How to file a claim after a dog bite injury?
A dog bite is a wound inflicted by a dog. It can cause severe injury to the tissues, bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and even nerves. When the dog bites more than once, it is called a dog attack. Dog attacks could also be knocked down and scratched. The majority of dog bites may not result in injury, but they cause infection, disfigurement, permanent or temporary disability, and even death in certain cases.
Getting attacked by a ferocious dog can be traumatic, leave alone the injuries inflicted upon you. Millions of houses in the U.S. own dogs and millions of people are bitten by dogs every year. When you suffer injuries and expect a negligent dog owner to pay for your medical costs and losses, you have a personal injury case that needs legal assistance.
The right guidance can make your life easier; A Stockton car accident attorney be assured of a fair personal injury settlement. Here they discuss what to do post the injury, who can be held liable for the losses and emotional distress, and how to calculate a fair personal injury settlement.
How to claim after a dog bite injury?
Health and safety should be your first priority after the attack, Following which you should contact a dog bite lawyer in your city.
Here are the other necessary steps you need to take to build a personal injury case against the dog’s owner:
- Immediate medical attention
You need to get yourself to an emergency room at the nearest hospital or call 911. You might be in panic and trauma, but you must inform your medical care providers about the dog attack.
- Gather evidence
Gather all the evidence from the scene, Photographs, video of the dog, locality, blood on the ground, injuries, etc. Keep the contact numbers of the witnesses. Keep the torn or bloodied clothing as evidence. Also, keep all the medical bills and records safe until your claim is resolved.
- Notify the authorities
Check if your city has an Animal Control division. If not possible at the moment, contact the police.
- Locate the dog owner
Contact the dog owner directly or send them a letter to notify them of their dog’s attack and to make it clear that you hold them responsible. Find out if they have homeowners or renters insurance.
- Research local dog bite laws
Every town/city has stringent laws that can help prove the dog owner’s liability.
- Deal with the Insurance company diligently
Be sure about what you tell your insurance agent. The agent cannot question the victim without the parent’s permission if the victim is a child. contact a personal injury attorney before giving a statement.