently when a bite happens away from the owner's property. In these cases, Alabama follows what's called the "one-bite rule." This older rule gives dogs and their owners one "free" bite before liability kicks in.
Even when strict liability doesn't apply, victims have other options. A person can file a claim based on common law negligence instead. This means showing the owner didn't take normal care to prevent their dog from hurting others.
Examples of negligence include letting a dog run loose in a park or using a leash that's too weak. Not fixing a broken fence that lets a dog escape can also count as negligence. In these cases, it doesn't matter if the dog never showed aggression before.
Courts in Alabama look at each case carefully. They consider where the bite happened, whether the victim had permission to be there, and how the dog was controlled. The judge will also look at whether the owner knew about any dangerous behaviors, even if the dog never bit anyone before.
When a dog bites you in Mobile, you can ask for money to help with your problems. This money comes in two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover things you can count in dollars. Non-economic damages cover the hurt that isn't about money.
Hospital bills are often the first expense after a dog bite. These can include emergency room visits, stitches, and rabies shots. Some bites get infected and need more treatment later. If you need surgery to fix the damage, these costs add up fast. Future medical care might include physical therapy or more operations.
Many people miss work after a dog bite. You might stay home because of pain or doctor appointments. Some jobs are hard to do with bandaged hands or arms. The money you didn't earn because of missing work is part of your damages.
Dog bites can cause scary memories that stay with you. Some people become afraid of dogs after an attack. This fear might keep you from visiting friends with dogs or going to parks. Anxiety, bad dreams, and even PTSD can happen after serious dog attacks.
Bites often leave marks on your skin that don't go away. These scars can make you feel bad about how you look. Disfigurement means a big change in how part of your body appears. Bites on the face are especially troubling because everyone can see them.
Pain and suffering covers the physical hurt and the bad feelings from the bite. The pain might last days or weeks. Some bites damage nerves and cause long-term pain. The courts look at how the bite changed your daily life when deciding this amount.
Alabama has a time limit for filing dog bite lawsuits. This limit is called the statute of limitations. In Alabama, you have two years from the date of the bite to file your lawsuit. For example, if a dog bit you on May 2, 2025, you would have until May 2, 2027 to file your case in court.
The clock starts ticking on the day the bite happens. This two-year period applies to all personal injury claims in Alabama, including dog bites. After this time passes, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong it is.
Some situations can change this deadline. If the victim is a child, the time limit may be extended. In some cases involving minors, the time limit to file a lawsuit may begin after the child reaches adulthood. This gives parents more time to understand the full impact of the injuries.
People with mental disabilities might also get more time. The court looks at whether someone can understand their legal rights. If they cannot, the deadline might pause until they can.
The discovery rule sometimes applies in dog bite cases. This rule means the time limit starts when you discover your injury, not when it happened. For example, if an infection from a dog bite shows up weeks later, the court might consider that date instead.
Filing insurance claims does not extend your time to sue. Talking with the dog owner or their insurance company doesn't stop the clock either. The two-year limit continues running during negotiations.
Missing the filing deadline usually means losing your right to compensation. The dog owner's lawyer will ask the court to throw out your case if you file too late. Judges rarely make exceptions to these time limits.
Taking the right steps after a dog bite helps protect your health and legal rights. Here's what you can do after a dog attack in Mobile.
Dog bites can cause deep wounds that may get infected quickly. Even small punctures need cleaning to remove bacteria from the dog's mouth. A doctor will clean the wound and may give you antibiotics to prevent infection.
Rabies is a serious risk with any dog bite. The doctor may give you rabies shots if the dog's vaccination status is unknown. Tetanus shots are also common after dog bites, especially if your last one was over five years ago.
Your medical records create an official timeline of your injuries. These records show when the bite happened and how serious it was. Doctors will write down details about the wound, treatments, and your recovery time.
Take clear photos of all your injuries right after they happen. Continue taking pictures as your wounds heal to show the full impact. Photos of the location where the bite occurred can also help your case.
Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the attack. Witnesses can confirm your story about how the bite happened. Their statements may help prove the dog owner was at fault.
Collect the dog owner's contact information and homeowner's insurance details if possible. Write down the dog's breed, size, and color. Keep all medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and records of time missed from work in one safe place.
