Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason, but sometimes they can be your worst enemy. Dog bite injuries happen when an animal feels endangered or hungry and attacks the victim with its teeth. Virtually all dog breeds could potentially inflict this type of injury, but some are more likely than others to do so. The following article will explore six ways in which you should consider hiring a lawyer if you have been bitten by a dog.
Injury Severity
A lawyer can help assess the severity of your injury and determine whether it is necessary to hire one. It may also determine whether the incident was your fault or not depending on how severe the injury was and what happened leading up to it (e.g., did someone provoke the animal). Personal injury lawyers are the ones that can help you here and attorneys at https://westcoasttriallawyers.com/fresno-personal-injury-attorney/ will schedule a free consultation with you to analyze the best course of action for your case. Keep in mind that even if you were not severely injured, it may still be worthwhile to hire a lawyer who will know the right things to say and do in order to get you compensated for your injury.
Dog Bite Liability
If you were bitten by a dog, it is important to know who is liable for the injury. In most cases, a homeowner will be responsible if a neighbor or a friend’s dog bit you on their property. Dog owners are typically held legally accountable for any injuries that are inflicted by their pets, including dog bite incidents.
Also, if you were bitten by a dog while he or she was on public property, the local municipality may be held liable. This is based on the theory that public officials are expected to keep their premises free of hazards, especially ones that could cause injury to people. For example, if you were bitten by a dog that was running loose in a park area, it might be said that the local government is responsible for your injuries.
Filing A Claim Or Lawsuit
A personal injury attorney can help you file a claim or lawsuit against the owner of the dog who bit you. The process of doing so will depend on the laws in your state and also your ability to prove that the animal attacked you. A lawyer can help guide you through the process and be there for you when it is time to testify about what happened.
Remember to keep all receipts and documentation of your expenses after an attack. This includes the costs of medical bills, therapy costs, and anything else that was needed to treat you after the incident occurred. These documents will be important when it comes time to file a claim or lawsuit so do not throw them away or lose them in the process. There may even be other factors that determine whether you can get compensated or how much money you will get.
Legal Representation For A Settlement Negotiation
If an insurance company contacts you about settling your case out of court, it is important to have legal representation at all times. A personal injury attorney will be able to negotiate the best possible settlement with the insurance company on your behalf so that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Settlements usually include compensation for your injuries as well as money to cover any future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, or income loss. When you are not represented by a lawyer, the insurance company is more likely to offer you less money because it knows that you are not an expert when it comes to these kinds of negotiations.
Legal Representation For A Trial
If it becomes necessary to go to trial and pursue these types of claims, an attorney is again the best person to have on your side. They may be able to get you more compensation than if you were representing yourself in court. It is always best to consult with a lawyer before you go to trial.
In a trial, your goal is to prove that the dog owner was negligent in either keeping their dog under control or in preventing you from being hurt by it. There are several factors that can contribute to whether someone is legally considered negligent, including the level of care they should have had with their pet and what precautions they took when letting them outside unaccompanied.
Talk To A Good Doctor
Your lawyer will point you to a doctor who will be able to verify the extent of your bite injuries and provide a medical report. This is important when it comes time for the settlement negotiation or the trial itself.
A professional doctor will be able to tell the difference between injuries that are simply physical and ones that could be psychological. This can be important when it comes down to determining your future medical care needs or the amount of compensation you should get for certain types of injuries.
Psychological injuries can be just as severe as physical ones and they require the same level of care. If you were attacked by a dog, there is a good chance that you will suffer from some type of psychological trauma afterward. Even if nothing has happened to you directly, it is still possible for you to experience such an injury. Some people become fearful of dogs after they’ve been attacked and this may result in phobias.
A doctor who specializes in these types of injuries will be able to determine whether you need any future medical care or if you might experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is important information when it comes time to file a claim or reach a settlement because it can help you get more money for your medical expenses, lost income, and other costs.
Dog bites are a serious issue that can lead to injury, fear of dogs, and PTSD. It is important for you to take the necessary steps in order to get compensated if bitten by an animal or even just witness it happen. A personal injury lawyer will be able to help negotiate your claim with the insurance company so that you receive all compensation deserved. This could include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income due to injuries sustained during the attack, etcetera. If this post has made you think about whether you should hire legal representation after being attacked by a dog or witnessing someone else hurt by one contact a lawyer for a free consultation.
