Great Falls Dog Bite Lawyer

Attacked by a Dog in Great Falls, MT?

A dog attack can leave lasting scars—both physical and emotional. Beyond the immediate pain and trauma, victims often face expensive medical bills, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we understand how overwhelming this can be. Our goal is to guide you through the legal process, hold the at-fault party accountable, and help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Great Falls or the surrounding Montana communities, our experienced Great Falls dog bite attorney is ready to fight for you.

Call (406) 233-1302 or contact us online today for a free consultation with our Great Falls dog bite lawyers.

Montana Dog Bite Law

Montana follows a mixed liability system when it comes to dog bites. This means the laws differ depending on whether the attack occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property.

Strict Liability in Public Spaces

Under Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-715, if a dog bites someone in a public place—such as a park, sidewalk, or street—the dog’s owner is held strictly liable. This means the victim does not have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. If the bite happened in public and you were not provoking the dog, the owner is responsible for your damages.

Negligence on Private Property

If the bite occurred on private property where you were legally present (such as visiting a friend’s home), you must generally prove that the owner acted negligently—such as failing to restrain the dog or warn you of its aggressive tendencies. Evidence like past complaints, prior bite incidents, or lack of proper fencing can help prove negligence.

Local Leash Laws and Ordinances

Great Falls, MT, also has local animal control regulations that require dogs to be under control at all times. Violations of leash laws can strengthen your case by showing the owner failed to follow safety rules.

Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite in MT

A dog bite injury can lead to significant financial and personal losses. Montana law allows victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Medical Expenses

Dog bites often require emergency care, stitches, reconstructive surgery, or rabies vaccinations. All related medical bills—both current and future—can be included in your claim.

Lost Wages & Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can claim lost income. If the bite causes long-term disabilities, you may also seek compensation for reduced earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond physical injuries, dog attacks can lead to severe emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, and a fear of animals. Montana law allows recovery for these intangible but very real damages.

Scarring & Disfigurement

Visible scars or permanent disfigurement often increase compensation amounts, especially in cases involving children.

Wrongful Death Claims

In tragic cases where a dog attack results in death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Great Falls, MT

1. Seek Medical Care Immediately – Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent infection and document your injuries.
2. Report the Incident – Contact Great Falls Animal Control or local law enforcement.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location.
4. Gather Information – Get the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance details, as well as contact information for witnesses.
5. Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company Alone – They may use your statements against you. Contact a lawyer first.

Dog Bite Claim FAQs

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

In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the bite. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue compensation.

What if the dog belonged to a friend or family member?

You can still file a claim—typically through their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance—without personally targeting them financially.

Can I get compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.

Do all dog bite cases require a lawsuit?

Not always. Many claims are resolved through insurance settlements, but having a lawyer helps ensure you get a fair amount.

What if the dog was a stray?

If no owner can be identified, you may need to explore other sources of recovery, such as public entities or property owners who failed to address a known stray problem.

Contact a Great Falls Dog Bite Attorney Today

A dog attack can turn your life upside down in seconds, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we are committed to protecting your rights, holding negligent owners accountable, and securing the maximum compensation possible.

Contact us today at (406) 233-1302 for a free consultation, and let us assist in alleviating stress while working towards the justice you deserve.