“Dog Bite Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know”
“Dog Bite Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know”
It’s a situation no one wants to think about – you or a loved one have been bit by a dog. It’s important to understand the legal process surrounding dog bite claims and why hiring a lawyer could be beneficial.
Understanding the Law
The legal terms you will need to know when it comes to dog bite claims are “strict liability” and “negligence”. Strict liability means that the owner of the dog is responsible for any damage caused by their pet, regardless of whether or not they knew the animal was going to cause harm. Negligence means that the owner is liable if they failed to take reasonable steps in preventing harm from happening.
What You Should Do After A Dog Bite
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it is important to take action right away. Here are some steps to take:
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Get a copy of the police report.
• Gather witness statements and contact information.
• Take pictures of the bite and any other injuries sustained.
• Collect and preserve evidence related to the incident (e.g., medical records, veterinary records, etc.).
• Contact animal control authorities if applicable.
• Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Why You Need a Lawyer
When it comes to filing an insurance claim for a dog bite, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. They will be able to review all of your evidence and advise you on how best to proceed with your case. They can also handle negotiations with the insurance company and may be able to get you more compensation than if you were to try and negotiate on your own. They will also be able to guide you through the court process if your case goes to trial.
Filing An Insurance Claim
Once you have hired an attorney, they will help you file an insurance claim with the owner’s insurance company. The insurance company will review all of the evidence provided by your lawyer and make a decision as to whether or not they will cover the cost of damages caused by the dog bite. Your lawyer will then be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf in order to get you the best possible outcome from your claim.
What Damages Can Be Covered By An Insurance Claim?
When filing a claim for a dog bite, there are certain damages that can be covered under an insurance policy:
• Medical expenses – These can include costs for hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, etc., depending on what type of treatment is necessary after being bitten by a dog.
• Lost wages – If you had to miss work due to your injury or recovery time, these lost wages can be included in your claim and compensated by the insurer.
• Pain and suffering – This covers any physical pain and mental anguish caused by the incident that cannot be quantified with medical bills or lost wages.
• Property damage – If any property was damaged during the incident (e.g., clothing or furniture), this can also be compensated through an insurance claim.
• Punitive damages – Depending on state laws, punitive damages may also be sought after in cases where gross negligence or intentional harm was involved in causing the incident.
• Legal fees – If you hire an attorney for your case, their legal fees can usually be included as part of your claim as well.
Conclusion
Dog bites can result in serious injuries and even death in some cases, so it is important for victims of such incidents to understand their legal rights and how best to proceed with filing an insurance claim for their damages. A personal injury attorney who specializes in such cases can provide invaluable guidance throughout this process and may even be able to get more compensation than if attempting this alone.