Being attacked by a dog can cause physical injuries and emotional scars. Some people who a dog has bitten fear all other dogs after. According to an article posted in the Canine Journal, dog bites are more common than you may think, and a recent CDC study showed that over 4.5 million dog bites occur every year, and 800,000 of those require medical care.
If you suffered a dog bite and require immediate medical attention, it’s best to hire a dog bite lawyer. You should be compensated for your injuries, and there are a few ways a lawyer can help.
Knowledge Of Dog Bite Laws
Every state has dog bite laws that cover different claims, and a dog bite lawyer has extensive knowledge of your state’s law. Suppose you were attacked by a dog and suffered an injury that caused bone fractures or disfigurement that requires cosmetic surgery. In that case, your lawyer can file a claim against the dog’s owner for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. As long you weren’t trespassing on the dog owner’s property or teasing or tormenting the dog when you were attacked, you can file a claim against the dog owner. If you weren’t the first person the dog attacked, the owner should have known the dog can be dangerous, and you have a good case.
Dog bite lawyers have extensive knowledge of dog bite laws and can go over the circumstances surrounding the attack to determine if the case is worth pursuing.
Proving Your Claim
If you were alone when the dog bit you, a dog bite lawyer can help. According to AllLaw, a dog owner can raise several defenses when facing a dog bite lawsuit, and you’ll need a lawyer to help you prove your claim. Members of the legal team can do some research and gather evidence to prove your claim.
The legal team can speak to neighbors about the dog’s past behavior, check with the local police for any previously reported attacks, and can check for video footage from neighbors’ doorbells and exterior cameras to see if the attack was caught on camera. They can also use your medical records and bills to determine the severity of your injuries. If your legal team can prove the attack occurred and the owner was negligent, you have a strong case and your lawyer will suggest moving forward with the claim.
Expert Negotiators
All lawyers are master negotiators, including dog bite lawyers. Most homeowner’s and renters insurance policies cover dog bite liability expenses from $100,000 to $300,000. Although the owner has the coverage, the insurance will try to pay you as little as possible and will often offer a settlement that is less than you deserve.
A dog bite lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation. Your lawyer will know what is reasonable and what isn’t and can go back and forth with the insurance company until this happens. If the negotiations stall and both parties refuse to budge, your lawyer will fight your case in court.
Your Medical Bills Exceed the Dog Owner’s Homeowners Insurance Policy
If you suffered severe injuries that require surgery and multiple treatments that exceed the dog owner’s insurance limits, you can seek further compensation directly from the dog’s owner. A dog bite lawyer can file a claim against the dog’s owner to cover the remainder of your medical expenses, so you pay nothing out of your own pocket.
Court Representation
If the negotiation process went badly or you’re taking the dog’s owner to court to cover what their insurance didn’t pay, you’ll need a dog bite lawyer to represent you in court. Your lawyer can prepare a strong case to present to the court, ensuring you receive adequate compensation and everything is covered.
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog and suffered injuries, one of your first calls should be to a dog bite lawyer. Your lawyer will be by your side throughout the entire process and will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
