Legal Tips on What to do in the Event of a Dog Bite.
Dogs are known to be man’s best friend but don’t be mistaken, they can turn on anyone and cause very serious injuries. Some of the impacts a dog attack may cause include physical injury, psychological impacts such as trauma, and the attacked person an also contract diseases such as rabies. Below are some legal steps you ought to take if you are a dog attack or bite victim.
Immediately after a dog attack, make sure that you put down everything that took place during the attack from the beginning to the end on paper. If you might have had a verbal or physical exchange with the dog owner before and after the attack, ensure that you include it in your written record. It is also advisable that you include any expenses you are likely to incur in your write up and the laws pertaining to dog bites in the state you live in.
You should also report the dog bite matter to the local enforcement as soon as possible. The police will write a report in the incident and this will aid in their investigation in determining if the dog has been involved in a different bite incident. After you have reported the matter, the police also seek to investigate if the owner has had the dog vaccinated well and up to date as this may greatly impact your case in court. One this is done, you need to seek medical attention immediately regardless of the bites being serious or minor.
One of the ways you can settle the dog bite claim is out of the court of law is among the best ways of getting compensation for the claim. The dog owners insurance cover or the homeowner’s insurance cover can come in to compensate in you in place of the dog owner. You save on cash and time when you choose the out of court settlement option. If you go for this option, don’t settle to quickly as this may see you lose the essence of the settlement.
It is advisable that you seek the services of a professional lawyer in dog bite cases if the dog owner fails to meet the terms agreed upon or an issue arises you can consult this law firm. The lawyer will come in handy as he or she will gather the evidence, and draft a demand letter to the dog owner on the expenses you have incurred and also inform the dog owner of your intentions to file a case in the court of law. Within the demand letter is a quote which your lawyer demands as payment for you with regard to the injuries caused to you in case the sued party fails to settle the amount. If your case is not the first on the dog has been involved in, it is advisable that you push forward with the case.