Questions about Dog Bites
What should I do if I'm bitten by a dog?
The first thing you should do is have the bite examined by a doctor. With all dog bites, there is the potential for infection, rabies, and other diseases. The longer you wait to receive medical treatment, the greater the risk of complications from the dog bite.
After your injuries have been attended to, you will want to fill out a police report about the incident. This will aid in the process of recovering damages for your injuries. At this point, you should consult an experienced dog bite attorney who can help you determine the best course of action for receiving appropriate compensation.
If the dog that attacked me belongs to a friend of mine, can I just deal with the insurance company on my own without consulting a lawyer?
The insurance company would love for you to proceed this way. Frequently, damages paid out to dog bite victims are much smaller when the victim is not represented by an attorney. The laws regarding personal injury claims are very complex, and the insurance company will have a legal team at their disposal to ensure that their best interests are represented. It is important for you to level the playing field by hiring your own attorney.
Should I ever sign something provided by the dog owner's insurance company?
This is not advisable. You should never sign a document related to an unresolved legal claim without consulting an attorney first. Frequently, signing a document prepared by the insurance company might cause the victim to forfeit his right to collect damages due to the inclusion of "release" language. Many documents provided by insurance companies are long-winded and contain complicated language. Therefore, it is best to have the document reviewed by a lawyer before signing it.
What can I expect to recover from a dog bite injury?
There are many factors that go into the calculation of a dog bite settlement. Each case will vary based on the specifics of the incident. You can usually collect damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future cosmetic surgery costs
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, please contact us to locate an experienced dog bite attorney in your area.
