Hunstville Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog attacks cause serious, life-altering harm far more often than most people realize. In the United States, hundreds of victims require emergency care each day due to injuries from dog bites. What begins as a routine walk or neighborhood visit can quickly turn into a physical and emotional crisis, especially for children or elderly adults.

At Martinson & Beason, P.C., we handle each case with a professional, team-based approach that respects your experience and your needs. Our dog bite lawyers in Huntsville, AL are committed to the highest ethical and confidentiality standards, and we treat every client with loyalty, transparency, and compassion. You will have access to your legal team at every stage of the process, whether you prefer a phone call or an in-person meeting.

Understanding the Scale of the Problem

Dog bites are not isolated or rare events. They happen across Alabama and the country, sometimes with devastating consequences. To understand how frequently these incidents occur, consider the following figures gathered from U.S. and Canadian press accounts, the CDC, and other verified sources:

• Roughly 86% of documented dog attacks result in bodily injury to the victim. In 2014 alone, 42 people in the United States died as a result of a dog bite. Pit bulls were linked to twenty-seven of those deaths, even though more than 700 U.S. cities regulate ownership of that breed.

• Children under the age of 13 accounted for nearly half of the dog-related fatalities that year. Among adults, 73% of those who died were over the age of 50. More than half of the fatal attacks in 2014 involved multiple dogs, and in eight instances, victims were mauled by a pack.

• The number of fatal dog attacks has climbed dramatically, up 82% from the 1980s to 2012. That rise has been matched by a surge in hospitalizations. Between 1993 and 2008, dog-bite-related admissions jumped 86%, with an average cost of $18,200 per patient. Seniors and young children remain the most common patients.

• Dog bite lawyers in Huntsville see these patterns reflected in their own communities. Postal workers, delivery drivers, and pedestrians are among those most frequently harmed. In 2012, 5,900 letter carriers were bitten while on the job. State Farm paid out over 3,550 claims that year alone, with the average settlement approaching $26,000.

• Pit bulls continue to dominate fatality statistics, but other breeds present risks as well. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Chows, Chihuahuas, and even Dachshunds have all been linked to serious bite injuries. While no breed guarantees aggression, these numbers underscore how dangerous untrained or unsupervised dogs can be.

Strict Liability and the One-Bite Rule in Alabama

Laws about dog attacks vary by state. Some jurisdictions impose automatic liability, while others place the burden on victims to prove the dog had shown prior aggression. Alabama takes a hybrid approach. That means victims may have more than one path to recovery, depending on where the incident occurred and what facts surround the case.

Under strict liability, the dog’s owner becomes responsible for injuries caused by a bite, even if the animal had never acted aggressively before. The owner’s knowledge or lack of knowledge about the animal’s temperament does not change their liability if the victim had a legal right to be on the property and did not provoke the dog.

Alabama applies strict liability in certain cases, particularly when the bite occurs on the owner’s property or immediately nearby. However, punitive or statutory damages are not available unless the victim can prove the owner knew of prior violent behavior. A dog bite attorney in Huntsville, AL, will examine the location of the attack, witness statements, and any medical records to determine which legal theory applies.

Alabama Code and Property-Based Dog Attacks

Section 3-6-1 of the Alabama Code governs liability for injuries caused by dogs. The statute applies broadly – it does not require that a victim suffer a puncture wound or traditional “bite” to recover. Any injury caused by a dog, such as a fall or blunt trauma, may qualify under this law.

To succeed under this statute, the injured person must have had permission to be on the property or must have been lawfully in a public place. The dog must not have been provoked. If those conditions are met, the owner becomes financially responsible for medical bills and lost income, even if they had no prior warning about their dog’s behavior.

A dog bite lawyer will assess where the incident occurred. If the dog pursued the victim off the owner’s property, that fact may still support liability under the statute. However, if the incident occurred in a park, on a public sidewalk, or in another setting away from the home, the legal approach may shift.

Negligence in Off-Property Dog Attacks

When Alabama’s dog injury statute does not apply, victims may still recover damages through a negligence claim. This legal theory focuses on the owner’s actions rather than the dog’s history. If the owner failed to use reasonable care by violating a leash ordinance, ignoring a containment rule, or allowing the dog to roam, then a claim may still be valid.

For example, a large dog that knocks over a child in a public park may not have “bitten” the child, but the resulting injury still creates legal exposure if the owner failed to restrain the animal. Likewise, if a landlord knew a tenant’s dog had previously lunged at passersby but allowed the behavior to continue, civil liability may attach.

Dog bite attorneys in Huntsville often use a combination of statutory and negligence arguments when seeking compensation. The strength of your case will depend on prompt investigation, documentation of injuries, and a clear timeline of events.

Financial Fallout and Insurance Obstacles After a Dog Attack

Hospital bills from a dog attack can mount quickly. Between emergency room care, rabies vaccinations, and plastic surgery, the expenses often exceed what most families are prepared to handle. When rehabilitation, physical therapy, or psychological care enters the equation, those costs increase significantly. A single visit might not reflect the full impact of the injury. For many, the financial burden becomes obvious only after the second or third bill arrives.

