4 Tips to Increase Your Compensation Chances After a Dog Bite

Dogs are generally adorable creatures beloved by many people. However, sometimes, this is not the case. Suppose someone’s dog attacks you or your loved one. Take the necessary steps to receive fair compensation.

This article highlights essential tips to help ensure you receive fair compensation following a dog bite injury.

1. Seek Medical Aid Immediately

No matter how small the bite is, the first step is to visit the nearest hospital. When a dog's teeth penetrate your skin, have professionals clean, disinfect, and dress the wound to rid it of infection-causing germs. Remember, dog bites can cause infections or fatal medical conditions such as rabies if you do not attend to the injury promptly.

Seeking medical attention could also help your compensation case should you pursue legal remedies. It gives you access to medical records and bills that prove you sustained injuries from the dog bite.

2. Gather Relevant Evidence and Information

Start collecting evidence immediately after the incident. Ask for the name of the dog and its owner as well his or her contact information. If you are not in excess pain, photograph your injuries and the culprit dog if you can.

Suppose you cannot take pictures at the scene. Document your medical treatment and be sure to tell your medical providers what happened. Records of work you missed due to the injury could also help your case as it proves financial losses.

The final piece of information you should get is witness contacts. If anyone was at the scene, ensure you get their numbers and addresses to contact them if necessary. The witnesses could boost your chances of compensation. For example, they may confirm you did not provoke the dog, ascertaining the validity of your account of events.

3. Report the Incident

Report dog bite incidents to the pet's owner and the proper authorities, including the police.

Additionally, alert animal control of the incident if necessary. If you opt for legal redress, public officials can help you obtain vital information such as the dog's ownership and vaccination records.

4. Lawyer Up

Hiring a competent attorney is your best chance of fair compensation for your dog bite injury. The attorney will advise you every step of the case and protect your best interests. 

For instance, if an insurance company gets involved in the case, an attorney can represent you in negotiations. Insurance companies often present settlement offers that are below what you deserve. Thus, having an attorney ensures you get the highest compensation for your injuries. 

Similarly, having an attorney increases your compensation chances if the claim moves to court. Their vast legal knowledge will ensure you navigate complex legal hurdles and present the most substantial evidence and arguments for your case, earning you your deserved compensation. 

Dog bite victims not seeking compensation commit a significant injustice to themselves. Do not suffer in silence. Contact Jarve Granato Starr LLC for proper legal representation. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to win your personal injury case. We look forward to seeing and working with you soon.