What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for a Dog Bite Injury?
Dog bites are all too common types of injuries that can happen to anyone. While a dog’s breed certainly can make it more dangerous or have a higher proclivity to bite someone, the risk of a dog bite is present with any dog. When man’s best friend bites a human and causes an injury, medical bills can pile up and in serious dog bite injury cases, the victim may have long lasting medical injuries or disfigurements after a dog bite. If someone is injured by a dog bite, the type of lawyer they need is a personal injury lawyer with experience in dog bite cases and recovering compensation for injuries. For all dog bite injury cases, the victim should at least schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney and have a preliminary evaluation of their case.
What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for a Dog Bite Injury?
Experienced with State Dog Bite Laws and Animal Attacks
Dog bite injury cases are most often handled by personal injury lawyers or trial attorneys. Dog bite laws are based on state statute and court opinions that involve the different aspects of a dog bite injury. States like Ohio, Michigan and Georgia provide statutes that govern most situations that occur. In many states, provocation of a dog before a dog bite can absolve the dog-owner from liability. This is a particular area where things can become more complex. It is important to hire a lawyer that understands State law well and is familiar with prior litigation that established many of the finer points of animal attacks. It is important to hire a lawyer that has experience with animal attacks and specializes with personal injury cases. These cases can be complex, involving intricate state laws and local ordinances. The experience of the lawyer is very important when it comes to understanding the nature of different breeds and how known dangerous breeds can impact a dog bite case.
Knowledgeable Regarding Damages and Insurance Coverage
Personal injury law applies when one person harms another or engages in conduct that does so. It is also called tort law or liability/negligence and applies to dog bite injury cases. When a person, or their dog, has injured another, these laws allow that injured person to pursue a legal claim against the people that have caused the injuries or loss. Compensation for the loss depends on State law but usually includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The right lawyer after a dog bite injury will have a good understanding of how to document the damages in your case and maximize the amount of compensation you can obtain. This may involve litigation or navigating complex insurance coverages.
Experienced With Managing Complex Injury Cases
About 4.5 million people are bitten every year and most of them require medical care. The actual cost of medical treatment after a dog bite can be astronomical. Children are the most common victims of dog bites and can suffer lifelong injuries. After a dog bite injury, the victim may need to recover compensation from the dog’s owner through insurance coverage or personal assets. Finding a personal injury attorney who specializes in these types of cases is essential. With their expertise, they can walk you through the process from gathering evidence, analyzing State law, negotiating with the insurance adjuster, and taking your case to court if necessary. They will have an understanding of animal behavior as it applies to these types of cases.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lawyer
If you are thinking of legal action for your dog bite case, consult with an experienced personal attorney who specializes in these cases. Ask for that attorney’s experience and success rate. Confirm their knowledge of both the local and state regulations concerning dog bites and experience with injury cases. What is their percentage of successfully negotiating settlements or cases won in court? Do they listen and communicate effectively with you? Are they empathetic with your situation? Always check their publicly available reviews and online materials. Before hiring the lawyer, make sure to confirm and understand the fee structure.
About the Authors: Sawan & Sawan is a multi-generational, family owned law firm practicing law in the areas of car accidents, truck accidents, and other personal injury. Our firm practices law in Ohio, Georgia, and Michigan.
September 9, 2023
