It is said that a dog is a man’s best friend. But sometimes, even the best of friends can have an aggressive side. Each year, nearly 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs. And while most dog bites are not serious, some can cause serious injury – even death.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite, you may be wondering what to do next. The first step is to seek medical attention. Once you have done that, you may want to consider filing a claim against the dog’s owner.
- Filing a successful dog bite claim can be a complicated process. But with the right information and legal help, it gets possible to get the compensation you deserve. Keep reading to learn more about how to win a dog bite claim.
- File A Police Report: The first thing you should do after being bitten by a dog is file a police report. This will help document the attack and provide evidence in case you decide to pursue legal action later on.
- Gather evidence: Evidence is key in any personal injury case, and this is particularly true when it comes to dog bites. Make sure to gather as much photographic and video evidence as possible of the attack. If there were any witnesses to the attack, get their contact information so that they can get interviewed later.
- Get medical attention: It is essential to seek medical attention after being bitten by a dog, even if the bite does not seem serious at first. This is because some dog bites can lead to serious injuries such as infection or rabies. Consulting with a doctor will also help document the extent of your injuries and could serve as important evidence later on in court.
- Seek legal assistance: The best way to ensure that you win your dog bite claim is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who has experience dealing with these types of cases. A good lawyer will know what evidence to present in court and how to argue your case effectively.
- Contact the animal’s owner: This one may seem like common sense, but you must contact the owner of the animal that bit you immediately following the attack. Doing so will help identify the pet’s owner and could potentially lead to them being held liable for your injuries.
- Keep records: As part of preparing your case, ensure to keep track of all expenses related to your injury including medical bills, lost wages, etcetera. This information will come in handy when presenting your case before a judge or jury.
- Don’t talk about your case with anyone other than your lawyer: This includes friends, family members, or social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Telling people about your case could damage its potential outcome.
- Follow all doctor’s orders: If a doctor tells you to do something (e.g., take pain medication), make sure you follow their instructions carefully
- Stay patient: Winning a personal injury claim can often take time. Do not get discouraged if things don’t move along as quickly as you would like them to.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be wondering how to win a dog bite claim. The first step is to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. At San Gabriel Valley Personal Injury Attorney, we have experience handling dog bite claims and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (626) 602-9483 or visit our website to learn more.