The sudden and unprovoked attack from a dog can inflict deep physical and emotional wounds. In many cases, dog bites require medical attention and can leave scars or even permanent disability. Sadly, with around 4.5 million people bitten by dogs in the US each year and 12,480 of them hospitalized, dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite is something a lot of victims go through.
Beyond the physical harm, dog bites can also cause financial strain from medical bills, lost income due to missing work, as well as mental and emotional suffering.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding if you need a personal injury lawyer after suffering a dog bite.
Determine if the Dog Owner is Liable
The first step is assessing if there is a liable party that can be held responsible. While some dog bites are accidental, if the owner failed to control their dog or did not take proper precautions given the dog’s tendencies, they may be considered liable. For example, postal workers are vulnerable to dog bites, and more than 5,300 of them were attacked in 2022. If an owner let their dog out and attacked a postal worker, they would likely be considered liable.
A personal injury attorney can help investigate the specific details of the incident to build a case for liability. They can also determine if any laws or regulations around dangerous or aggressive dogs apply. Pit bulls are most likely to attack, with mixed-breed dogs involved in 21.2% of dog bite attacks.
Calculate The Damages of your Personal Injury Case
Work with a personal injury lawyer to fully calculate the damages, both economic and non-economic. This includes medical costs like hospital bills, prescriptions, and physical therapy, as well as non-medical costs stemming from pain, suffering, mental anguish, permanent scarring, or disability. You may also have lost wages from taking time off work to recover. An experienced personal injury We lawyer will put a dollar amount to all short and long-term effects of the bite to demonstrate the degree of harm done.
Decide to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim
Once liability is established and your damages are quantified, you need to decide if you want to pursue legal action. Personal injury attorneys can provide insight into the likelihood of success with your case and potential compensation amounts. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the full effects of the bite, insurance policies involved, and state laws impact your case strength. If your total damages are significant, finding an personal injury attorney is wise to take the necessary legal steps in order to be appropriately compensated.
Handle Insurance Settlement Offers
Insurance carriers often try to settle dog bite cases quickly to minimize payouts. However, their initial settlement offers typically undervalue the long-term costs. Personal injury lawyers expertly handle negotiations with insurers to demand total and fair compensation. An personal injury attorney works directly with insurance adjusters and risk managers, backed by evidence and legal arguments, to reach an appropriate settlement or take the case to court if needed.
Navigate the Litigation Process of Your Personal Injury Case
If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, having a dedicated personal injury lawyer ensures the strongest case possible. They handle every aspect of litigation, including gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, consulting medical experts, meeting filing requirements and deadlines, and skillfully presenting arguments before a judge or jury. The litigation process can be very difficult to manage alone, given the legal complexities and emotional weight.
While the decision to hire an personal injury attorney after a dog bite comes down to the specific details of each victim’s situation, consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer is wise to understand your full rights and options.