Family pets can turn vicious without warning, even with no history of aggressive behavior. It is usually when dog owners forget to leash their pets, or let them roam beyond the yard, that an attack on a neighbor or passer-by occurs. Dogs have also been known to bite people they are acquainted with for no reason. In some cases, owners with dogs who have a history of previous attacks may be automatically held responsible for biting injuries.
Dog Bite Injuries
Canine puncture wounds can cause a wide range of physical injuries, including infection and physical disfigurement. Crush injuries, brain damage, and broken bones can result from the impact of a leaping animal. And while the physical wounds may not always cause severe damage, facial scarring can require plastic surgery and have lasting emotional effects.
When you find a dog bite lawyer on PersonalInjuryLawFirms.org, you can breathe easy knowing that you’ll have a legal team in your corner that has extensive experience dealing with these exact kinds of personal injury cases.
Steps to File a Dog Bite Claim
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a dog attack, seek medical attention immediately. Then contact a personal injury law firm as soon as possible for guidance on how to file your claim. Your legal counsel will hear your story and first determine if you have grounds for a genuine lawsuit. Next, your team will walk you through the paperwork and make sure you file on time.
You’ll need to save all medical reports relating to the dog bite attack, and taking photos daily is helpful for your case. Also be sure to get contact information for any witnesses who were around when the attack occurred.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
Your dog bite attorney will inform you of the dog bite statutes in your state and explain how they can be used to protect you after an attack. Your legal team will investigate the event and gather important facts that may be used to help your case. Things like witness statements and medical testimony will need to be closely evaluated and translated into clear verbiage for the courts.
There are a variety of special exceptions that might hinder a case — for instance if a dog bite victim was trespassing on private property, the dog owner may not be not liable. In addition, your legal team will collaborate with accountants and medical experts to determine how much your case is worth. It is also important to make sure the dog owner has sufficient resources (such as insurance) before going after a settlement.
If you or a member of your family has suffered a serious dog bite, please click here to find a dog bite law firm in your area.