Rogers Dog Bite Lawyer

We’ve represented dog bite victims throughout Rogers and Northwest Arkansas.

Our work begins with a free case review where we listen carefully, answer your questions, and explain your options.

Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.

From the Free Consultation to Building Your Claim

Every case starts with a thorough investigation.

We collect:

• Photos of the dog bite injury and the scene of the dog attack
• Statements from witnesses and neighbors
• Animal control or police reports
• Medical records that show your treatment and recovery

This documentation helps prove the dog owner’s negligence and shows the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing therapy or physical pain.

Working With Doctors and Insurance Companies

We coordinate directly with your medical team to ensure your injuries are properly documented.

Then we handle the insurance side for you.

Many dog owners carry homeowners or renters insurance that covers these claims, but insurance companies often try to limit payouts.

Our attorneys negotiate on your behalf to make sure every part of your recovery (physical, emotional, and financial) is accounted for.

Committed to Your Recovery

A dog bite attack can be terrifying, especially if it involves a child or an aggressive breed like a pit bull.

Our team stays involved from start to finish.

You can count on us to:

• Gather evidence
• Working with medical experts
• Keep you updated as your case progresses.
• Hold a private property owner liable for your injuries

Our lawyers do the tough legal lifting, so you can focus on full recovery.

Arkansas approaches dog bite cases differently from many other states.

There is no statewide strict liability statute, which means a dog owner is not automatically responsible for a bite.

Instead, Arkansas follows what is often called the one-bite rule.

The One-Bite Rule

Under the one-bite rule, an owner can be held liable if they knew or reasonably should have known their dog might act aggressively.

Evidence of that knowledge may include earlier incidents of biting, growling, or snapping, or reports to animal control about aggressive behavior.

If an owner ignores those warning signs and the dog bites someone, you, as the injured person, may have a valid dog bite claim.

Negligence and Local Rules

Even when there is no prior bite, you may still recover compensation if you can show the owner was negligent.

Negligence means failing to act with reasonable care.

In the case of a dog bite incident, this includes:

• Allowing a dog to run loose
• Failing to repair a fence
• Ignoring local leash laws

These are all signs that a dog owner was negligent — and can be held liable, as a result.

Cities and counties in Arkansas, including Rogers, have their own rules requiring owners to restrain their dogs.

In some areas, local ordinances also impose strict liability for certain dog breeds or for dogs officially classified as dangerous.

Criminal Liability

Arkansas law also provides criminal penalties for serious attacks.

Under Arkansas Code § 5-62-125, it is a crime to allow a known dangerous dog to cause serious physical injury or death.

For this reason, a court may order restitution to cover medical bills.

Know that criminal penalties do not replace your right to file a civil lawsuit for full financial recovery.

In other words, you’ll still be able to file a dog bite claim even after criminal charges have been placed.

Proving Responsibility

Your dog bite attorney must show that the dog owner’s negligence or prior knowledge of aggression caused the attack.

Evidence will be key for this.

Useful evidence includes:

• Animal control reports on the aggressive dog’s behavior towards people and other animals
• Witness statements
• Veterinary records
• Neighbor complaints

Shared Fault

Arkansas uses a modified comparative fault system.

If a court finds that the person bitten provoked the dog or entered private property without permission, compensation may be reduced.

If you were bitten, but it was found that you entered a property without permission, you may still recover compensation.

The amount you’ll recover may be less.

Showing that you’re partly to blame for your dog bite injury is a common tactic used by insurance companies.

Companies do this to minimize their payouts.

To recover maximum compensation, you need prompt medical attention and clear documentation of the attack.

These help ensure the case reflects what truly happened and shifts fault to the negligent property owner.

A dog bite injury can be far more serious than it first appears.

Even a single bite can tear skin, crush soft tissue, or leave lasting psychological effects.

If you’ve been bitten, seek medical attention.

Prompt medical care not only prevents infection but also helps document the injury for a future personal injury claim.

Physical Injuries

Most dog bite victims experience some combination of punctures, bruises, and torn skin.

The pressure from a dog’s jaw can also damage muscles and tendons beneath the surface, sometimes leading to nerve injury or restricted movement.

When multiple bites occur on areas like the face, arms, or legs, they often require stitches or reconstructive procedures.

Children are especially vulnerable to facial injuries because of their height and tendency to approach dogs at eye level.

