The value of a dog bite case in Louisiana depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, where on the body you were bitten, and the long-term effects of the attack. There is no fixed formula, and no two cases produce the same result.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we have taken dog bite cases to trial and secured results that far exceeded what insurance companies were willing to offer. Every case is different, but the factors below can help you understand what drives the value of your claim.
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After a dog bite, you may be dealing with medical bills, missed work, and visible scarring while an insurance adjuster pressures you to accept a quick settlement. Understanding what your case is actually worth requires a clear picture of all the damages you are entitled to recover.
Without an attorney evaluating the full scope of your injuries, you risk settling for far less than your case is worth. Louisiana law provides specific protections for dog bite victims, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand exactly what you are entitled to recover.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 2321 holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their animals. Unlike some states that require proof the dog has bitten someone before, Louisiana applies a strict liability standard. The dog’s owner is liable for damages if the injury could have been prevented by the owner exercising reasonable care.
This means you do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression to file a claim. If the owner failed to properly restrain, kennel, or supervise their animal, they may be held liable for your injuries.
Louisiana also allows victims to pursue compensation for the full range of damages resulting from an attack, not just medical bills. The categories below break down what that includes.
Louisiana law allows dog bite victims to recover compensation across several categories. The total value of your case depends on which of these apply and how severely the attack affected your life.
Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up appointments related to the bite
Anticipated expenses for scar revision procedures, reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment
Income you missed while recovering from the attack, including sick days and time off for medical appointments
Reduced ability to earn income if the injuries cause permanent limitations that affect your work
Physical pain caused by the bite itself, surgical procedures, and the recovery process
Compensation for visible scars, especially those on the face, hands, or other exposed areas of the body
Anxiety, fear of dogs, PTSD, nightmares, and other psychological effects that develop after an attack
Damage to clothing, personal belongings, or other property destroyed during the incident
The more severe and long-lasting the effects of the bite, the higher the potential value of your case. Injuries to the face and hands, for example, typically result in higher compensation because of the visibility and functional impact.
Not every dog bite case results in the same compensation. Several factors can significantly increase or decrease the value of your claim.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we evaluate every aspect of your situation to build the strongest possible case. In one dog bite case, we secured a $360,000 jury verdict for a child who was attacked, which was more than 3.5 times the insurance company’s maximum settlement offer of less than $100,000.
Deep puncture wounds, fractures, nerve damage, and injuries requiring surgery carry higher case values than superficial bites
Bites to the face, neck, and hands typically result in more visible scarring and greater functional impact, increasing compensation
Children often receive higher awards because scarring may worsen as they grow, and the psychological impact of an attack can be more severe
Cases involving plastic surgery, reconstructive procedures, or scar revision carry significantly higher medical costs and pain and suffering damages
If the dog owner knew the animal was aggressive or had a history of threatening behavior, this strengthens the liability argument and can increase the recovery
The dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy limits can affect the amount of compensation available
We prepare every dog bite case for trial from day one. Here is how the process works when you hire Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno.
You meet directly with one of our partners to discuss the details of the attack, your injuries, and your current medical treatment. We assess your case and explain your legal options at no cost.
We document the scene, obtain animal control records, interview witnesses, and gather evidence of the dog's history. In past dog bite cases, gathering testimony from neighbors about a dog's aggressive behavior has been central to proving liability.
We work with your doctors, plastic surgeons, and mental health providers to fully document every injury, the treatment plan, and the projected future costs. This ensures nothing is left out of your claim.
Once your medical treatment reaches a stable point, we present a demand to the insurance company backed by the full scope of your documented damages. We do not accept lowball offers.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we take your case to trial. Our track record in the courtroom is something insurance companies take seriously when deciding whether to make a fair offer.
A named partner at our firm manages your case from start to finish. You are never handed off to a junior associate or paralegal to handle communications and strategy.
We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Insurance companies settle for more when they know your attorney will not back down from a courtroom.
Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, including jury verdicts in Lafayette, Livingston, and East Baton Rouge parishes.
