Montana Dog Bite Lawyer

Doubek Pyfer & Storrar attorneys For many people, dogs are an important part of the family. But what happens when man’s best friend is a source of serious trauma and pain? Dog bites are a growing problem in the United States, with victims reporting over four million bites annually. Victims are at risk of infection, rare diseases, permanent scarring, and disfigurement.

The Montana dog bite attorneys at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar can help you fight for the maximum available compensation for your matter.

When a dog bite has left you injured and unsure of your next steps, it’s time to reach out to the attorneys at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP. Our team of experienced attorneys has helped dozens of dog bit victims recover compensation after being bitten. You’ll work with attorneys like attorneys John Doubek, Keif Storrar and Bradley Jones who have dedicated their careers to personal injury law and the protection of Montana animal attack victims.

Located at 307 North Jackson Street in Helena, the Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP office is at the cross streets of North Jackson Street and 6th Street. Our proximity to everything downtown Helena has to offer makes us easy to find. Nearby attractions include the Holter Museum of Art and the Original Governor’s Mansion. Set up a time to meet with our team now—just call us at 406-442-7830.

We handle dog bite claims across Montana, in cities like Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls, Butte, Billings, and the rural communities throughout the State.

Recent Review:
“Keif and this office were great to work with. They showed patience, and understanding. They knew the rules, laws, and the small details that made big differences in my care. I would absolutely recommend Keif and this firm to anyone seeking representation.”

Verified Review on Google from Hank W.

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Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Bite?

First, it’s important to note that any dog can bite at any time. Even the friendliest and most well-trained dog is capable of biting when pushed past their limits. Having said that, bites are dramatically more common with certain breeds than others. The breeds most likely to bite humans include:

Pit bulls and pit bull-type breeds
Rottweilers
German shepherds
Mastiffs
American bulldogs
Huskies
Labrador retrievers
Boxers

While this list largely contains medium-to-large sized dogs, it’s important to remember that dogs of any size can bite. Although small dogs can also bite humans, their bites are generally less serious and may not be strong enough to break the skin. As a result, these bites may not be reported with the same frequency that bites from larger dogs are.

Montana Dog Bite Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding dog bites, and as a victim, it’s important to know what your rights and responsibilities are. To start, Montana is a strict liability state. This means that it’s not a “one-bite” state. Owners are held liable for the injuries caused by their dog, even if their dog has never bitten before or has no history of being dangerous. Owners are liable when their dog bites someone without provocation, either in a public place or in a private location where the victim is permitted to be. The phrase “without provocation” is important here. If someone provokes a dog by trespassing or intentionally antagonizing them, the owner may not be liable for the dog’s bites, although this is rarely the case. The vast majority of dog bites are without provocation by the bite victim.

Even if you are working at someone’s house and bitten, you would have a claim against the homeowner. This claim would be separate from any workers’ compensation claim. For example, postal workers and delivery drivers who are lawfully on private property in the course of their work will have a workers’ compensation claim and a separate dog bite injury claim against the dog owner.

There are also local laws to keep in mind. In Lewis and Clark County, for instance, dog bites must be reported. Once a dog has bitten a human being or another animal without provocation, it will be guaranteed for 10 days by animal control. It will then be considered vicious. Dog owners are charged $200 for the first bite and, in some cases, the dog may be euthanized. The fine is $500 for the second offense and the dog is euthanized. In Cascade County a dog who bites once may be put down depending on the severity of the bite. These city or county ordinances do not impact your ability to pursue a claim against the homeowner and homeowner’s insurance company to pay for your medical bills and pain and suffering as a result of the dog bite.

Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve

Dog bites can put you at risk for many different illnesses, and the bacteria that live in a dog’s mouth dramatically increase the risk of infection. Many of the types of bacteria that live in a dog’s mouth are different from those found in a human’s body, which means we have minimal protection against them. You should immediately seek medical attention after a dog bite and keep copies of all of the bills you receive. You may also be entitled to compensation if a dog bite leaves you disfigured. Serious bites can cause permanent scarring and tightness across the affected area. If you have to take time off of work to recover from a bite, your lost wages should also be compensated.

You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. The more severe a bite is, the more compensation you may be owed in this category.

Choose the Helena, MT Dog Bite Lawyers at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar for Your Dog Bite Claim

The experienced Helena dog bite lawyers at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP are here to fight for you. Find out how we can help you as you recover, and pursue the MAXIMUM available compensation for your injuries – call us at 406-442-7830 to schedule a free consultation or fill out our online contact form – We serve all of Montana.