When you think about personal injury situations and lawsuits, your mind might immediately leap to vehicle crashes or workplace accidents. However, a dog bite incident can also fall into this category of law. When you get bit by a dog, there might be negligence. You might not want to file a lawsuit, but a severe dog bite might impact your quality of life, physical health, emotional status, and even your ability to generate income. In the aftermath of a dog bite, there are three essential reasons you should consult a dog bite attorney about your circumstances.
1. Represent You in Negotiations
In dog bite cases, you probably won’t just deal with the dog owner but also their insurance company. Dealing with either can be emotionally charged, but a dog bite attorney can represent you in all negotiations. They can determine whether or not any settlement offers presented to you are fair or not, and a lot of that is based on their knowledge of dog owner liability. Your dog bite attorney can review an offer from start to finish and note any weaknesses or deficiencies before using that information to make a counteroffer.
2. Filing Your Dog Bite Lawsuit
You might be free to file a lawsuit after a dog bite, but your chances of eventual success depend on the specifics of the case and the laws in your state. Your dog bite attorney can help you understand how strong your case is and the likelihood of a favorable verdict or ruling. They can also help you build the most robust case possible while avoiding any legal or technical blunders that might prevent your case from advancing. In some states, there aren’t just dog bite laws but breed-specific laws that might apply based on the particular animal that bit you and its individual behavior history.
3. Maintain a Relationship With the Dog Owner
The majority of dog bite cases are instances when the victim knows the owner of the dog that bit him, and quite a few dog bite victims own a dog and have a history of interactions with the offending animal. This can mean a legal battle with family members, friends, and neighbors. Consulting a dog bite attorney doesn’t mean you’re automatically pressing criminal charges, and most incidents are resolved as civil matters. Having a legal professional deal with dog owner’s insurance means it’s less likely your friendship will suffer permanent damage, especially if a formal arrangement ensures your medical bills get paid.
Contacting an Attorney
Dog bites happen frequently, so many lawyers have experience in this area of personal injury law. They can help you navigate insurance claims, potential lawsuits, and settlements you are offered or need to negotiate. Factors involved in these situations might include calculations for pain and suffering, lost income, and the impact on your earning capacity. The right lawyer will have experience with this category of case and already know the dog bite laws that apply in your state. No matter if it’s just a minor bite, be sure to contact a lawyer so you are legally represented.