Dog bites can lead to significant medical expenses, especially for those bitten on their hands, feet, or genitals. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you determine if you are owed compensation for these expenses.
A lawyer will assess the evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness testimony, and photographs. They will also investigate whether the dog owner has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
Identifying the Dog’s Owner
Millions of people are bitten by dogs each year. Some incidents are unavoidable, but others result from owner negligence, such as inadequate training or socialization. Suppose you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite injury. If that’s the scenario, you might be eligible for reimbursement to cover your medical bills, lost income, agony and distress, and other associated expenses.
To preserve your legal rights, it is essential to identify the dog’s owner as quickly as possible after an attack. Doing so allows you to file a report and can help prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in maintaining their pet.
An excellent place to start is the local animal control department. They should be able to provide you with a copy of the dog’s history and any prior complaints. You will need this information to prove the dog’s history of vicious behavior or a propensity to attack. This is particularly important in states with statutory liability, which require you to show that the dog had bit other people in the past.
Documenting the Incident
Dogs are prone to attacking people when they’re provoked or feel threatened. Whether they’re playfully tussling or feeling protective, even domesticated dogs can bite. This leaves you with physical and emotional trauma that will forever impact your life.
After a dog bite incident, you should take crucial steps to protect your health and legal rights. Documenting the incident as much as possible, including any injuries you sustained, is essential.
This documentation will benefit your legal case, especially if you file a lawsuit. Detailed records will show the extent of your injuries, making it easier for a jury to understand your distress and needs.
You’ll also want to ensure you report the incident to authorities in your area, which is required in many states. This helps prevent rabies outbreaks and establishes an official record of the incident. It may also help overcome defenses like provocation, a joint liability argument in dog bite cases.
Getting Medical Attention
A skilled Dog Bite Lawyer in Joliet will know all local laws regarding dog bites. This will include whether it is required to have a pet vaccinated for rabies and how long you can wait before seeking compensation for rabies exposure.
Infection is one of the most significant complications of a dog bite. The disease risk increases when the wound is not cleaned correctly or in a high-risk area (e.g., the face). Diabetes, health conditions, and medications can also decrease blood flow to the site, which increases the likelihood of infection.
Your doctor will want to know more details about the dog that bit you. They will likely clean the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and may prescribe oral medication. They will also ask when your last tetanus shot was and, if necessary, recommend a booster.
Contacting a Lawyer
The dog owner is generally responsible for any injuries caused by their pet. In most cases, the injured victim can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s homeowner’s insurance policy.
As with other types of personal injury claims, dog bite victims may be eligible to receive compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. Monetary damages include medical bills, loss of income due to the injury, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
Injuries related to dog bites can be traumatic and cause anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. A qualified dog bite lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and move on with your life. The lawyer can also handle the insurance company, eliminating any pressure to accept a lowball settlement offer. They will fight for you to recover the total amount that you are owed. This frees you up to focus on your recovery.
