When you adopt a dog, it is natural to feel protective towards them. It’s not uncommon for people to think of their pets as family members and want the best for them. Unfortunately, dogs are so fierce when provoked or scared that they can be dangerous if they bite someone while in defense mode. If this has happened to you or your loved one, here’s what you need to know about helping victims of dog bites.
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Immediately Seek Medical Attention
The injury may seem minor but could quickly become life-threatening depending on the severity of the wound and location on the body that was bitten. You will also need rabies shots which must be given within24 hours of being bitten.
What are the chances of rabies? Unfortunately, there is always a risk for contracting rabies after being bitten by an animal, especially dogs.
Suppose the dog was not vaccinated against this deadly virus or did not have any available records to prove it has been vaccinated. In that case, you will need to receive preventive treatment consisting of four injections.
Find a Legal Team
If a dog has attacked you or your loved one, make sure to contact an attorney who is well versed in personal injury law. Find the best lawyer to outsource dog bite cases as this gives you confidence as a client.
Your dog bite lawyer will help you prepare for court proceedings and give advice on the best course of action.
One way to find out if you are dealing with a legitimate lawyer is by checking for reviews online. Most lawyers will have profiles on sites like LinkedIn or Facebook, where others can leave feedback about their experience working with them. If your possible attorney does not have either of these things, move on to somebody else.
Evidence Compiling
The more information you have, the better prepared your lawyer can be. This means that before going to court, they will take steps to gather as much data and evidence as possible. Be sure to keep records of anything and everything related, such as:
- Vet bills
- Photos of wounds
- Photographs or video footage of the dog
- Medical records from hospital or doctor visits
- The police report.
In this way, your lawyer can have a strong case against the owner of the dog. By having patience and working with an experienced team, you will find justice for yourself and your loved one, along with peace of mind.
How About Insurance?
Even if the dog owner does not have insurance, you may still be able to receive compensation by filing a claim with their homeowner’s or renter’s policy. This is known as “uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage” and generally only applies if your injuries were accidental.
Make sure to speak to one of our attorneys about how this works and what you need to do to receive compensation.
Your lawyer is significant as you face the insurance companies. They can file the insurance claims on your behalf and undertake negotiations. If you’re required to go to court, your lawyer will be by your side every step of the way.
Proper Valuation of the Damage
In a lawsuit, the lawyer will have to assess all sorts of damages. This includes intangible things such as pain and suffering and more tangible effects caused by the injury. These include loss of earnings from work or even dog bite expenses when it comes to medical treatment.
If you’re not sure what your injuries are worth, speak to your lawyer. They will assist you in calculating the damages, so you get an accurate figure and representative of all your expenses.
It’s not just the dog that can be dangerous. Victims of dog bites are often at risk for rabies, even if they don’t have any open wounds. The first thing is seeking medical assistance. Make sure you contact a lawyer to help with your case.
Featured Image by Pixabay.com
