If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may wonder if you have a legal case. In most instances, the answer is yes – you can file a claim against the dog’s owner. However, there are certain circumstances when this may not be possible or advisable.
Speaking to an experienced dog bite attorney before taking any legal action is important. An attorney can assess your case and advise you on the best action. They will also be able to help you gather the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim.
In the meantime, you should be aware of certain do’s and don’ts. This post will provide an overview of the dos and don’ts of filing a dog bite claim.
The Do’s
Do: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If a dog has bitten you, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the bite does not seem serious, you may be at risk of infection. You may also be at risk of contracting rabies if the dog is not vaccinated.
Do: Collect Evidence
If you file a dog bite claim, you must collect evidence to support your case. This may include photos of your injuries, witnesses’ statements, and any medical records related to the incident.
Do: Get the Contact and Insurance Information of the Dog Owner
If a dog bites you, be sure to get the contact and insurance information of the owner. This will be important if you decide to file a claim.
Do: Hire an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to hire an experienced attorney. They will be able to assess your dog bite claim and advise you on the best course of action. They will also be able to help you collect the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim.
Hiring an attorney is one of the most important steps you can take if you have been the victim of a dog bite. Be sure to hire a dog bite claim attorney with experience handling these cases.
The Don’ts
Don’t: Forget to Include All of Your Damages
When calculating your damages, be sure to include all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages you have incurred. If you leave anything out, you may be short-changed in your settlement.
Don’t: Accept the First Settlement Offer
If the dog’s owner offers to settle your dog bite claim out of court, you should not accept their first offer. Their initial offer will most likely be much lower than what you are entitled to. An experienced attorney can negotiate a higher settlement on your behalf.
Don’t: Delay in Filing a Claim
If you delay filing a claim, you may miss the statutory deadline. In most states, you have just one year from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. You may be barred from recovering any compensation if you wait too long.
Don’t: Post About the Incident on social media
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to avoid posting about the incident on social media. Anything that you post could be used against you in your case. Wait until you have spoken to an attorney before posting anything online.
Contact and Visit Us at Garcia and Phan Southern California Lawyers
No one should suffer the physical and emotional injuries resulting from a dog bite. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, we can help. At Garcia and Phan, our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (714) 586-8298 for a free consultation.
