Many personal injury cases involve dog bites. Additionally, most of these cases occur in the dog owner’s compound. The victims are family members, neighbors, or friends. If you are bitten by a dog, there are mistakes you should avoid for your personal injury claim to succeed.
Failing to Seek Medical Care
Many dog bite victims do not take their injury seriously and fail to go for a medical checkup. There is no way of knowing whether you have rabies unless you visit a doctor. Furthermore, a dog’s mouth may have bacteria that can cause serious infections that could easily spread to other parts of your body.
The first step to take after a dog bite is to seek medical attention. The doctor will close your wound to prevent any infection. Additionally, your doctor will write a report linking your injury to a dog. This documentation will be essential when filing your personal injury claim.
Failing to Report The Incident
The next thing you should do after seeking medical attention is to report the incident to animal control or the police. It is important to report the injury so it is well documented as evidence should the case go to trial. Do not give in to the dog owner’s pleas not to report the matter.
While the dog owner may promise to pay your medical bills and compensate you for your injuries, they may renege on their promises leaving you with no legal recourse. Moreover, many states have laws on dog bite injuries. Therefore, when you alert the authorities, they will conduct an investigation to determine liability.
Failing to Hire a Lawyer
Many dog bite victims attempt to make personal injury claims without legal counsel. This is a big mistake that may result in an unfair settlement. Insurance companies are notorious for finding ways of avoiding payment or paying an insignificant settlement. To get the best possible deal from a dog bite injury claim, you should hire a personal injury attorney.
End Note
Dog bite injuries are one of the most common personal injury cases. If you sustain injuries from a dog bite, you can hold the dog owner liable for the incident. Make sure you hire a personal injury lawyer for the best possible outcome of your case.
