Dogs are considered to be a man’s best friend. Generally speaking, this is true, which is why most of us have pets. Whether we want to admit it or not, we all need a furry companion. However, there are some instances when dogs can become quite aggressive and even attack us sometimes.
This can be a terrifying experience, and a lot of people suffer serious trauma after it. If you have been bitten by a dog or know someone else who has, you are probably wondering if any legal actions are possible. The short answer is yes. Nevertheless, if you are about to start this process and file a claim, you need an attorney, and in this article, we are going to tell you why.
1. You can hold the owner accountable
Regardless of how calm and sweet a dog can be, unfortunately, it is not always possible to predict their behavior. Even if you have played with them a million times before, something can agitate them and cause them to attack you.
This happening can have numerous consequences. We have already mentioned that some people might suffer from PTSD, but don’t forget about all the medical expenses and the income you could lose if you were forced to take some time off work.
It can mean a significant loss, which is why you should contact a lawyer as soon as it happens. After all, every owner is responsible for their pet, meaning that you can get compensation.
2. An attorney knows the law
Unless you have done extensive research on the subject, the chances are that you are fairly unfamiliar with the law of your country when it comes to dog bite claims. Naturally, you need an expert on your side. They will go over your case, analyze all the details, and then inform you about every step of this process.
As you can assume, the law differs between countries, so you shouldn’t really do this investigation on your own. If you start reading about it online, unless it is clearly specified, you might end up getting familiar with a law that does not apply to your state.
For example, some states require proof that the dog was violent in the past, or you might have to invite an expert to testify and verify that your claims are true. If you want to learn more about these witnesses, what their job is, and how they can help you, visit dogexpert.com
3. Lawyers have great negotiation skills
As you know, when it comes to claims, most of them are settled out of court. In most cases, you will have to go after an insurance company, and generally speaking, they won’t be too forth-coming. What do we mean? Well, it is in their line of business to give you the smallest compensation possible.
Yes, they will offer you a settlement, but more often than not, that will be much less than you actually deserve. They will use numerous tactics to minimize your injury and claim. Remember that these people are professionals and that this is something that they do daily, which is why you probably couldn’t handle everything on your own.
When you hire an attorney, you will get a partner who knows all the ins and outs of this process, and someone who has mastered their negotiation skill. They will be realistic about the amount of money you can get, and they will make sure that you don’t receive a cent less. After all, it is their job, and don’t forget that they are experts in their profession.
4. They will be at your disposal
We are going to assume that you have never been in this situation before. This means that there are, what seems like, a million questions in your mind. Yes, you can google them and find answers for some frequently asked ones, but do you remember what we’ve discussed about laws?
That’s right – you should get all the information firsthand. Yes, we know, this whole situation seems overwhelming, which is why you need to know that you have an expert in your corner. Plus, these things can go on for a significant period of time, and you need someone who is going to introduce you to every single that you have to make.
5. You will get a team of investigators
Depending on your situation, and what has happened, some investigation might be required. We have already explained that, in some cases, the experts are called to testify, but now let us discuss the importance of the investigators.
When one gets bitten by a dog, their first reaction is to get some help, so they go to the ER or doctor’s office and are only concerned about their safety. They want their wound treated as soon as possible and they want to learn the severity of it. This is a completely natural reaction, and it is everyone’s first instinct.
However, a lot of people forget about the investigation of the place where the accident occurred and also talking with potential witness i.e. people who were present or were in close vicinity. When you file a claim, these things are of crucial importance. Do you remember what did we say about the struggle with an insurance company?
This is another important reason why you should find and hire an attorney as soon as possible. You have to give them your statement and also all the details about the location where the incident occurred. They will usually immediately send a team of people who will take the photos, collect all the circumstantial evidence, and talk to the witnesses.
6. Their services aren’t that expensive
Before we conclude this text, we are going to tell you about the main reason why people usually do not want to hire an attorney for dog bite claims. Basically, it is because they believe that they will have to pay a large fee. Yes, some attorneys can charge a lot of money, but hear us out.
When it comes to these claims, generally speaking, there aren’t any upfront costs. This means that you have to pay them only after your case is concluded and you get your compensation. Put in layman’s terms, this means that you won’t have any expenses since they will be paid from the money you will get from the insurance company.
