Dogs are best friends and faithful companions; however, they could be a threat when they bite. So, if you’re bitten by a neighbor’s dog, you can file a case of personal injury against that person. If you can prove the damage or injuries caused by the animal, you’re entitled to compensation. According to an article in Forbes, you can even file a case against an individual whose dog chases your bicycle resulting in a fall.
Then, you need to have proper medical evidence related to a dog bite or an accident associated with a dog chasing you. Without proof, you cannot establish your case. Then, there are some common mistakes victims of dog bites commit. These are:
Not visiting a doctor immediately
Dog bites could result in serious injuries. It could lead to deep bites and infections, and even cause life-threatening situations. The common dog bite infections are MRSA, rabies, tetanus Pasteurella, and Capnocytophaga.
Besides infections, the other injuries are soft tissue damage, open wounds, scarring, damage to nerves, fractures, and more. A few dog bite victims may need to stay for many days to go through therapy or surgery to overcome dog bite phobia.
So, absence from work means loss of earnings for days and sometimes, months. That’s why you need to see your doctor right away to get treatment as well as ensure your legal rights aren’t denied while filing a personal injury case against the other party. Proper documentation will help you recover full compensation for the injuries, treatment costs, and loss of wages from the pet owner. Any delay in seeing your doctor will affect your chances of getting fair compensation for the injuries sustained.
Not reporting the incident
Sometimes, pet owners try to make an out-of-court court settlement by paying for your treatment costs. Don’t go for it. First, the dog owner may not pay the compensation you deserve or change his or her mind to accept the responsibility of a dog bite when your injuries are serious. That’s why you need to consult KaplunMarx Accident & Injury Lawyers of Allentown. For location details, please click here:
Report the incident immediately to the police as well as to the right agencies after a dog attack. Make sure you have everything in writing to help you get a fair claim.
Involving yourself directly with the insurance firm
Another mistake is talking with the dog owner’s insurance firm directly. The insurance agent will try to minimize the owner’s responsibility related to the dog bite. This means reduced compensation for the injuries you sustained. The agent may also coerce you to sign a document that will not serve your interest at all. The insurance company may also hold you partially accountable for the dog attack. It will lower your claim and so, always contact a reliable personal injury lawyer of your own.
Waiving your rights
Never waive your rights or sign any document pertaining to the dog bite without consulting a lawyer. It may cost you heavily in terms of reduced compensation for the damages and injuries you sustained.
Not assessing the injury
You need to assess your medical condition and injuries right away. Sometimes, pet owner’s insurance firm may deny your claim or pay a lesser amount if you fail to submit complete proof related to your injury or damages. That’s why it is important to get checked as soon as possible for dog bites or any other animal-related injury. 6. Not seeking medical treatment In addition to reporting the incident and assessing your injuries, you need to remain in touch with a doctor for follow-ups. Most people think they have recovered completely after one or two visits to the doctor, but that’s not true in all cases.
Not seeking legal representation
You should never try to negotiate or take any action against the dog owner without consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer.
We will help you understand all your legal rights and represent your case in court if needed. We will make sure that you receive the maximum compensation for all the damages suffered due to a dog attack. With us, you can rest assured that you won’t be taken advantage of by the insurance companies or any other involved parties. So, don’t wait any longer and contact us today! Our lawyers are ready to assist you and guide you through every step of the process.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to contact a lawyer for a dog bite incident?
Yes, it is important to have legal representation in order to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. A qualified personal injury lawyer will be able to help you understand all of your legal rights and provide you with advice on how to proceed.
- What should I do after a dog bite incident?
The first and most important thing to do is to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to ensure that your injuries are properly treated and documented. Additionally, it is important to report the incident to the police and the right agencies, collect evidence of the attack (such asphotos and witness testimonies), and keep all related documents (such as medical bills).
- Do I need to involve the dog owner’s insurance company?
No, you should not try to contact or negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company directly. The agent may attempt to minimize the responsibility of the dog owner and put some of the blame on you, which will ultimately result in a lower claim amount. It is highly recommended to get in touch with a reliable personal injury lawyer for legal representation.
- What should I avoid when filing a claim?
It is important to avoid signing any documents from the dog owner’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer, as well as waiving your rights or not documenting your injuries properly. Additionally, do not try to negotiate the claim on your own, as this could lead to reduced compensation and jeopardize your legal rights.
- How can KaplunMarx Accident & Injury Lawyers help me?
KaplunMarx Accident & Injury Lawyers are experienced in dealing with animal-related injury cases and will ensure that you get the maximum compensation for your damages and injuries. Our knowledgeable attorneys will help you navigate the legal process with ease and protect your rights throughout the process.
Conclusion
Remember these points and avoid committing mistakes when filing a personal injury case related to a dog attack. Keep all evidence in place to build a solid case.