Over 35% of households in the U.S are home to at least one dog, and while these beloved companions may often bring a great deal of joy into our lives, not all canine interactions are friendly.
That said, several dog breeds have a tendency to bite or become vicious, resulting in millions of dog bite injuries in America each year. Almost one in five dog bites are severe enough to require medical help, according to the CDC.
Getting bitten by a dog can oftentimes lead to considerable costs to yourself and your loved one, resulting in tremendous medical expenses, trauma, and the chance of permanent disfigurement or scarring.
If you’ve fallen victim to a dog attack and have suffered a personal injury, you may be entitled to compensation to recover your losses. This article will help you learn how to pursue legal action after a dog bite injury and how to find the right injury lawyer to handle the case so you can focus on what’s important.
Liability in a dog bite injury
If you are a victim of a dog bite injury, one of the most important factors for determining your options for legal action is the point of liability.
According to the personal injury law, liability refers to the person who may be deemed responsible for the injury in question. It shows who is responsible for covering the costs associated with the injury, suffering costs and medical treatment costs, and emotional trauma.
Terms you should know in dog bite injury claims:
- Strict liability: this form applies in certain cases where the defendant can be held liable for the injury regardless of whether they could have done something to prevent it.
- One-bite rule: some states in the U.S follow what is known as a “one-bite “rule, which determines the liability based on whether you were aware that their dog might act in a vicious way.
- Negligence: Failure to use reasonable care that results in injury.
- The burden of proof: the obligation of a defendant or plaintiff to provide sufficient proof to support their position.
How to file a dog bite claim?
If you’ve been wounded by a dog bite or attack, you may be qualified for compensation but only through filing a claim with personal injury lawyers. Here are some of the most important steps to consider in order to file a successful dog bite injury claim:
Report the accident and gather the evidence
The first step to take after your accident is to seek medical attention and collect the dog owner's personal information. In a personal injury where an animal is involved, you may need to file a report with the local animal control agency so it can serve as useful documentation later on if you need compensation for recoverable damages.
Contacting a dog bite lawyer
Following a legal action after suffering an injury is oftentimes confusing, especially if you choose to do it alone. Even though it’s possible to file an injury claim on your own, the best option for negotiating a fair settlement amount is to contact a lawyer with experience in personal injuries.
They can offer legal guidance and negotiate a suitable settlement amount on your behalf using their experience in the field, negotiation skills, and knowledge of typical settlement amounts.