Billings, MT Dog Bite Lawyer

In an animal attack, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer in Montana.

A relaxing walk through a Billings neighborhood, a visit to a friend’s home, or an afternoon spent enjoying the open space at Zimmerman Park or Two Moon Park can be shattered in an instant by a sudden, violent dog attack. In the moments that follow, you are left dealing with shock, pain, and a flood of questions. How will you pay for the emergency room visit? What about the follow-up care? Will the scars, both physical and emotional, ever truly fade?

We understand the trauma you are experiencing. An animal attack is a deeply personal and terrifying event, and the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. At Rimrock Law, we believe you should never have to carry this burden alone. While you focus on healing, we focus on holding the responsible party accountable. 

Our dog bite attorneys in Billings is here to provide compassionate legal support and help you secure compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact Rimrock Law today for a free, confidential case evaluation and let our team be your advocates during this challenging time.

Why Choose Rimrock Law for Your Billings, Montana Dog Bite Claim

After a dog attack, choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated advocate who understands Montana law, has a proven track record of success, and genuinely cares about your well-being.

At Rimrock Law, we bring decades of combined experience to your corner. We have built our reputation on being reliable, trusted, and relentless advocates for the injured people of Montana. For us, it’s personal. We see the person behind the case file—the parent, the worker, the community member whose life has been unfairly disrupted.

Here is why victims of dog attacks in Billings and across Montana trust Rimrock Law:

• Deep Montana Roots and Experience: Our attorneys have handled hundreds of personal injury cases right here in Montana. We don’t just know the law; we know the local courts, the insurance companies, and the specific challenges that victims in our community face. This local insight is a powerful advantage in your case.
• A Proven Record of Substantial Results: Our results speak for themselves. The attorneys at Rimrock Law have recovered over $100 million for our clients. We are not afraid to take on large insurance companies or fight for the maximum compensation in your case. This track record shows we have the resources and tenacity to win.
• A Compassionate, Team-Based Approach: You are not just a case number to us. We believe in a team approach, where our lawyers—Matthew Braukmann, James Dallner, and Phillip Lorenzo—collaborate to build the strongest possible claim for you. We listen to your story, answer your questions, and ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

When you choose Rimrock Law, you are choosing a firm that sets the bar higher. We are committed to exceeding your expectations and securing the justice and compensation necessary to help you move forward with your life.

Montana Dog Bite Laws

Fortunately, for dog bite victims, Montana law is on their side. Montana is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. This is a critical legal standard that offers significant protection to those who have been injured.

In simple terms, strict liability means that a dog’s owner is legally responsible for the damages their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before. The old and often unfair “one-bite rule,” which essentially gave a dog one free bite before the owner could be held liable, does not apply in most cases in Montana. It doesn't matter if the owner says, “He’s never done that before!” Under the law, they are responsible from the very first incident.

This means you generally do not have to prove that the owner was negligent or knew their dog was dangerous to have a valid claim. If their dog bit you, they are liable for your injuries.

However, there are two key exceptions to this rule:

1. Trespassing

The strict liability rule typically applies when the victim is “lawfully on the property.” This includes being on public property (like a park or sidewalk), being an invited guest at a private residence, or being on private property for a legal purpose (like a postal worker or delivery driver). If you were unlawfully trespassing on private property when the bite occurred, the owner’s liability may be reduced or eliminated.

1. Provocation

If the evidence shows that you were actively and knowingly tormenting, abusing, or provoking the dog, which then caused it to attack, your ability to recover compensation may be impacted. It’s important to note that normal actions, such as walking or jogging past a house, petting a dog with the owner’s permission, or a child’s unintentional act like tripping near a dog, do not typically count as legal provocation.

These exceptions are why having an experienced Billings dog bite attorney is so important. We can analyze the specific details of your encounter to establish the owner’s liability and protect you from unfair claims of trespassing or provocation.

Do I Have a Claim for Compensation?

This is one of the most common and pressing questions we hear from victims. After the trauma of an attack, it’s natural to wonder if you have a legal path forward. In most situations, if you were bitten by a dog that was not your own, the answer is yes.

You likely have a strong claim for compensation if the following three elements are true:

1. A Dog Caused Your Injury: The harm you suffered was directly caused by a dog bite or attack. This includes not only puncture wounds but also injuries from being knocked down, deep scratches, or nerve damage.
2. You Were in a Place You Were Legally Allowed to Be: You were on public property, were an invited guest on private property, or had a legal reason to be there (e.g., performing your job).
3. You Did Not Provoke the Attack: You were not intentionally harassing, abusing, or otherwise tormenting the animal in a way that would cause a reasonable dog to defend itself.

