Dog Bites

Dog Bites & Attacks in Utah

Dog Bite Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah

Being bitten or attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience — and the aftermath can be just as overwhelming. From medical bills and rabies shots to lasting emotional trauma, a dog attack can completely disrupt your life.

If you or someone you love was injured in a dog bite incident, you need a trusted dog bite lawyer in Salt Lake City who understands Utah’s laws and knows how to fight for your rights.

At Steele Adams Hosman, we’ve recovered millions for personal injury victims across Utah. Our Salt Lake City dog bite attorneys are ready to help you hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursue full compensation for your injuries.

IF YOU, YOUR CHILD, OR YOUR LOVED ONE WAS BITTEN OR ATTACKED BY A DOG, REACH OUT TO STEELE ADAMS HOSMAN TODAY FOR A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION: (801) 816-3999.

Why Choose Steele Adams Hosman?

  • Over 35 years of legal experience
  • Millions recovered in settlements and verdicts
  • Deep understanding of Utah dog bite laws
  • You pay nothing unless we win
  • Local representation across Salt Lake City, Ogden, Sandy, West Jordan, West Valley, and more

Our team of Utah dog bite lawyers is compassionate, strategic, and relentless when it comes to securing justice for our clients. Let us help you move forward with confidence.

Understanding Utah’s Dog Bite Laws

Utah follows a strict liability rule under Utah Code § 18-1-1. That means dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs — even if the animal has never shown aggression before.

Unlike states that use the “one bite” rule, Utah dog bite statute doesn’t require the victim to prove the dog had a history of violence. You only need to show that the dog caused your injuries.

Also, this law applies not just to bites — if a dog knocks you over, and you break your arm, that still qualifies under the statute.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Utah

Whether the bite was minor or severe, take these steps:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately — even small wounds can lead to infection.
  2. Report the bite to local animal control or police.
  3. Document everything: injuries, witness names, location, and photos.
  4. Contact a trusted Salt Lake City dog bite attorney to protect your rights.

Who Is Liable in Dog Bite Cases?

Usually, the dog’s owner is liable. However, depending on the situation, others could share responsibility, such as:

  • Landlords or property owners
  • Caretakers or dog walkers
  • Businesses or facilities where the attack occurred

As dog bite lawyers in Utah, we’ll investigate all possible angles to hold the right parties accountable.

We understand that these are often very complex and sensitive cases, especially when the owner is someone you know. However, dog bite claims typically fall under premises liability law, meaning they are brought not against the owner personally but against their insurance provider.

The purpose of this insurance is to cover injured victims’ damages in the event of an accident or related incident—you have every right to pursue fair compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Defenses to Dog Bite Claims in Utah

While Utah dog bite laws favor victims, there are defenses dog owners might use, including:

  • The victim was trespassing
  • The dog attack was provoked
  • The dog was a law enforcement animal acting within its duties

Even if these defenses apply, they don’t automatically prevent compensation. Utah uses a comparative negligence system, so you may still recover a portion of damages if you’re less than 50% at fault.

How Comparative Fault Affects Your Claim

Under Utah’s modified comparative fault rule (Utah Code 78B-5-818), if you’re found partially responsible for the attack, your compensation may be reduced. For example:

  • If you’re 25% at fault, your settlement would be reduced by 25%

  • If you’re 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages

This is why working with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in Utah is so important.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Victims of dog bites and attacks in Utah may recover compensation for:

  • Emergency care and medical treatment
  • Plastic surgery or reconstructive procedures
  • Lost income or reduced ability to work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma or PTSD
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Property damage (e.g., broken phone, torn clothes)

What’s the Statute of Limitations?

You typically have four years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite injury claim in Utah (Utah Code 78B-2-307). However, if you plan to file an insurance claim, you may only have a few weeks.

Don’t wait — reach out now to avoid missing important deadlines.

FAQs About Utah Dog Bite Lawsuits

Can I sue if I was bitten by a dog in Salt Lake City?

Yes. Utah law allows you to sue for injuries caused by dogs — even if it’s the dog’s first offense. Contact us and get the justice you deserve.

What if the bite happened on public property or at a friend’s house?

You still have rights. Contact a Salt Lake City dog bite lawyer to explore your legal options.

Who is liable for the damages or injuries committed by the dog?

Utah’s dog bite and injury law says that anyone who owns or keeps a dog is liable for any damages or injuries committed by the dog, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was prone to dangerous behavior. In other words, Utah follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites and related injuries.

WE'RE READY TO HELP - FREE CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE

If you or a loved one was injured by a dog, don’t handle it alone. Let our experienced Salt Lake City dog bite injury attorneys evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight for what you’re owed.

OUR FIRM IS READY TO FIGHT FOR YOU. CALL US AT (801) 816-3999 OR CONTACT US ONLINE TO SCHEDULE A NO-COST, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

CASE RESULTS

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

Millions recovered in the last year alone. We do what it takes to get the best possible outcome for all our clients.

Jury Trial
$2.8 Million

Trial verdict in excess of $2.8 Million.
Motion for Summary Judgment
$800,000

Judgment for $800,000.
Motor Vehicle Crash
CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT

Our attorneys were able to settle this case for 25 times the initial offer.
Medical Malpractice
$775,000

Our attorneys tripled the initial offer in this case.

What Our clients are saying

The Opinions that Matter Most

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Professional and Transparent!

“Justin was very professional and transparent to what was going on with the case. I would recommend Justin or anyone he associates with in a heartbeat.”

-Nate L.

Steele Adams Hosman reviews

Organized and Efficient.

“We have used Chase Adams extensively as our legal counsel for the past several years. I have recommended Chase to family and friends who are in need of legal services. He is very organized and efficient, and understands the law & does his research.”

-Terry

Steele Adams Hosman reviews

Pleasant and Painless.

“Jeff walked me through the whole process, making it pleasant and painless. I would recommend this law firm highly to anyone and everyone.”

-John A.

There is no fee unless we win your case

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