You May Deserve Compensation If You've Been Bitten By A Dog
Posted on: 6 December 2018
If you've recently been injured by a dog, whether it's from a bite or being knocked down when the dog jumped on you, you might have a personal injury case against the dog's owner. If you missed work or had to pay for medical treatment, then talk to a personal injury lawyer to see if you can get the owner to pay compensation. Here are some things that can factor into a dog bite case.
If You Were Trespassing Or Teasing The Dog
Consider if the attack was your fault in any way. Dog bite regulations vary by state, and several things are considered. One thing that might come into play is if you were trespassing on the property or taunting the dog to get it to attack. Other factors that might have a bearing on a case are if it was a docile dog and this was its first bite or if the dog has been aggressive in the past. A personal injury lawyer knows how to assess the incident to see if you have a valid claim and should proceed with your case against the owner.
If Your Injuries Are Severe Or Minor
Many times a dog bite isn't serious, and it only breaks the skin. Other times, you could have permanent scars or require extensive medical care to recover. The extent of your injuries affects the amount of money that's awarded. Lost wages, medical bills, and future suffering might all factor into the amount of compensation you're awarded. If your injuries are minor, then your case may not be worth pursuing. Be sure to document all your expenses and take pictures of the injury before it's treated if possible. The more information your attorney has, the more informed they'll be about whether you have a good case.
If There Is Emotional Trauma And Suffering
Being mauled by a dog or knocked down by a big dog you think is going to seriously harm you is a traumatic experience. It could leave you with a fear of dogs, post-traumatic stress, and even a fear of leaving your house to go walking again. While these effects are different from physical injuries, they impact your life in a negative way. Your attorney considers your emotional response to the dog attack and if it has lasting effects when determining to take your case and how much compensation you deserve.
Dog owners are responsible for controlling their dogs, but dogs can be unpredictable at times. An overly friendly dog might hurt you by jumping against you and knocking you to the ground. An aggressive dog might maul and cause extensive damage to your face or body. Even a tiny dog bite can be a bad one if the bite gets infected or if the bite is on your face. Although it's a regrettable event, if you're hurt by a dog, then you might deserve compensation to help pay for your injury. Talk to a personal injury attorney to find out if you do have a case and what to do next.
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