Dog Bite Injury Claims and Compensations: Overview
Have you every experienced or know someone who experienced a dog bite injury?
Dog bite injuries are more common than you think. Especially with stray dogs.
If you experience a dog bite, you won't only be facing physical and emotional trauma, but medical bills as well. This is why it's important to be aware of the legal actions that you can take after a dog bite injury. Aditionally, it's essential to know how and where to find the right dog bite lawyer who can handle your case.
Related: Personal Injury Claim Checklist
How Common are Dog Bite Injuries?
Man’s best friend can turn into one of their worst enemy in just a snap of a finger. While most dogs may be harmless, a lot of dogs can still turn rabid in the blink of an eye. This is the case most especially if pet owners fail to appropriately control their pets.
Pet owners can be held liable for any injuries their pets cause. This happens when pet owners are unable to keep their pets from escaping.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the dog bite cases in the USA in 2020 alone has led to $50,425 in total recoverable damages. Dog bite cases are a serious issue.
This is why it's essential to be responsible for your pet. As well as know what to do in case you get bitten yourself.
What Can I Do if I'm Injured by a Dog?
Of course, the number one thing to prioritize when a dog bites you is to seek medical help.
The next thing to think of is to pursue insurance claim with the dog owner.
Additionally, it's important to start contacting a dog bite attorney. A dog bite attorney can be very helpful in dealing with claims and compensations. Additionally, dog bite attorneys are helpful in dealing with the insurance companies involved. They are able to use their knowledge, skills, and expertise to negotiate a fair settlement.
In addition, it is also possible to file for a lawsuit against the dog owner for damages to property.
What Is a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?
A dog bite injury lawyer is an important part of your team when you experience a dog bite. So what does a dog bite injury lawyer do?
This legal professional represents the victims in dog bite-related cases. Dog bite lawyers can help in assisting in the following ways:
- Help victims claim compensation for injuries sustained from a dog bite;
- Assist dog owners who require representation during a euthanasia hearing for their pet;
- Help dealing with the insurance company following a bite
The Roles & Responsibilities of a Dog Bite Injury Attorney
Now that we know how a dog bite lawyer can help and assist you, let's delve in to the roles and responsibilities of a dog bite injury attorney.
An experienced dog bite injury attorney can help victims of dog bites who seek compensation for these damages.
Each state has a different set of laws and regulations when it comes to dog bite compensation. So your attorney should be knowledgeable on the different ins and outs of the law in your area. Additionally, he or she can help negotiate a settlement to help ensure the best possible outcome.
Recoverable Damage With the Assistance of a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
There are a lot of damages that come with a dog bite case. The following are a list of the possible damages:
- Medical bills: Medical care needed after the attack.
- Lost wages: These are lost wages that are caused by missed work or an inability to return to the same job duties due to the injury.
- Pain and suffering: Aside from the obvious physical pain and injuries of the dog attack, emotional damage is included as well. This can also include PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) following the attack.
- Compensation for permanent scarring, disfigurement, or loss of use of a limb, organ, or bodily function that the attack has caused.
In Conclusion
If you believe that your lawsuit should go to court, make sure to hire a reputable dog bite lawyer. When you have a good teammate on your side, this will help make the process much smoother.