Infections and Medical Complications

In Rogers, there are hundreds of dog bite incidents recorded.

Victims include passersby and members of the United States Postal Service.

Roughly five to 20 percent of all dog bites become infected.

Dog saliva carries bacteria such as Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, and Staphylococcus, which can enter deep tissue through even small punctures.

Left untreated, an infection can spread rapidly, causing swelling, fever, and pain.

Severe infections may require hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics.

Emotional and Psychological Harm

The fear and shock of a dog bite attack can linger long after the wounds heal.

Many people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety when they see or hear dogs.

Children may avoid outdoor play or struggle with nightmares about the incident.

Adults sometimes feel embarrassment or anger about scarring or disfigurement.

Arkansas law recognizes these experiences as compensable emotional distress, meaning victims can seek financial recovery for the mental toll of an attack.

Severe and Long-Term Effects

Some dog bite injuries cause permanent harm that changes a person’s life and daily routine.

Besides the long-term complications of infection, these effects can include:

• Bone fractures: A powerful bite can crush bones, particularly in hands, arms, or legs, requiring surgery or casting.
• Nerve damage: Deep punctures may sever nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or chronic pain.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Visible scars on the face or limbs can require plastic surgery and often lead to emotional trauma.
• Reduced mobility: Severe tissue loss or joint injury can make it difficult to walk, work, or perform routine tasks.
• Chronic pain and stiffness: Repeated treatments or surgeries sometimes result in long-term discomfort that affects sleep and movement.

The Broader Impact

A dog bite incident rarely affects just one person.

Family members often shoulder the weight of caregiving, lost income, and ongoing medical visits.

Parents caring for an injured child must balance emotional reassurance with financial strain.

Understanding how far the harm extends allows an experienced dog bite attorney to pursue full and fair compensation for every loss the family has suffered.

The strength of your dog bite claim depends on what you can prove.

Evidence is how you show what happened, who was responsible, and how the dog bite injury changed your life.

In Arkansas, liability comes down to proving negligence or prior knowledge of aggression.

To build a solid case and establish the property owner’s negligence, you need the right documentation.

Having it can make the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement.

Evidence to collect includes:

1. Medical Evidence
2. Photographic and Video Evidence
3. Animal Control and Law Enforcement Reports
4. Witness Statements
5. Proof of the Owner’s Knowledge or Negligence
6. Documentation of Financial and Emotional Losses
7. Expert Testimony

1. Medical Evidence

Medical treatment records are the foundation of every dog bite case.

Emergency room charts, doctor’s notes, and hospital bills confirm that you were bitten, when the bite occurred, and how serious it was.

These records also document severe injuries, infection, nerve damage, and scarring that may develop later.

If you need surgery or physical therapy, that information helps calculate both your medical expenses and future care costs.

2. Photographic and Video Evidence

Clear photos help prove how the attack occurred and how the wounds progressed.

So take pictures of your injuries immediately after the bite and throughout healing.

You’ll also want to include shots of the location, the dog owner’s property, and anything that shows how the animal escaped or attacked, such as a broken fence or open gate.

If there is surveillance footage from a doorbell camera or nearby business, ask for a copy as soon as possible.

Visual evidence can counter any claim that the victim provoked the dog or exaggerated the injuries.

3. Animal Control and Law Enforcement Reports

Official records carry significant weight.

When you report the dog bite incident to animal control or the police, officers document details such as the dog’s breed, vaccination status, and prior complaints.

Those records can confirm that the responsible party knew or should have known their pet had aggressive behavior.

They also establish the date and location of the attack, which are essential for insurance and legal purposes.

4. Witness Statements

Independent witnesses can describe how the attack occurred, what the dog was doing before the bite, and how you reacted afterward.

Their statements help show that the event happened the way you described it.

If the owner claims you entered private property or provoked the dog, a witness can provide an unbiased account.

Written statements or sworn testimony from neighbors, postal workers, or bystanders can be especially persuasive when proving owner negligence.

5. Proof of the Owner’s Knowledge or Negligence

Because Arkansas follows the one-bite rule, proving the owner’s awareness of the dog’s aggression is key.

Evidence can include:

• Prior citations
• Complaints filed with animal control
• Veterinarian’s records of the dog
• Communication where the owner admits past problems

6. Documentation of Financial and Emotional Losses

Evidence isn’t limited to the injury itself. Keep pay stubs, medical bills, and receipts to document lost wages, treatment costs, and travel expenses for appointments.

