Some people do not take dog bites as a severe case. However, some dog bites may lead to fatal consequences such as health and economic effects due to medical bills. Severe dog bites will require immediate medical attention. A dog victim is entitled to compensation from the dog owner. However, filing a compensation claim can be complex and requires a professional lawyer with adequate knowledge in the field to handle the case. These lawyers are equipped with essential knowledge of laws concerning dog bites and how to file compensation claims. The following article will examine some of the roles played by dog bite injury lawyers.
What Is a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?
A dog bite injury lawyer is a certified attorney dealing with dog bites and related cases, representing either the dog owner or the dog-bite victim. A dog bite injury lawyer can help the dog bite victim compensate for the injuries sustained from a dog bite or allow the dog owner to deal with the insurance company. If you are a dog bite victim, you should contact a dog bite injury lawyer ASAP who will help you file a compensation claim and represent you in court whenever needed.
Here Are 5 Best Roles Played By Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
- Filing A Lawsuit
Once the lawyer has assessed your situation and believes that as a victim, you have a case depending on the local laws, they can file a lawsuit against the dog owner on your behalf. Every state has varying laws concerning dog bites cases. In most cases, you might not be conversant with these laws, so you may need an experienced lawyer who can advise and act on your behalf. Damages and effects due to dog bites are some of the main factors that can initiate a claim against the dog owner. For example, suppose you suffered serious injuries leading to fractures, cosmetic surgery, or disfigurement. In that case, a dog bite lawyer can help you initiate a claim against the dog owner, asking for compensation. Dog bite lawyers are conversant with all the laws and regulations that govern dog bite cases. In some cases, a dog bite case may only be considered valid if the dog had a history of biting another person.
- Writing Demand Letters
A dog bite injury lawyer will write and send letters to the insurance company and defendant on your behalf. Some insurance companies and defendants may be reluctant to honor the claim and hence require constant reminders. Since a lawyer usually works in the interest of their client, they write letters to the company or even send emails claiming payment. Additionally, letters are essential in lawsuit cases involving a dog bite. When writing these letters, a lawyer includes relevant information to the cases, such as the settlement value of the injury claim based on factors such as wage loss statements and medical bills. These letters may also include other compensation information such as pain, suffering, and damages due to the attack.
- Validate That the Dog Owner is Liable for Injuries
A dog owner can be held liable for the injuries sustained due to negligence. However, proving negligence is hard. For example, if the dog bite injuries were due to the dog owner failing to take reasonable measures to control their pet. The dog owner is legally liable for the injuries sustained. A dog bite injury lawyer plays a significant role in proving that the dog owner is liable and should be held responsible for the injuries. In addition, a dog bite injury lawyer validates the dog owner’s negligence in meeting the duties of taking control of their pet’s behavior. Further, they also prove that this negligence had a direct cause of the injuries.
- Recovering Compensatory Payments from the Dog Owner
Depending on the exceptional circumstances of the case and relevant laws, as a victim of dog bite injuries, you are entitled to compensatory payments from the dog owner. This compensatory payment is due to the bite that caused the injury and related consequences. Some common types of damages covered include; medical bills, which cover expenses for hospital services and doctors’ fees, physical therapy, psychological treatment if required, and medications. Dog owners may also be entitled to pay the victim for pain and suffering due to the dog bite. Further, they can be held liable for the lost income and hence forced to pay for the time the victim was forced to take an off from work to undergo treatment, medical diagnosis, and recovery process. Finally, suppose the attack led to damage to property such as broken eyeglasses or torn clothes, or damage to accessories and devices. In that case, the dog owner may be responsible for these costs. In such cases, you should contact a dog bite lawyer ASAP for better help.
- Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Negotiate on Behalf of the Client
Dog bite lawyers are skilled negotiators with the necessary skills to deal with every part of the case and follow up with the insurance company. For example, the lawyer is conversant with the compensation their clients should receive depending on the damage and impact caused by the attack. Therefore, if the insurance company or the dog owner offers less than they should have, a lawyer can have a negotiation on your behalf to convince the insurance company to increase the settlement to a significant level. The lawyer will always negotiate in the interest of the victim.
Wrapping Up
Dog bite injury laws can be complex, and the settlement process can be challenging and complicated. Therefore, an experienced dog bite injury lawyer can help simplify and ensure you receive sufficient compensation.
