Five Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Dog Bite Claim
Even a friendly dog can bite you without provocation or warning. If a dog bites you or your child, the consequences can be serious. Dog bite injuries can cause nerve damage, scarring, and serious infections. It is important that you take steps to protect your health and your legal rights after a dog bite.
Because most dog bite victims are not aware of their legal rights, it is easy to make a mistake when handling an injury claim. Unfortunately, some mistakes can reduce the amount of compensation received for a claim. It is important to avoid common dog bite injury mistakes like these.
Dog Bite Injury Mistake One: Not Reporting the Dog Bite
If a dog bites you or your child, you need to report the dog bite to the dog owner immediately. You can also report the incident to the local animal control officer or law enforcement agency to create a written record of the incident.
Dog Bite Injury Mistake Two: See a Doctor Immediately
Some dog bite injuries require emergency medical attention. If your injury did not require a trip to the emergency room, it is important to see your doctor as quickly as possible after the dog bite. A dog bite can have lasting consequences. Therefore, it is best for your health to have a doctor evaluate the wound and prescribe a treatment plan. Additionally, it is important to document your injuries for your personal injury case. Without documentation of your injuries, it is more difficult to receive compensation from the dog owner
for your damages.
Dog Bite Injury Mistake Three: Forgetting to Photograph Injuries
Documenting the injuries by going to the doctor is only one step. You should also take photographs of the injuries after the dog attack and throughout your recovery. Written medical records only describe your injuries in medical terminology. Photographs of the injury and any scarring can give a jury a much better idea of the pain and suffering you endured because of the dog attack.
Dog Bite Injury Mistake Four: Dealing Directly With an Insurance Company
An insurance adjuster or investigator may contact you after your injury to discuss your claim. Dealing directly with the insurance provider for the dog owner could be a mistake. The insurance company’s priority is reducing its liability for your claim.
Anything you say to the insurance company could be used against you later in your case. Even an innocent statement could be twisted and misconstrued. Also, signing documents without reading the fine print could'be disastrous.
It is better to allow an attorney who understands the law and the process to deal with the insurance company.
Dog Bite Injury Mistake Five: Failing to Consult an Erie Personal Injury Lawyer
The laws related to dog bites and dog attacks can be complicated. The dog owner and the insurance company might try to blame you for the dog bite. They may claim that you provoked the dog or you were trespassing.
An Erie dog bite injury lawyer understands the state’s laws regarding attacks by domestic animals. An attorney also understands how to handle an insurance company. Before you talk to an insurance adjuster or allow an insurance company to pressure you into a settlement, talk to an attorney to learn about your legal rights and how much your dog bite injury claim is worth.
Contact
an Erie Dog Bite Injury Lawyer for More Information
Do not make a mistake that can hurt your personal injury case. For a free consultation with an Erie dog bite injury attorney, contact The Travis Law Firm by calling (800) 401-2066.