The days and weeks following a dog bite or animal attack can be very stressful. You may have a lot on your plate dealing with medical bills, insurance payments and filing a claim.

A knowledgeable attorney can level the playing field against the insurance companies and help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. They can review your case, establish liability, and handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.

Establishing Liability

Dog bites are not minor injuries; they can be devastating regarding physical and emotional trauma. Many victims cannot return to work and may need extensive medical treatment.

To recover compensation, you must demonstrate negligence on the dog owner’s part. This includes showing that the owner knew of the dog’s vicious propensities, such as past incidents or complaints. It also includes proving that the dog violated leash laws or other safety regulations when it bit you.

Following your doctor’s advice is one of the most important steps after a dog bite. This not only helps you make a full recovery, but it will also help your attorney build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Experienced dog bite lawyers can handle all the end-to-end aspects of your claim. They know how to negotiate with insurance companies and can take your case to trial if necessary.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Dog attacks can be very serious, leading to various costs, from medical bills to lost wages. Our attorneys can help you recoup these expenses and other damages, such as pain and suffering.

Our dog bite lawyer will work to establish who is liable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, this could include the dog owner and any landlords who harbored the dangerous animal.

Many states have a “one bite rule” or strict liability, where a dog owner is held liable for medical costs regardless of whether the dog has ever shown vicious propensities before. New York takes a more hybrid approach, where owners are strictly responsible for your medical expenses but only if the dog is deemed dangerous and they knew or should have known about it.

After a dog bite, you must seek immediate treatment to prevent complications. It is also the best way to ensure your legal case will be as strong as possible.

Negotiating a Settlement

Your dog bite lawyer will negotiate with the liable party to recover fair compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering. Having the financial resources to complete your physical recovery is critical to your ability to put this trauma behind you.

To recover damages for your losses, you must prove that the owner knew of the dog’s vicious propensities or should have known. This usually requires a previous bite incident, records or complaints about the dog’s aggressive behavior, or a history of lunging and snarling.

The dog’s owner can also be held liable if they harbored the dog on their property and had the power to remove it. A seasoned lawyer can investigate the dog’s background and determine which parties could be responsible for your injuries. This could include a landlord who had the power to keep the dog off the premises and failed to do so. A neighbor could also have allowed the dog to run free and attacked you.

Representing You in Court

A qualified attorney can represent you in court to ensure the insurance company pays you for all your losses, including medical expenses, future treatment costs, and lost wages. In addition, a lawyer can make sure that your case is heard by the judge or jury so that you receive the justice you deserve.

When choosing an attorney, review their experience and case results. A good dog bite lawyer will have a track record of fighting to help their clients recover maximum compensation. They should also have excellent communication skills and be accessible for meetings, updates, and court appearances.

After a dog attack, your priority is to get the necessary medical treatment for your injuries. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and negatively impact your legal case if you pursue a claim for damages. It is also crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions so that the insurance company can’t use your failure to do so against you in trying to reduce your compensation.