If you have ever suffered a dog bite, you already know how unpleasant and serious the consequences may be. As the victim of a dog attack, you have a legal right to recover compensation, as long as liability can be imposed against the owner of the dog that attacked you. Before you contemplate any lawsuit, however, there are certain steps you should take to expedite your recovery, protect your rights, and ensure a fair and adequate settlement amount for your damages. These steps are outlined below:
Once you have treated your physical state, addressing your mental health is also important. It is not uncommon for the mental trauma of a dog bite to be worse than the physical injury. Many people, especially children, suffer from nightmares, panic attacks, and other symptoms of extreme stress for many months after a dog bite attack. Psychological counseling and treatment may be necessary to regain your former quality of life or to control panic attacks and other physical manifestations of your fear.
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Seek immediate medical treatment. Never ignore a dog bite even if it was “minor.” Even if you think your injury is not that serious, dog bites can transmit diseases, and often require immediate medical attention to treat the wound areaand flush out harmful germs. For more serious injuries, failing to receive prompt medical attention will most likely hurt your case, since insurance companies may refuse to believe that your injury was serious.
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Notify the authorities. If you have been bitten, notifying the police or local animal control agency is essential. An investigation by these agencies may prove crucial to building up your case against the dog owner.
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Take pictures and document everything. This is extremely important, since the value of a dog bite injury is heavily dependent on the appearance of the initial injury, along with the appearance of subsequent disfigurement or scarring that may develop over time. Also, taking notes about the incident while it is still fresh in your mind is advisable, since your potential claim may take a long time to resolve. In addition, it is advisable that you keep a file to store photographs, medical records, insurance company correspondence, and any other documents related to the incident.
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Do notgive recorded statements or sign insurance company forms. Keep in mind that any statements or forms requested by the dog owner’s insurance company are meant to protect the carrier’s interests. Any omissions or mistakes on your part will definitely be used against you if you file a lawsuit.
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Hire an experienced dog bite attorney.If your injuries are serious, it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer to help you resolve the claim.Between medical bills, pain and suffering, and increased living expenses, you may be eligible to recover damages that only an experienced lawyer who handles dog bite cases can help you with. A professional personal injury attorney can usually obtain much more compensation than an unrepresented dog bite victim can collect on his/her own.
