We all know that dogs are a man’s best friend. However, some dog owners may not take appropriate care to train their dogs properly, letting them run loose out in public. While most dogs are jolly to the people around them, even the most dorsal canine can snap under certain circumstances. When dogs are not appropriately trained or are in uncomfortable situations, they may cause injuries and harm to others apart from their owner. Generally, the dog owner will be held responsible when you suffer from a dog bite injury. But if and when you suffer a dog bite injury, what are the steps you can take to protect your right to compensation for your damages? Read on to know more about the vital steps you can take after such incidents.
Dog bite injury
You may not know, but there are a high number of dog attack cases that personal injury lawyers deal with. Dog bite injuries can have significant financial, legal, and medical ramifications. This is why it is important to know the things to do to protect your case against the dog owner.
In high probability, you might be eligible to file a dog bite claim when you suffer grave injuries from a dog attack. Personal injury cases from dog attacks are complex as they involve proving liability with sufficient evidence. Therefore, consider seeking assistance from a legal professional, or you can contact us at Sarraf Law Firm. We are competent enough to help you win a dog bite injury case.
Get medical help immediately
A dog bite injury may seem trivial, but it can lead to more severe injuries and puncture wounds that can get infected. Apart from the fact that dog bite injuries can prove detrimental in the future, victims also have a high chance of getting infected as some dogs do not have proper vaccination against rabies. Your medical report will also constitute evidence used when calculating the degree of damage done.
Gather enough information
Similar to how information is collected after an automobile accident, you should also exchange information with the dog owner to quickly contact them for any information needed throughout the process. It is also essential to verify the dog’s history of vaccination and previous attack cases if any. The more information you gather, the better a personal injury lawyer will help you win a dog bite claim.
Gather the witnesses
Collecting information does not only mean taking pictures and information of the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information, but it also means gathering the contact information of the witnesses to the accident. Being injured, you do not have to worry about getting witness statements as your attorney will take care of them on your behalf. Getting the contact information of the witnesses is highly helpful as they can put forward a statement mentioning if the dog was provoked or not.
Document events end-to-end
Besides the things mentioned previously, it is also vital to document your personal injuries and financial damages associated with the dog bite. This includes documenting visible injuries and the immediate impacts such as pain and suffering, inability to perform daily functions, and decreased mobility. You can document all of these in the form of medical records, photos, or other written records. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, all these documents will be of great help to your attorney.
Make no delay in seeking a claim
Dog bite injuries should not be taken casually as they can lead to more serious physical and health conditions if not treated appropriately. To protect your legal rights and recover your damages, consider talking to an experienced injury attorney. Having an attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the settlement amount to deserve from the dog bite claim.
