Bitten by a dog? A dog bite can cause severe infections or can even be deadly. Dog saliva contains bacteria, which can be really dangerous for the human body. The injuries can lead to bruising, bone fractures, nerve damage, infections, or torn ligaments. Due to the severity of the injury and the long recovery process, dog bites can be really costly.
Every dog owner has a reasonable duty of care toward other people. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one due to the negligence of a dog’s owner, you’re entitled to claim benefits. That will help you to pay for the emergency medical visits and other medical expenses. This blog explains things you should know when considering suing for dog bite injuries.
How Dangerous Is A Dog Bite?
Dog’s teeth can easily compress your tissue and tear your skin. Any wound left open by the bite can become a deadly infection. That means hospitalization and long-term antibiotics treatment. Moreover, this infection can be extremely dangerous for patients with diabetes or low immunity. Infections such as rabies, sepsis, and disfigurement can develop into severe issues in the injured person’s body.
Why Consult A Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bites can be severe, leading to many possible complications. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite, you may wonder how a dog bite lawyer can help.
A dog bite lawyer can help you with several things, including:
- Filing a personal injury claim.
- Filing a property damage claim.
- Getting compensated for your medical bills.
- Getting compensated for your lost wages.
- Getting compensated for your pain and suffering.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite, contacting a dog bite lawyer without any delay should be the first step.
Do You Need A Dog Bite Lawyer?
It is imperative to visit a lawyer,
- If you have suffered severe injuries due to a dog bite.
- If the dog owner refuses to pay for your medical bills.
- If you have been accused of being the aggressor in a dog bite case.
- If you are facing criminal charges.
A dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Much Money Can A Dog Bite Lawyer Win For You?
One obvious question that runs through the mind of people trying to sue for dog bite cases is how much money they will get from the case. If you’re wondering the same, well, our answer is it depends on several factors, which include but are not limited to the following:
- The severity of the injury,
- Borne Medical Expenses,
- Pain & Suffering
Without legal knowledge of these factors and how to quantify them each, it can be challenging to determine the amount. That’s why hiring a dog bite lawyer early on in your case is advisable. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive from the liable party. Moreover, they establish your case with strong facts to help you get the maximum settlement amount.
Who Will Pay Me For My Injuries In A Dog Bite Case?
There can be different scenarios when it comes to figuring out who the liable party is. Generally, they can be grouped into one of these categories.
- Suppose the victim was a trespasser on private property when the dog bit him. The owner will not be held liable in this case.
- If the victim was bitten on private property by a dog who was acting aggressively, this points to a breach of the duty of care by the dog owner. In this case, the owner is liable to pay for the damage.
- If the owner was aware of the the dog’s aggressive nature and still didn’t take any action to prevent the dog attack, the dog owner will be held responsible.
Even if you know that the owner was responsible for the attack, you need to prove it with strong facts. A dog bite lawyer will assess your case, determine the liable party and gather the evidence against them to pursue compensation.
How To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you or a loved one has been involved in a dog bite case, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A dog bite can result in serious injury, including infection, nerve damage, tissue damage, or even death. Prompt medical care will lower the risk of any possible complication. Your doctor will clean the wound and prescribe medication to prevent infection or surgery if required.
Gather Photographic Evidence
You can’t frame a dog bite case without sufficient evidence. That means you must document the injuries sustained in the attack and help prove that the other party was at fault.
If a dog has bitten you, be sure to:
- Take photos of the injuries
- Take photos of the attack scene
- Get the contact information of any witnesses
If you have questions about what to do after a dog bite, contact a personal injury lawyer.
File The Dog Bite Report
This is how you can file a dog bite report.
- Gather all necessary information about the incident. This includes the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all involved parties, as well as any witnesses.
- Fill out the dog bite report form, which can be obtained from the animal control agency, county’s health department, or police department.
- Submit the completed form and any accompanying documentation to the entity from where you collected the form.
Record All Your Medical Treatment Expenses
To optimize your chances of success, keeping track of your medical treatment expenses is essential. This will not only help to strengthen your case but will also ensure that you are fully compensated for your damages.
Your medical treatment expenses can include emergency hospital visits, hospital stays, ambulance bills, and surgery costs. Be sure to keep all your receipts and records in a safe place so you can easily access them when you need them. If you have any questions about what expenses to include in your claim, be sure to speak with a dog-bite lawyer.
Final Words
Dog bite cases can be complicated without a lawyer by your side. It’s always the best idea to contact a lawyer and smoothly navigate through the process to receive the maximum compensation amount.
