Sudden dog bites can happen, and many of these are often the result of poor training and responsible handling on the part of the owner. The fault doesn’t rest on a dog that acts on instinct, so you will have to file a claim against the owner and recover the compensation you deserve.
However, dog bite cases aren’t always straightforward, as there’s always space for dispute. The owner may attempt to pay a small amount to settle, but it pays to know that you could be entitled to a higher compensation package. In that case, follow these tips and learn how you can recover from a dog bite, both physically and financially.
1. Prioritize Medical Attention
The worst mistake you could ever commit if you are bitten by someone else’s dog is to forego medical treatment. Innocent play bites could lead to gashes that can get infected over time, so delaying medical attention could worsen the injury. There’s also the risk that the dog may not have been vaccinated for rabies, which usually has a long incubation period, typically ranging from a week to three months.
Getting treatment even for bites you think are inconsequential will help reinforce your dog bite claim. Any delay you make in going to the doctor will give the dog owner leverage in claiming that your injury was caused by a different dog. Taking immediate action, on the other hand, will make it clear that the owner is liable for what has happened.
2. Document Evidence and Medical Records
For the most part, establishing liability if indeed the owner acted in such a way that enabled the dog to bite you depends on the quality of evidence you can provide. This would include photos of your injuries taken immediately after the bite, as well as other evidence showing that the dog acted aggressively. If it’s confirmed that the bite led to a rabies infection, be sure to secure documents such as laboratory tests.
You should also include receipts showing how much you spent on medication, follow-up checkups, and tests. To boost the credibility of your claim further, consider talking to witnesses who saw what happened and are willing to provide a recollection of the incident. Taking all this together will help you build a compelling dog bite claim that justifies a higher payout.
3. Include Long-Term Damages
Regardless of severity, dog bites could lay a heavy burden on your emotional health and finances. The bite could have caused severe trauma on your part and triggered underlying conditions such as panic attacks and hypertension.
You could also lose income from lengthy hospital stays, especially if the dog’s bite force resulted in fractures that will take weeks to heal. Factoring in these extensive damages could give you clearance to demand a higher compensation amount.
4. Get a Capable Personal Injury Lawyer
Lacking legal representation won’t guarantee the kind of outcome you want, even if the facts point towards the owner’s negligence. Be prepared for the other side’s attempt to deflect fault and settle with an amount that’s too low. Your best bet is to get a local personal injury attorney with extensive experience in dealing with dog bite cases.
If you were bitten within or around Sonoma County, there’s a Santa Rosa, CA personal injury team that can walk you through your dog bite claim and build a solid case focusing on getting you the compensation amount you deserve. You can also rely on their expertise in negotiating settlement offers and handling disputes. That way, you can rest easy knowing that you will receive enough cash to move on.
Endnote
Dogs will always be man’s best friends, but when owners fall short of their responsibility to train and protect others from their pet’s aggressive behavior, they will need to answer for it fairly. Consider these tips to get the most out of your dog bite claim.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.