If you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or emotional distress, records from counseling or therapy sessions can help establish the impact on your daily life.

These details support claims for pain and suffering, psychological injuries, and reduced quality of life.

7. Expert Testimony

In complex dog bite cases, your lawyer may work with medical specialists or animal behavior experts.

Doctors can explain how the injury caused lasting damage, while veterinarians or trainers can testify about the dog’s temperament and whether the owner acted responsibly.

Expert opinions help clarify facts for insurance companies or a jury, especially when liability is disputed.

Recovering from a dog bite injury involves medical care, time away from work, and emotional challenges.

Arkansas law allows you to seek payment for both financial losses and the personal toll of the dog attack.

Medical Expenses and Future Care

You can recover money for the full cost of treating your injuries.

Expenses can include:

• Emergency and hospital visits
• Surgeries or reconstructive procedures
• Medication and infection treatment
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Follow-up care for scarring or nerve damage

Lost Income and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injury kept you from working, you may claim lost income.

Lost income includes:

• Wages lost during recovery
• Missed bonuses or benefits
• Reduced earning potential if the injury limits your future work

Your dog bite lawyer can use pay stubs and employer statements to show your total income loss.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and ongoing discomfort are recognized losses.

These damages may include:

• Chronic pain or limited movement
• Disrupted sleep or fatigue
• Difficulty performing routine tasks

Your description of symptoms and your doctor’s notes help show how the injury affects your daily life.

Emotional Distress and Psychological Injuries

A dog bite attack can leave lasting emotional scars.

You may be compensated for:

• Anxiety, panic, or depression
• Nightmares and fear of dogs
• Loss of enjoyment in activities or social life

Therapist or counselor records can support these claims and help demonstrate their impact.

Scarring, Disfigurement, and Disability

Permanent damage often changes how you live and how you feel about your appearance.

You can seek compensation for:

• Scarring or visible marks
• Reconstructive surgery costs
• Permanent loss of mobility or strength
• Assistive devices needed for daily life

Medical specialists can help document the long-term consequences of your injury.

Property Damage

Dog bite accidents can damage or destroy property.

If belongings were destroyed during the dog bite incident, you may recover costs for:

• Torn or ruined clothing
• Broken glasses or devices
• Personal items damaged in the attack

Receipts or replacement estimates are useful in showing these losses.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages punish particularly reckless or intentional conduct by a dog owner.

Punitive damages include:

• Ignoring prior animal control warnings
• Allowing a known dangerous dog to roam free
• Encouraging aggressive behavior

These damages may be rare in personal injury cases, but they can significantly increase your case’s value.

After a dog bite incident, fair compensation depends on how well your case is prepared and presented.

At our law firm, we take deliberate steps to make sure your dog bite claim captures the full scope of your losses — both seen and unseen.

Comprehensive Case Investigation

We begin with a detailed investigation into how the attack occurred.

Our team gathers medical records, animal control reports, and witness statements to show what the dog owner knew and when they knew it.

Every detail helps prove negligence and strengthens your position during negotiations with insurance companies.

Collaboration With Experts

We work with medical professionals, financial experts, and sometimes animal behavior specialists to demonstrate how the dog bite injury affects your health, income, and daily life.

These expert opinions clarify how much your recovery will truly cost, including future medical care and emotional treatment.

Thorough Valuation of Damages

We calculate every dollar you’ve lost or will lose.

This includes medical expenses, lost wages, physical therapy, and emotional distress.

By understanding both your financial and personal suffering, we ensure no part of your claim is overlooked.

Strategic Negotiation With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often try to limit payouts or argue that a victim provoked the dog.

We counter these tactics by presenting complete evidence, organized chronologically and supported by documentation.

Our preparation shows insurers that we will not accept less than full compensation.

Readiness for Trial

While most dog bite cases settle outside court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.

This approach increases negotiation leverage and signals to insurers that we are ready to defend your rights before a judge or jury if necessary.

A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone.

Arkansas law gives you the right to hold a dog owner accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward.

Have you or any of your family members been bitten by a dog?

If you’ve just been bitten by a dog and sustained a severe dog bite injury, you need expert legal representation and guidance.

Contact Keith Law Group today.

Reach out for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify immediately.