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When Man’s Best Friend Bites: Dog Attacks in Montana and Why You May Need a Lawyer

Dog bites are more common than most people realize—and far more serious than they may first appear. Each day in the United States, 1,000 citizens require emergency treatment for serious dog bite injuries.  Some bites are mild, others are disfiguring or even fatal. In Montana, where dogs are a staple of both ranch life and suburban family life, understanding your rights after a dog attack is critical.

At Boland Aarab PLLP, we understand how a single bite can upend someone’s health, finances, and peace of mind. This blog explores the legal landscape surrounding dog bites in Montana, offers context about the scope of the problem, and helps you understand why calling a lawyer may be the most important step you take.

The Reality of Dog Bites: A Widespread but Underestimated Problem

According to the CDC, over 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. Of those, an average of 885,000 seek medical care, nearly 370,000 go to emergency rooms, and an average of 16 fatalities occur. While children under the age of 12 account for a disproportionate number of serious injuries, adults are certainly not immune.

Even here in Montana, where people tend to assume our wide-open spaces protect us from the perils of urban dog aggression, dog bite incidents occur regularly. Montana may not rank among the worst states for dog attacks on citizens, but bites are nonetheless a significant cause of injury in both urban and rural areas.

Unfortunately, the assumption that a “good dog” wouldn’t bite—or that a bite is no big deal—can lead victims to ignore their legal rights or delay seeking help. This can be a costly mistake.

Montana’s Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know

Montana has adopted a relatively strict approach when it comes to holding dog owners accountable. Under Montana Code Annotated § 27‑1‑715, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes if the bite occurs in an incorporated city or town, the victim is lawfully on the premises, and the bite was unprovoked.

What does that mean? It means that in most cases—if you’re walking your dog in Great Falls and another unleashed dog attacks you—you don’t need to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous. You don’t need to prove the dog had a “bite history.” You simply need to show that the bite happened under the circumstances outlined in the statute. Strict liability laws like this make it easier for victims to recover damages, especially in urban settings where leash laws and animal control ordinances already apply.

Outside city limits, things get murkier. In rural Montana, strict liability doesn’t always apply, and plaintiffs may need to prove that the dog owner was negligent—such as by letting an aggressive dog roam free or failing to repair a broken fence. This creates hurdles for victims, which is why experienced legal guidance is so crucial.

Beyond the Bite: Infection, Trauma, and Long-Term Impact

Too often, the medical consequences of a dog bite are underestimated. Yes, there’s the initial wound—but that’s just the beginning. Up to 20% of dog bites become infected. Dog saliva can carry bacteria like Capnocytophaga canimorsus, Pasteurella, and even staph and strep strains. For some, particularly young children or immunocompromised adults, these infections can become life-threatening.

In more serious cases, individuals can suffer permanent scarring, nerve damage, or the loss of use in a hand or leg. Facial bites can be especially traumatic, both medically and emotionally. And the trauma doesn’t always end with physical recovery. Many victims—especially children—struggle with anxiety, sleep disorders, and even post-traumatic stress following a serious bite.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often rush to settle these cases early, before the full extent of the injury is clear. That’s why at Boland Aarab, we urge victims to reach out as soon as possible—not just to preserve evidence, but to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer After a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Montana, you might feel uncomfortable about pursuing a claim—especially if the owner is a neighbor or friend. That’s understandable. But remember: most dog bite claims are paid by homeowners’ insurance, not by the dog owner personally. These insurance companies are not your allies, no matter how sympathetic they sound.

An experienced lawyer can help assess your claim, identify the correct legal theory (strict liability or negligence), gather evidence, and deal with the insurance company so that you don’t have to. At Boland Aarab, we also help calculate damages that are often overlooked—like lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. We fight to ensure our clients are compensated fully, not just “reasonably.”

Timing matters, too. Montana’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including dog bites—is three years. But waiting that long can weaken your case. Memories fade, evidence disappears, and insurance adjusters grow less cooperative over time. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

A Montana Law Firm That Knows Montana Dogs

Our firm was founded and is based in Great Falls, Montana. We understand the mix of urban, suburban, and rural life that defines this state. We know how to argue cases based on strict liability when they occur inside city limits, and how to build negligence cases when attacks happen elsewhere.

Most importantly, we understand the emotional toll these incidents take on people. Whether it’s your child, your spouse, or yourself who was bitten, you deserve a team that takes the time to listen, investigate, and fight for what’s right.

Prevention Is Key—but Justice Matters Too

There’s no substitute for responsible dog ownership. Leashing your pet, ensuring they’re well-trained, keeping them vaccinated, and obeying local ordinances isn’t just good etiquette—it’s the law. But no matter how cautious you are, someone else’s negligence can change your life in a moment.

If that happens, don’t brush it off. Don’t let the insurance company convince you it’s “just a bite.” Reach out to a law firm that takes your injuries—and your future—seriously.

Contact Boland Aarab PLLP Today

Dog bites are traumatic, complex events. You deserve an advocate who knows the law, understands Montana, and is committed to your recovery. At Boland Aarab PLLP, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options. We won’t pressure you. We won’t take a dime unless we win.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Montana, call us at (406) 315-3737 or visit us at www.bolandaarab.com to learn more.

We’re here to help—because no one should go through this alone.