• (801) 590-3275

Serving all of Utah

Murray Dog Bite Attorney

Text or Call: 801-580-3275

How can we Help?

Contact Us

Quick Summary for Dog Bite Victims: If a dog in Utah has bitten you or your child, you have strong legal protections. Utah is a strict liability state, meaning dog owners are legally responsible for any injuries their dog causes—even if the animal has never shown aggression before. The Law Office of Roberto Hernandez represents dog bite victims across Murray, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Midvale, and Draper, pursuing homeowners’ insurance policies to cover emergency medical bills, necessary reconstructive surgeries, and emotional trauma.

The Devastating Impact of a Dog Attack

A dog attack is a terrifying, violent event that happens in a matter of seconds but leaves scars that can last a lifetime. Beyond the immediate physical pain and risk of infection, victims often suffer profound psychological trauma. This is especially true for young children, who are disproportionately the victims of severe dog bites due to their size and proximity to the animal.

At The Law Office of Roberto Hernandez, we understand that recovering from an animal attack is both a physical and emotional journey. Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize these claims, arguing that a victim provoked the animal or that the injuries aren’t severe enough to warrant substantial compensation. We aggressively push back against these tactics, ensuring your voice is heard and your future is protected.

Read Our Client Reviews

Understanding Utah's "Strict Liability" Law

Many states have a “one free bite“ rule, meaning an owner is only liable if they knew their dog had a history of aggression. Utah does not.

Under Utah Code Ann. § 18-1-1, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard. This means the owner is entirely responsible for the damages their dog causes, regardless of the animal’s past behavior or whether the owner was acting carelessly at the time. If you were legally allowed to be where the bite occurred (such as on public property or invited onto private property), the owner is liable for your injuries.

Common Injuries and Long-Term Consequences

Dog jaws exert immense pressure, causing damage that goes far beyond a simple puncture wound. We help clients seek compensation for severe injuries, including:

  • Deep Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Requiring immediate emergency care and stitches.
  • Infections: Dogs’ mouths harbor dangerous bacteria, increasing the risk of staph infections, tetanus, and the need for rabies protocols.
  • Nerve and Muscle Damage: Tearing that can cause permanent loss of mobility or sensation in the affected limb.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Attacks to the face, neck, and hands often require extensive, expensive plastic and reconstructive surgeries.
  • Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, and an enduring fear of animals are incredibly common and deserve full compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims

This is the most common hesitation victims have. People do not want to ruin a friend or relative financially. It is vital to understand that, in almost all cases, we are not seeking to withdraw money directly from your friend’s bank account. Dog bite claims are typically covered under the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy. You are simply utilizing the insurance policy they already pay for to cover your legitimate medical needs.

We operate strictly on a contingency fee basis. You pay zero upfront costs and no hourly fees. Our payment is a pre-agreed percentage of the final settlement or court award we secure for you. If we do not win compensation for your injuries, you owe us nothing.

Our goal is to restore your life to its pre-accident state. We pursue compensation for:

  • Economic Damages: Emergency room visits, hospital stays, plastic/reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, antibiotics, and lost wages from missing work.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, permanent scarring or disfigurement, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.

 

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Wash the wound immediately and go to urgent care or the ER.
  2. Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the owner’s name, contact information, and the dog’s vaccination history.
  3. Report the Bite: Contact local animal control or the police to file an official report.
  4. Document Everything: Take clear photographs of your injuries and the location where the attack occurred.
  5. Call an Attorney: Do not speak with the owner’s insurance adjuster before securing legal representation.

 

Don’t let an insurance company downplay your trauma. Contact The Law Office of Roberto Hernandez today at (801) 590-3275 for a free, confidential consultation.