Dog Bites

Opelika Dog Bite Lawyer

Injured by a Dog Bite or Attack in Opelika, AL?

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. At Carmichael Law Group, our experienced Opelika dog bite lawyers understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden that a dog bite can cause. We're here to help you navigate Alabama’s dog bite laws and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Alabama Dog Bite Law

Dog bite laws vary by state, and in Alabama, the law is a mix of strict liability and negligence-based principles. Under Alabama Code § 3-6-1, dog owners can be held strictly liable if the dog bites someone on the owner's property or after the dog has followed the victim from the property—even if the dog has never bitten before.

However, there are exceptions and nuances:

If the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing, the owner may not be held liable.

If the bite occurred off the owner's property and the dog had no known history of aggression, the victim must prove negligence—such as the owner failing to restrain the dog properly.

These complexities make it essential to work with an experienced Opelika dog bite attorney who understands how to build a strong claim based on the specific circumstances of your case.

To schedule a free consultation, call (888) 687-6022 or contact us online today.

Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite in AL

After a dog bite in Opelika, AL, victims may be eligible for various forms of compensation, depending on the severity of the injury and the facts of the case. At Carmichael Law Group, we help clients recover damages such as:

Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, stitches, infection treatment, and future medical care.
Lost wages: If your injury kept you from working, you may be compensated for lost income.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma following the attack.
Scarring and disfigurement: Particularly in cases involving facial injuries or permanent marks.
Rehabilitation costs: Physical or psychological therapy required to recover from the attack.

Every dog bite case is unique. We evaluate all aspects of your injury, losses, and circumstances to ensure you pursue the full compensation you are entitled to.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment. Common dog bite injuries include:

Puncture wounds and lacerations
Broken bones from being knocked down
Infections such as rabies or MRSA
Nerve damage
Scarring or disfigurement
Psychological trauma, including PTSD and fear of dogs

Children are especially vulnerable to severe dog bite injuries due to their small size and inability to defend themselves.

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This is what sets our team apart

Here's What Sets Our Team Apart

Carmichael Law Group guides you every step of the way, from applications to appeals, with clear communication and strategic advocacy.

Compassionate Advocates

We treat every client with respect, empathy, and personalized attention, guiding you through the SSD process with care.
Proven Track Record

With years of experience and thousands of successful cases, we provide skilled representation at every stage of your claim.
Honest Guidance
We prioritize clear communication, ethical advocacy, and transparency, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
Focused on Results

We fight tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve, using strategic legal expertise to achieve the best possible outcome.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Opelika

In the hours and days after a dog bite, the steps you take can make a major difference—both medically and legally. Whether the bite seems minor or severe, documenting what happened and getting proper care helps prevent infection, supports your recovery, and preserves critical evidence if you decide to pursue a claim later.

Immediate steps to take

Get medical attention right away (urgent care, ER, or your doctor). Dog bites can lead to infection, scarring, and complications that aren’t obvious at first.
Identify the dog and owner: get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and any available vaccination/rabies information.
Take photos and video of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location where the bite occurred. Continue taking photos as bruising and swelling develop.
Collect witness information: names and contact details for anyone who saw the attack or the dog’s behavior beforehand.
Report the bite to local authorities/animal control so there is an official record of the incident.
Avoid discussing fault at the scene or on social media. Even casual comments can be misunderstood later.

Dealing With Insurance

Many dog bite claims involve a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Adjusters may contact you quickly and ask for a recorded statement or offer a fast settlement. Those early offers often come before the full extent of medical treatment, scarring, time off work, or future care is clear. Speaking with an attorney first can help you avoid unintentionally undervaluing your case.

Contact us today at (888) 687-6022 to get started on your claim.

How our Opelika dog bite attorney can help early on

Preserve evidence before it disappears, including medical records, witness statements, and incident reports.
Handle insurer communications so you don’t feel pressured into a recorded statement or quick settlement.
Clarify next steps based on where the bite happened (home, neighborhood, apartment complex, public area) and who may be responsible.

If you or your child were bitten in Opelika, AL, getting guidance early can reduce stress and help you make informed decisions. Contact Carmichael Law Group to discuss what happened and learn your options.

FAQs About Dog Bite Claims in Opelika, AL

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Alabama?

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including dog bite cases—is two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file within this window could result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Can I sue if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes, depending on where the bite occurred and the circumstances of the attack. Alabama's dog bite law allows for strict liability if the bite occurred on or near the owner’s property. In other cases, you'll need to show that the owner was negligent.

What if the dog owner is a friend or neighbor?

Many people are hesitant to file a claim against someone they know. However, most dog bite claims are paid through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies—not out of the owner’s personal finances.

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Why Work with Carmichael Law Group

At Carmichael Law Group, we understand the stakes and are here to help you every step of the way. Here are reasons why you can trust us to provide compassionate legal guidance that puts your needs first:

Free Consultations. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we offer free consultations to all prospective clients.
Contingency Fees. Hiring an attorney might feel like an added financial burden, but it doesn’t have to be. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Proven Success Rate. We have a high success rate for our clients. This track record demonstrates our dedication to securing favorable outcomes and our ability to handle complex truck accident cases.
Advocating for Those Less Fortunate. We’re passionate about advocating for individuals and families who may feel powerless against large trucking companies or aggressive insurers.
Genuine Care for Clients. We take the time to understand your needs, concerns, and goals and work hard to achieve an outcome that helps you rebuild your life.
Thousands of Clients Served. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of people recover compensation and regain control of their lives after serious accidents.
Bilingual Services. We offer legal services in English and Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to accessing the representation you deserve.
Over a Decade of Dedicated Service. With more than ten years of practicing law, our firm brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every case we handle.

Call (888) 687-6022 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can support you during this challenging time.

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