If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you could be eligible for compensation
Dog bites might not be nearly as popular as other personal injuries that are caused by auto accidents or slip-and-fall incidents, but they can be very damaging. There are an average of 4.7 million dog bites in the United States each year – and 800,000 of these incidents require medical care.
If you find yourself with an injury from a dog, you probably have a lot of questions about how a dog bite lawsuit works. Our dog bite lawyers at Layers for Justice, PC are sharing four things you need to know about dog bites and if you should sue or not.
1. You (Might) Need to Prove Liability
Different states have different rules regarding liability for dog bites.
California Civil Code 3342 reads: The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
This means that the owner can be held liable for a dog bite, even if they had no prior knowledge or warning that the dog might bite.
If you’ve been bitten, your best bet is to consult with a dog bite lawyer who is familiar with the laws that apply in the state where the bite occurred.
2. Not All Dog Bites Warrant a Lawsuit
Even if the dog’s owner is liable for the bite, it’s not always practical to bring a lawsuit. It’s always a good idea to stop and ask yourself whether the time, effort, and financial commitment involved in bringing forth a lawsuit is worth it.
If you were just nipped and had a small skin puncture that was easily treated, it might not be a good use of your resources. On the other hand, if the dog attack caused a serious injury, then you’ll definitely want to pursue legal action. The best way to weigh your options is to contact a dog bite attorney like the ones at Lawyers for Justice, PC.
3. Homeowner’s Insurance May Cover the Cost
Some homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bites that occur on the insured property. This can be good news for people who are hesitant to sue a friend or family member who owns the biting dog. Pursuing this option may lead to a fair settlement without having to go to court, but you still should consult a dog bite lawyer to be safe.
4. You’ll Want to Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
Whether you file a claim against a homeowner’s policy or against the dog owner directly, you’ll want to work with a qualified dog bite lawyer. The powerful team at Lawyers for Justice, PC can help deal directly with the insurance company or take the necessary steps to move forward with your dog attack lawsuit.
LFJ’s dog bite lawyers will be able to tell you whether you have a legal basis for a claim, the likelihood your case can be won, and the monetary compensation you may expect to receive.
There’s a chance that the insurance company or dog owner may try to settle with you. However, if you accept a settlement without consulting with a dog bite attorney, you could be doing yourself a major disservice. Serious dog bite injuries can lead to long-term problems that result in high medical bills and possibly permanent disability.
It’s also important to note that many states have a “statute of limitations,” meaning that you only have a certain amount of time to bring forth a lawsuit. The earlier you speak with a dog bite attorney, the easier it will be to gather the evidence needed to prove your case.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If you think you have a dog bite lawsuit on your hands, don’t suffer in silence. You could incur significant medical expenses and serious pain and suffering.
Contact Lawyers for Justice, PC today to schedule a free consultation. The firm is a contingency law firm, which means there are no up-front costs to victims.
