LA · Mixed

Louisiana dog bite law

Louisiana is a civil-law state: the owner is liable for unprovoked injuries they could have prevented. It is not California-style automatic liability, and it is not pure one-bite either.

Liability
Strict-ish (preventable unprovoked injuries)
Statute
La. Civil Code art. 2321
Deadline to file
2 years · La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1
Bites only?
Injuries more broadly

Raised from 1 year to 2 years for injuries on or after July 1, 2024.

For bites before July 1, 2024, the old one-year deadline may still apply. Confirm the date before you wait.

Exceptions insurers will mention

Applies to unprovoked injuries the owner could have prevented.

Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.

Similar liability rules

This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.