We have practiced in the greater Baton Rouge community for over 20 years and understand how local courts, judges, and insurance adjusters operate.
When you hire one of our attorneys, you hire the entire firm. Our partners collaborate on case strategy and share expertise across practice areas, giving you access to the full depth of the firm’s knowledge.
Our attorneys have taken dog bite and premises liability cases to trial and secured significant results for our clients.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in future cases.
We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your dog bite case. There is no obligation and no pressure. You will meet directly with one of our partners, who will review the details of the attack, assess your injuries, and explain your legal options.
Our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all case expenses, including court filing fees, medical records, and expert witness costs.
"Great experience. They were very professional and were there whenever I called or needed them. My settlement was well worth the wait. I recommend them to anyone needing legal services. They will fight for you and get you what you deserve for your injuries. I didn't just gain good legal representation I also gained friends and a law firm that cared."
"Great people who really care about your situation. They did everything possible to take care of my family. I would highly recommend Jason, Robert, and the whole team. Top notch."
"I was referred to Melancon Rimes by a friend and I am beyond pleased with the outstanding professionalism and astounding work ethic that Lee Daquanno and his staff put into my case. Lee was prompt and kept me informed at every step. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal help. Lee went above and beyond for me and I am extremely grateful for him during my time of need."
Our clients consistently describe the same experience: direct access to their attorney, regular updates, and a team that fights for the best possible result. Much of our business comes from referrals by former clients and other attorneys who trust us with their cases.
Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno was founded in 2005 by Jason Melancon and Robert Rimes. In 2022, Lee Daquanno was elevated to partner after working with the firm since its inception. Our three partners bring decades of experience across personal injury, premises liability, commercial litigation, and appellate law.S
Lead litigation attorney. Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and named a Super Lawyer from 2018 to 2021.
Leads the firm’s personal injury section, handling car accident, premises liability, and product liability claims across the Baton Rouge area.
With the firm since 2005 and partner since 2022. Manages daily operations alongside an active personal injury caseload.
Our attorneys have represented clients in federal courts across Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, California, and New York. This breadth of experience strengthens the way we prepare and litigate cases right here in Baton Rouge.
There is no single “average” because every case depends on the severity of injuries, the victim’s age, the extent of scarring, and the available insurance coverage. Settlements for minor bites with no lasting injuries may resolve for a few thousand dollars, while cases involving surgery, permanent scarring, or attacks on children can result in six-figure or higher recoveries. You can see examples of our dog bite case outcomes in the case results section above. The best way to understand what your specific case may be worth is to have an attorney review the facts during a free consultation.
No. Louisiana does not follow the “one-bite rule” that some states use. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2321, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their animal even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The standard is whether the owner could have prevented the harm by exercising reasonable care. That said, evidence that the dog had a known history of aggression can strengthen your case and increase the value of your claim.
Louisiana’s prescriptive period for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is two years from the date of the attack. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover compensation. It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a bite so evidence can be preserved and witnesses can be interviewed while their memories are fresh.
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers dog bite claims. The insurance company handles the defense and pays any settlement or verdict up to the policy limits. If the owner does not have insurance, they may be personally liable for damages. Our attorneys investigate insurance coverage early in the process to determine all potential sources of recovery.
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. If the dog owner argues that you provoked the animal or were trespassing, a court may reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault, but it does not bar your claim entirely. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and awards $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your total recovery.
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome. Insurance companies routinely undervalue dog bite claims, especially when the victim does not have an attorney. In cases our firm has handled, the gap between what the insurance company initially offered and the final result at trial has been substantial. An attorney can accurately value your claim, handle negotiations, and take the case to trial if the insurance company will not pay what your injuries are worth.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, dog bite cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs, including filing fees, medical records, and expert witness expenses. This means there is no financial risk to you for hiring an attorney.
Our attorneys represent dog bite victims throughout the greater Baton Rouge area. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog anywhere in the parishes or communities listed below, we can help.
No matter where in the greater Baton Rouge area the attack occurred, our attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and explain your options.
Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM