Dog bite injuries in Shreveport can turn a normal day into a painful, confusing crisis in seconds. You may be dealing with emergency care, infection concerns, and a frightened child or loved one while also wondering who will pay for it all. Louisiana’s laws on dog owner liability are unique and not always obvious, especially when insurance companies get involved. Rice & Kendig focuses on protecting injured people in these situations and holding negligent owners accountable. With a trusted shreveport dog bite lawyer on your side, you do not have to fight this alone. You can focus on healing while Rice & Kendig focuses on proving responsibility and pursuing the compensation you need.
Behavioral history assessment in animal attack investigations
When a dog bites, the animal’s past behavior becomes a key part of your case. Proving what the owner knew, or should have known, about prior aggression can make the difference between a denied claim and a strong settlement. Rice & Kendig understands how Louisiana courts view “dangerous propensities” and uses that knowledge to build leverage for you. The firm’s legal team knows where to look for records, who to talk to, and what patterns matter for liability. This careful behavioral history assessment helps counter insurance arguments that the attack was a “total surprise.”
How Rice & Kendig builds the behavior record
- Reviewing animal control and police reports for prior complaints
- Interviewing neighbors, mail carriers, and delivery drivers about past aggressive acts
- Analyzing vet records and training histories when available
- Evaluating leash use, containment, and owner warnings on the property
- Using this evidence to show what the owner knew and when they knew it
Residential setting factors that influence owner responsibility
Many Shreveport dog bite incidents happen on or near residential property, where owner responsibility can quickly become disputed. Questions arise about fences, gates, warning signs, and whether you were invited or lawfully on the property. Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame to the victim, suggesting trespass or provocation. Rice & Kendig understands these tactics and responds by focusing on clear property facts and local safety rules. Their experience as a shreveport dog bite lawyer helps show how the property set-up and the owner’s choices contributed directly to the attack.
Key property-related issues Rice & Kendig evaluates
- Condition of fences, gates, and locks where the dog was kept
- Presence or absence of warning signs and prior complaints from visitors
- Whether children or guests could easily access the dog’s area
- History of the dog roaming loose in the neighborhood
- Compliance with local leash, restraint, and housing ordinances
Medical severity documentation for puncture and infection injuries
Bite wounds may look small at first but can be medically serious, especially when punctures, tearing, or infections develop. Insurance companies often downplay these injuries, focusing only on the initial emergency visit and ignoring later complications. Rice & Kendig understands how quickly dog bites can escalate into hospital stays, surgeries, and long-term scarring. The firm works closely with your medical providers to capture the full picture of your care, from ER treatment to follow-up and rehab. Thorough documentation of medical severity is essential to avoid lowball offers.
How Rice & Kendig strengthens the medical side of your claim
- Gathering complete records from ER visits, urgent care, and specialists
- Highlighting infection risk, nerve damage, and scarring in medical notes
- Coordinating with doctors about future care needs and possible surgeries
- Demonstrating how pain, mobility limits, and scarring affect daily life and work
- Using clear, organized records to push back against “minor injury” arguments
Child-specific injury considerations in bite-related claims
When a child is bitten in Shreveport, the emotional and legal stakes are even higher. Children are more vulnerable to facial injuries, scarring, and long-term fear of dogs, which can affect them for years. Rice & Kendig recognizes that child claims require special care, both in how evidence is presented and how future impacts are valued. The firm carefully documents school interruptions, counseling needs, and changes in behavior after the attack. This child-focused approach helps show why a quick, minimal settlement is rarely fair.
Ways Rice & Kendig protects injured children and their families
- Working with pediatric specialists familiar with dog bite trauma
- Documenting emotional harm, nightmares, and anxiety around animals
- Emphasizing facial injuries and scarring that may require future cosmetic care
- Ensuring any settlement considers long-term developmental and social impact
- Guiding parents through court approval procedures for minor settlements
Damage recovery paths for physical and psychological harm
Dog bite injuries are rarely just physical; they often leave lasting emotional scars as well. Nightmares, fear of going outside, and anxiety around dogs can linger long after wounds close. Rice & Kendig pursues recovery for both visible injuries and less visible psychological harm. The firm seeks compensation for medical bills, future care, lost wages, scarring, and pain, as well as counseling or therapy when needed. With a focused shreveport dog bite lawyer, you gain a clear strategy for moving from shock and confusion toward stability and recovery.
Why contact Rice & Kendig after a Shreveport dog bite
- Dedicated experience with Louisiana dog bite and premises liability law
- A detailed approach to owner negligence, behavioral history, and property safety
- Strong medical and psychological documentation to support full-value claims
- Skilled negotiation with insurers, backed by readiness to take cases to court
- Compassionate guidance that keeps you informed and in control at every step
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Shreveport, you do not have to face insurers or property owners alone. Reach out to Rice & Kendig to discuss what happened, learn your options, and decide on next steps with a trusted advocate at your side.