Even if you think your situation is complicated, you should never decide on your own that you don’t have a case. Dog owners and their insurance companies will often try to shift blame. They might suggest you were trespassing when you were simply on the edge of their lawn, or they may claim their dog was “startled” as a way to imply provocation. These are tactics designed to discourage you from pursuing your rights.

Let our experienced animal attack lawyers in Billings, Montana evaluate the facts of your case. We know how to counter these defense strategies and build a claim that clearly demonstrates the owner's responsibility. The consultation is free, and there is no risk in finding out where you stand. We are here to provide the clarity and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Dog Owner or Their Insurance Company?

Shortly after the attack, you may be contacted by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company. They might sound friendly and concerned. They may even offer you a quick check to “help with your immediate medical bills.” While it can be tempting to accept this money, especially when you are out of work and facing expenses, it is almost never in your best interest to accept the first offer.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which means settling claims for the lowest possible amount. The initial offer they make is a calculated business decision, not a compassionate assessment of what you truly need to recover.

This first offer is almost always a fraction of the true value of your claim because it fails to account for:

• Your future medical expenses
• Your full wage or income loss
• The loss of your earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation for your injuries, even if your condition worsens or you discover you need more extensive treatment down the road.

This is where Rimrock Law steps in. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or sign any paperwork, contact us. We will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather all your medical records, consult with experts if necessary, and calculate the full and fair value of your claim. 

We then use this evidence to negotiate aggressively for a settlement that truly covers all of your past, present, and future needs. We don’t let insurance companies bully our clients into accepting less than the value of their claim.

What Compensation Is Available to Billings Dog Bite Victims

No amount of money can undo the trauma of a dog attack, but securing fair compensation is essential for your financial stability and your ability to access the resources you need to heal. As a victim, you are entitled to seek compensation for all the ways this injury has impacted your life. An experienced dog bite attorney at Rimrock Law will fight to recover the maximum compensation for all of your damages, including:

• Medical Bills: This includes every cost associated with your physical recovery, such as ambulance fees, emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, stitches, and rabies shots.
• Future Medical Care: We work with medical experts to project the costs of any future treatment you may need, including physical therapy, reconstructive or plastic surgery for scarring, and psychological counseling.
• Lost Wages or Income: Compensation for the paychecks you missed while you were unable to work during your recovery.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and affect your ability to earn a living in the long term, we will fight for compensation for that loss.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and general suffering you have endured as a result of the attack and your injuries.
• Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: This addresses the serious psychological impact of the attack, which can include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, nightmares, and a newly developed fear of dogs.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites often leave permanent and visible scars, particularly on the face, hands, and arms. This damage provides a constant, painful reminder of the trauma and can cause significant embarrassment and loss of self-esteem.

Our team at Rimrock Law meticulously documents every aspect of your losses to build a comprehensive and compelling case for the full compensation you are owed.

Billings Dog Bite FAQs

Below are answers to some of the common concerns we hear from dog bite victims in Billings.

What if the dog owner is a friend, family member, or neighbor?

This is a very common and sensitive situation. Many people hesitate to file a claim because they don’t want to create personal or financial hardship for someone they know. It is important to understand that in nearly all cases, a dog bite claim is made against the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not against them personally. These policies exist specifically to cover incidents like this. Seeking compensation for your medical bills and other damages is simply a way of holding the insurance company accountable for what the policy was designed to do. You can get the help you need without ruining a personal relationship.

Can I still have a claim if the dog bite happened on public property, like a park or sidewalk?

Absolutely. Leash laws and other ordinances in Billings require owners to have their dogs under control at all times in public spaces. If a dog bites you in a park, on a trail, or on a public sidewalk, the owner is still responsible under Montana’s strict liability law. The fact that the attack occurred on public property does not reduce the owner’s liability for the harm their dog caused.

What happens if I don't know who the dog's owner is?

This can be a challenging situation, but it doesn’t automatically mean you have no options. This is known as a “phantom dog” case. An immediate investigation is crucial. We may be able to help by talking to neighbors in the area where the attack occurred, checking for home security camera footage, or reviewing animal control records for reports of similar-looking stray dogs. If the owner can be identified, you can proceed with a standard claim. It is critical to act quickly to preserve any potential evidence.

Contact Our Trusted Billings Dog Bite Lawyers Today

The trauma of a dog attack should not be compounded by a stressful and confusing legal process. You deserve to have a team on your side that is not only knowledgeable and determined but also genuinely compassionate about what you are going through. At Rimrock Law, we are committed to being that team for you. We understand the challenges you face, and we are here to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.

You do not have to face the insurance companies alone. Let us be your advocates and your voice. We invite you to reach out to our Billings personal injury lawyers at (406) 606-1650 or through our online form to discuss your case. We can provide a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your rights and explore all the avenues for legal recourse available to you.