Homeowner’s insurance often plays a significant role in these cases. What many people do not realize is that coverage may apply even if the bite occurred away from the policyholder’s residence. For example, a dog attack at a public park, a neighbor’s yard, or during a neighborhood walk can still trigger coverage if the owner’s policy allows for off-premises liability. Reviewing the specific language of the insurance agreement is essential, and this step should not be rushed or handled casually.

Breed Exclusions and Policy Denials

Some insurance companies rely on breed-based exclusions to deny valid claims. If the animal involved was a pit bull, Doberman, Rottweiler, or similar breed, coverage might be reduced or disqualified altogether. Even if the owner never disclosed the breed to their insurer, companies may still attempt to avoid paying by citing ambiguous or selectively applied policy clauses.

A dog bite lawyer will analyze the insurance agreement and challenge wrongful denials. That process involves a careful reading of policy terms, communication with the insurer, and negotiation backed by a clear medical and factual record. When the company refuses to deal in good faith, a lawsuit will be filed in circuit court.

Additional Sources of Compensation

In some situations, the dog owner possesses personal assets beyond the scope of their insurance policy. If the injury was severe, and the available insurance coverage proves inadequate, a dog bite attorney may pursue direct claims against the individual. That approach depends on several factors, including financial disclosures, ownership documentation, and any evidence of previous aggression by the animal.

At Martinson & Beason, P.C., we never recommend that clients accept lowball offers or settle for partial compensation. Quick settlements are often designed to close the case before the full medical picture emerges. Instead, we take the time to understand your injuries and your future needs. If that means preparing for litigation, we will be ready. Our firm does not bluff or posture. We pursue legitimate claims with a careful, evidence-based strategy.

Delays and Disputes from Insurers After a Dog Bite

Insurance companies sometimes argue that injuries were the victim’s fault or that a bite did not occur in the manner described. These tactics are designed to delay resolution and reduce payouts. A dog bite lawyer will counter these arguments with medical records, photographs, witness testimony, and expert evaluations when necessary. You should not have to justify your pain or prove your suffering repeatedly to insurers who were never present at the scene.

We believe our clients deserve honesty, loyalty, and regular communication. You will never be left guessing about what step comes next. From start to finish, we will stand beside you and advocate for what the law allows you to recover.

Why Your Legal Decisions Matter in Dog Attack Cases

After a dog attack, the urgency of the moment tends to overshadow legal concerns. You may be focused on stitches, rabies shots, or simply trying to calm your child. But in the days that follow, your choices begin to matter. The path you take will influence the medical care you receive, the financial stability of your household, and your right to pursue damages under Alabama law.

Many people do not recognize the scope of their injuries at first. Swelling, nerve damage, psychological trauma, and infection may develop slowly. Likewise, long-term complications may not be visible until weeks or months later. Yet insurance companies often pressure victims to settle quickly, before the need for extended care becomes clear.

Why So Few Dog Bite Claims Are Filed

Despite the physical and emotional toll, most dog bite victims never pursue a legal claim. National data suggests that only a small percentage take formal action, even when liability is clear. This does not reflect a lack of merit in their cases. Rather, it reflects hesitation, confusion, or a lack of information about available options.

Speaking with a dog bite attorney helps remove that uncertainty. At Martinson & Beason, P.C., we do not push people into litigation. We present clear options and let you decide what path fits your life. If you need time to recover or consult with your family, we respect that. If you want to move forward quickly, we will act without delay.

Work-Related Dog Bites in Huntsville, AL

Not all dog attacks happen during leisure time. Some occur while people are performing essential work for the community. Postal workers, delivery drivers, waste collectors, and utility crews often find themselves face-to-face with animals in unfamiliar settings. These individuals perform necessary jobs, and in doing so, they assume risks that the general public does not.

In Alabama, when a dog attack happens during the course of employment, more than one legal remedy may be available. A workers’ compensation claim may cover medical bills and lost income, but it does not account for pain, emotional distress, or long-term disability. That is where third-party liability enters the conversation.

Medical Consequences That Extend Beyond the Dog Attack

Dog bites rarely end with a single doctor visit. Infections, tissue loss, nerve damage, and scarring often require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1 in 5 dog bites become infected, posing risks such as cellulitis, rabies, or MRSA.

Scarring can have physical and psychological consequences, especially for children or individuals bitten in visible areas such as the face, arms, or hands. Nerve damage may result in loss of motor function, while psychological trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can persist for months or years.

A dog bite attorney will work with medical professionals, mental health providers, and your support network to calculate the full extent of your damages. That includes projected costs for future care, counseling, and any permanent disfigurement or impairment. Your case is about more than reimbursement—it is about protecting your long-term health.

Contact Our Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Huntsville, AL

At Martinson & Beason, P.C., we believe your legal representation should reflect your values. Our firm is built on trust, professionalism, and service. Our team approach means your matter will benefit from shared insight and active collaboration. 

You have the right to understand what is happening in your case without having to ask twice. We do not make empty promises. We deliver clear, professional guidance, backed by a long-standing commitment to the Huntsville community. Call (800) 255-6534 or contact us online so we can provide a free and confidential evaluation of your case.