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AFJ Law Firm PLLC – Bozeman’s Trusted Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Dog Bite Injuries Attorney in Bozeman, Montana

dog bite

At AFJ Law Firm PLLC, we understand that Montana is a great place for families to feel safe and enjoy the company of their pets. However, we also know that when a dog attack occurs due to negligence, it can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial harm. If you or someone you love has suffered a serious dog bite injury in Bozeman or surrounding areas, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, pain, and potential long-term scarring or emotional trauma.

Our mission is to support injured Montanans by holding negligent dog owners accountable and helping them secure full and fair compensation for their injuries. We specialize in personal injury law and have the experience and dedication necessary to handle these complex cases with expertise. 

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Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Montana

Montana has specific laws that govern dog bite liability, which differ from some other states that have a “one-bite rule.” Instead, Montana operates under a combination of statutory law and principles of negligence. To understand your case, it’s important to look at Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-715.

This statute states that a dog owner can be held responsible for damages if:

  • The dog bites a person without provocation while they are acting peacefully and legally in any location where the person has the right to be.
  • The owner knows or has reason to believe that the dog has unusual tendencies that are abnormal for its breed.

This means that, in most cases, if a dog bites someone without provocation while they are legally in a public place or on private property, such as a guest, the owner is legally responsible for the injuries. Additionally, if the owner knew that their dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior, they may be held liable for failing to take appropriate precautions under a negligence theory, regardless of any specific statutes.

  • I can’t thank Anthony and AFJ Law Firm enough for representing me after I was attacked by a dog in Bozeman. I had another personal injury attorney first, but I wasn’t getting anywhere with them. They barely communicated, and things just weren’t moving forward. When I switched to AFJ Law Firm, it was night and day. Anthony and his team got on my case right away, actually returned my calls, and kept me in the loop the whole time. They explained everything to my family and me so we understood what was happening and what to expect, negotiated hard with the insurance company, and got my dog-bite case settled. If you need a personal injury lawyer in Montana, I’d definitely recommend calling Anthony Jackson and his firm. They really came through for me.

    Zechariah

Our Victories

Dog Bite Cases vs. Dog Attack and Severe Dog Bite Cases

While any dog bite that causes skin damage can be traumatic, the legal response differs significantly depending on the severity of the injury.

Standard Dog Bite Cases

These typically involve minor injuries that heal completely without any long-term consequences, such as a minor cut that requires a band-aid and a tetanus shot. Although it is always important to report these incidents to your insurance company, it is often not worth hiring an attorney, as insurance claims can often be handled directly. AFJ Law Firm focuses on more serious cases where our expertise can make a significant difference.

Dog Attack & Severe Dog Bite Cases

These are life-changing events that involve serious physical and emotional trauma. They can cause deep tissue damage, nerve injuries, broken bones, severe facial wounds, permanent disfigurement, or severe psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

These incidents often result in high medical bills, long-term treatment, and a significant impact on the victim’s quality of life. Insurance companies often undervalue claims when victims are not represented by a lawyer. Our firm takes on these challenging cases to ensure that our clients are fairly compensated for their injuries and losses. We work hard to ensure that the compensation reflects the full extent of the victim’s suffering and the seriousness of their case.

Understanding Breed-Specific Risks: Data on Attacks and Fatalities

When discussing dog attacks, clients often ask about the role of breed. It is important to understand the statistical data, as certain breeds are disproportionately represented in both bite incidents and fatal attacks.

A university meta-analysis of dog bite statistics found that the breeds most likely to bite a person are: Pit Bulls, Mixed Breeds, German Shepherds, Terriers, and Rottweilers. This study also concluded that these breeds were not only more likely to bite, but also more likely to cause significant tissue damage.

This correlation is further supported by data on fatal attacks. Analysts compiled statistics over a 13-year period and found that the breeds most involved in fatal attacks on humans were: Pit Bulls (65.6% of fatalities), Rottweilers (10.4%), and German Shepherds (4.6%). It is notable that the involvement of pit bulls in fatal attacks seems to be increasing. In the first half of the study period, approximately 58% of attacks were attributed to pit bulls, while in the latter half this number rose to 71%. This trend may be linked to the rising ownership rates of these dogs. This information is crucial for understanding the severity of an attack and determining whether the owner knew or should have been aware of the dangerous propensities of their dog.