Mobile County Animal Control keeps track of dangerous dogs in our area. Reporting the bite helps protect others from the same dog. Call Mobile County Animal Control at 251-574-3647 to file a report.
Mobile has rules about quarantining dogs after they bite someone. The dog may need to be watched for 10 days to check for signs of rabies. This quarantine can happen at the owner's home or at an animal control facility.
The animal control report becomes official proof that the bite happened. This report includes the dog's history and whether it has bitten people before. Ask for a copy of this report for your records.
A Mobile dog bite lawyer can help gather evidence while it's still fresh. Bite marks fade, witnesses forget details, and evidence disappears over time. Early legal help preserves this important information.
Lawyers understand Alabama's complex dog bite laws and how they apply to your situation. They know whether your case falls under strict liability or common law negligence. This knowledge helps build a stronger claim for compensation.
Local attorneys are familiar with Mobile's specific animal ordinances and how they affect your case. They can explain your options in simple terms and answer your questions about the legal process.
Insurance companies often contact bite victims soon after an incident. They may sound friendly and concerned about your well-being. However, their main goal is to pay as little as possible for your claim.
Recorded statements can be used against you later in your case. What seems like casual conversation might actually be an attempt to get you to say something that hurts your claim. Even saying "I'm feeling better" could be used to minimize your injuries.
Insurance forms often contain confusing legal language that limits your rights. Signing documents without understanding them can prevent you from getting fair payment for your injuries. Having a lawyer review these papers first protects your interests.
Below are follow-up questions readers often ask.
A dog bite doesn't have to be severe for you to file a claim. Any bite that needs medical care can qualify for a lawsuit. Even small puncture wounds that require cleaning, stitches, or antibiotics are valid reasons to seek compensation. Bites that leave scars, cause infections, or need follow-up treatment are all situations where you might have a case. The key factor is whether you had to see a doctor and receive treatment for the injury.
Several types of evidence help prove a dog owner was negligent. Photos of unleashed dogs show the owner broke leash laws. Records from animal control about previous aggressive behavior demonstrate the owner knew their dog might be dangerous. Witness statements from neighbors who saw the dog running loose before can strengthen your case. Warning signs like "Beware of Dog" might actually help your case by showing the owner knew their dog could be a threat. Text messages or emails where the owner admitted their dog had behavior problems can also serve as evidence.
The amount of money you might receive varies widely based on your specific situation. Smaller injuries with quick healing might result in a few thousand dollars. More serious bites with permanent scarring or nerve damage could lead to much larger amounts. Your compensation typically includes all your medical bills, both current and future. It also covers wages lost while recovering. The physical pain you experienced and any lasting emotional effects like fear of dogs add to the total. Each case is different, and the final amount depends on the full impact the bite has had on your life.
At Krebs Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with dog bite victims throughout Mobile and the surrounding areas. Our team lives and works in this community, giving us firsthand knowledge of local animal control ordinances and leash laws that affect your case. We understand how Mobile's specific regulations impact dog bite claims and how they differ from other Alabama cities.
Our lawyers have helped many families deal with the aftermath of dog attacks. We know the physical and emotional toll these incidents take. Our office handles all the paperwork, phone calls, and legal deadlines while you focus on healing.
We explain everything in plain language and answer all your questions along the way. Our Mobile office is easy to reach, and we make time to listen to your concerns.
Dog bite cases in Mobile have unique challenges. The location of the bite, the dog's history, and many other factors affect your claim. Our lawyers know how to build strong cases that address these specific issues.
You can talk with our dog bite lawyer today by calling our office or visiting our website. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your options. There's no obligation, and you won't pay any fees unless we win your case. Schedule your free consultation today and learn how we can help with your dog bite claim.
J.R. is dedicated to providing personalized representation, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. He tailors his strategy to the unique challenges and needs of each client and case, ensuring focused and individualized attention.
His practice mainly covers Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, including car and 18-wheeler accidents, slips and falls, dog bites, defective products, and wrongful death. He also handles commercial disputes on contingency, with experience in contracts, construction, and probate. For any dispute headed toward litigation, J.R. develops an aggressive strategy to maximize your recovery through negotiation, arbitration, or trial.
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