Dogs are beloved companions and serve important roles for humans, from seeing eye dogs for blind people to drug and human trackers for law enforcement. Yet, they can cause severe injuries if they attack people.
If a dog bites someone, they have the right to seek compensation for any physical or emotional damage caused by the attack.
Proving Liability
The injuries sustained from a dog bite are often severe and may require significant medical treatment. Unfortunately, in some cases, this can even result in death.
A dog bite lawyer helps ensure the negligent party is liable for your injury, ensuring you have every opportunity to recover from the attack and get back to your regular life as soon as possible. This will include having access to the financial resources needed to cover your related expenses, such as current and recurring medical treatments, diminished earning capacity due to physical limitations, and mental anguish caused by the attack.
Your dog bite attorney will review your medical records and speak with any witnesses to fully understand the incident and the extent of your damages. They will also help you decide what percentage of fault is attributable to each party. Most states have statutes that impose strict liability for dog attacks, and New York has its law, which combines a one-bite rule with the concept of negligence.
Preparing For Trial
Dog bite victims may face a wide range of expenses related to the attack. These include immediate medical costs, recurring medical treatments, rehabilitation services, and the cost of physical therapy. You may be eligible for non-economic damages if you’ve suffered pain and suffering. To build a strong case for damages and determine the appropriate amount to claim, it’s advisable to consult a lawyer. Dog owners in Illinois are held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their pets. In addition, professionals can assist with negotiating insurance claims and offer an unbiased perspective. This means the owner must pay damages even if they do not know their dog’s aggressive tendencies. However, owners can try to prove that the victim provoked the animal, but provocation is a high standard to meet. If the dog attacks certain areas, such as the neck, stomach, or significant arteries, it can cause death. The victim’s family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in these cases.
Negotiating With Insurers
A dog bite lawyer handles all communications with the insurance company and protects their client’s rights. This includes avoiding unnecessary disclosures, promptly responding to reasonable requests for information, and consulting with them before acting on their client’s behalf.
A lawyer will also know how insurance companies try to discredit claims and reduce the compensation owed. For instance, they may argue that the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing at the time of the incident. Moreover, they may also say that the victim is partially responsible for their injuries by disregarding warnings about the animal.
A seasoned dog bite lawyer can help their clients achieve total and fair compensation by demonstrating the extent of their medical injuries, past and future expenses, and psychological impacts. This requires compiling and submitting a demand package that includes all relevant documentation. The insurance adjuster will then evaluate it and make an initial settlement offer. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company for a better settlement if this offer is low.
Taking The Case To Court
Whether you’re an adult or a child, the first thing you should do after being bitten by a dog is to seek medical attention. During this process, you will likely be asked to document and save any information about your injuries, including medical bills.
If you have suffered a dog bite, it is advisable to seek the help of a lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases. They can assist you in obtaining compensation to cover all expenses related to your injuries. This can include any hospital or doctor fees, physical therapy, medication, and, if applicable, psychological treatment.
If a dog has bitten you, it is essential to seek the help of a lawyer who specializes in these cases. They can assist you in negotiating with insurance companies and ensure that you receive the total compensation you are entitled to under local laws and based on your specific circumstances. They can also assist with taking the case to court if necessary to protect your rights. By statute, a dog owner can be held liable under strict liability for a bite, even if they took all reasonable precautions to prevent their dog from biting you, regardless of the dog’s prior vicious propensities.