Common Causes and Circumstances of Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can often be prevented and usually result from owner neglect. Some common scenarios include:

  • Failure to properly socialize or train a dog
  • Allowing a dog with known aggressive tendencies to roam free or be around children
  • Negligently confining a dog, causing it to escape
  • Violating local Bozeman or Gallatin County leash laws
  • Ignoring clear warning signs of stress or agitation in the animal

The Devastating Spectrum of Dog Bite Injuries

Some people wonder, “What dog bites cause the most fatalities?” or “What dog breeds The force of a dog’s bite can be significant, capable of breaking bones and tearing soft tissues. The injuries resulting from severe attacks go beyond simple scratches.

  • Severe lacerations and tissue damage: Dogs often use a “bite-and-tear” motion, causing severe shearing injuries that damage the skin, muscles, and tendons, necessitating extensive reconstructive surgery.
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement: Facial bites are sadly common, especially in children, and can result in permanent physical and emotional scarring.
  • Nerve damage and loss of function: A bite to the hand, arm, or leg can damage nerves, leading to permanent numbness, weakness, or paralysis.
  • Fractures and Crush Injuries: Powerful breeds can easily cause bone fractures, particularly in children and elderly people.
  • Infections: Over 50% of dog bites can introduce bacteria like Pasteurella multocida into the wound, causing serious infections that may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
  • Head Trauma: Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), either from a direct bite to the head or from falling to the ground during an attack.
  • Psychological Trauma: The fear and terror of a dog attack can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a long-lasting phobia of dogs, significantly impacting daily life.

  • We worked with Anthony on a severe accident for which he served as lead counsel. He excelled at what he did, despite it being a complex liability case. We would assuredly work with him on another case if and when the opportunity presents itself.

    Mitchell

Establishing Liability and Building Your Case

Proving liability is crucial. Our legal team will immediately begin an investigation to identify all responsible parties, including the dog’s owner, property owner, or landlord who knew about a dangerous dog on their premises. We will gather evidence such as animal control reports, witness statements, photos of your injuries, the scene, and the dog’s veterinary records and history. 

We will also document your damages by compiling all medical records, bills, lost income proof, and expert testimony about future medical needs and long-term impact of your injuries. We will handle all communication with insurance companies to protect you from their attempts to minimize your claim or force you to admit something that could harm your case.

Learn More About Insurance Coverage Disputes

You Have the Right to Recover. Let Us Help You Secure It.

The physical and emotional trauma of a dog attack can last a lifetime, and you should not have to shoulder the financial burden of an injury caused by another person’s negligence. Insurance companies are not always on your side, as their goal is often to pay out as little as possible. However, we are here to help.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious dog attack in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, or any other part of Gallatin County, contact us. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, explain your legal rights, and discuss how we can help you rebuild your life after the incident. You can reach us by calling AFJ Law Firm PLLC or by filling out our online form. Let us be your advocate in the pursuit of justice.

Common Dog Bite Injuries FAQs

Does Montana have a “one-bite rule” for dog owners?

No. Montana law generally holds an owner liable if their dog bites someone without provocation, regardless of whether the dog has bitten before. The owner’s prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies can strengthen the case but is not always required to establish liability under the statute.

What compensation can I recover after a serious dog attack?

You can seek compensation for all economic damages, including medical bills (emergency care, surgery, therapy, future reconstructive surgery), lost wages, and property damage. You can also recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Who can be held liable for a dog bite in Bozeman?

Liability typically falls on the dog’s owner. However, other parties may also be responsible, such as a property owner or landlord who knew a dangerous dog was on the premises but failed to take action, or a person who was temporarily caring for or controlling the dog at the time of the attack.

What should I do immediately after a dog bite to protect my health and legal rights?

Seek immediate medical attention to treat the wound and prevent infection. Report the bite to local animal control. Document everything: take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if safe to do so. Get contact information for the owner and any witnesses. Then, consult with a personal injury attorney before discussing the incident with the owner’s insurance company.

What if the dog owner claims I provoked the attack?

Provocation is a common defense. Montana law requires the bite to occur “without provocation.” Our role is to gather evidence—through witnesses, your account, and the circumstances—to demonstrate you were acting peacefully and lawfully. Even if some interaction occurred, it may not legally constitute provocation that excuses the owner’s liability.

Why should I hire a law firm that specializes in serious personal injury for a dog bite case?

Serious dog attacks often involve complex injuries, significant future medical needs, and intense negotiations with insurers who downplay disfigurement and PTSD. A specialist firm like ours has the experience to accurately value the lifelong impact of your injuries, access medical experts, and aggressively advocate for full compensation, not just immediate medical costs.

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