by Did you know that in the United States, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs yearly, as stated by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)?
Aside from physical injuries, dog bites can traumatize victims, leaving emotional and psychological damages.
According to dog bite injury lawyer James Leighton Henson, the aftermath of a dog bite incident often involves victims dealing with medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and potential legal complications.
A dog bite injury lawyer can be invaluable in helping victims seek the compensation they deserve.
In this article, you will learn how lawyers protect your rights and secure adequate compensation after a dog bite incident.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws and Liability
Each state has different laws about dog bites, which can either involve strict liability or the “one-bite” rule.
For victims, knowing who is at fault significantly affects the outcome of the case. Dog owners are liable for the incident if their dog already has a history of aggressive behavior or has not been restrained properly.
If it is proven that the dog provoked or the victim was on private property without permission, the responsibility might shift away from the owner. Collecting evidence like witness statements, medical records, and other documents can help strengthen your case.
Familiarity with local state laws can help you handle the complications of a dog bite case.
Assessing the Value of Your Claim
The laws about dog bites will help you understand how much your claim is worth. Medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are some of the factors that can influence your compensation.
Take current and future injury costs into account when calculating your compensation. If the incident has caused long-lasting effects, you must factor those into your calculations.
The insurance coverage of the dog’s owner is another factor that can affect how much your claim is worth. When calculating the compensation value, the severity of your injury and, if applicable, your liability are taken into account.
Gathering Evidence and Building Your Case
Collecting solid evidence will help establish a strong case for dog bite injury.
Take pictures of the injuries, the site itself, and other indications that can prove the dog owner’s negligence. Evidence may include missing leashes or “Beware of Dog” signs. Collect witness statements from anyone who could have seen the attack. Witness testimonies can strengthen your case.
Obtain your medical records describing the extent of your injuries and the treatment associated with them. These documents will prove the severity of your injuries and confirm that the damages resulted from the attack.
Keep track of any costs resulting from the case, such as hours not worked or ongoing therapy. These documents will help you compute the total financial expenses you have spent resulting from the dog bite injury.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Presenting strong evidence can help you negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
The documents you have gathered, such as medical reports, photographs of your injuries, and witness testimony, will demonstrate the seriousness of your claim and influence the decision of the insurance adjuster.
When justifying your position in this negotiation, tell the insurance adjuster how much you expect to receive and back up your claim with the supporting documents you have gathered. Avoid accepting the initial offer of insurance companies since it is commonly lower than what is acceptable.
A dog bite injury lawyer will streamline the negotiation process for you.
Representing You in Court if Necessary
If you fail to reach an agreement through negotiations, you will need an experienced lawyer for dog bite injuries to represent you in court.
A lawyer will carefully review all submitted records and build a strong case that supports your claim. A lawyer’s understanding of the legal system will help simplify the court process and provide proper legal representation, resulting in a favorable outcome for your case.
They are responsible for explaining your case to the jury, questioning the other party’s witnesses, and challenging the arguments of the opposing party.
Their legal assistance significantly helps you obtain the necessary compensation to cover both tangible and intangible damages resulting from the dog bite incident.
