Top Reasons to Hire a Lawyer if a Dog Bites You

By Staff Reporter Jul 27, 2021 09:44 AM EDT

Not everyone realizes that a dog bite injury can be just as severe as an injury you sustain in a vehicle collision, workplace accident, or even a slip and fall event. Just as you might consider hiring a lawyer for these scenarios, it can also be worth considering legal representation for a dog bite injury. If you're not yet convinced that it's the right move for you, put some thought into some of these points below.

To Fight for Compensation for Your Financial Losses

Legal teams like Caffee accident & injury lawyers have seen this situation play out many times before. A victim is bitten by a dog, doesn't believe it's serious, and doesn't take immediate legal action. Eventually, the wound becomes infected, they develop a severe illness, and their medical bills begin to escalate.

As they are healing from their injuries, they must take time off work, which contributes to financial hardship due to a loss of wages. While not all dog bite injuries end in this scenario, they can. As a result, it's vital to seek legal help to ensure the dog's owner is held to account for the damage their pet has inflicted.

To Manage Legal Proceedings for You

While you're trying to heal from your wounds, your chosen law firm or lawyer can be taking care of all legal proceedings. They can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and even organize expert witnesses if your case requires it. Sometimes, it can seem like you have to pick between managing your health and fighting for damages to cover your expenses. With an accident and injury lawyer by your side, you don't have to choose.

To Investigate What Happened

A dog attack can happen so quickly that you barely have time to register your surroundings. You may not remember the time it happened, exactly where it happened, and who was around. If you're unable to recall all specific events, your lawyer can help.

They have the resources to look for witnesses, check CCTV footage, and more. All of this information can be crucial for creating a solid case to improve your chances of compensation.

Holding the Dog Owner to Account

There are approximately 2,400 dog attacks every day, ranging from minor to severe. While not all attacks can be avoided, the majority potentially can be. If a dog owner has not proven themselves to be responsible, a personal injury case can be a way to ensure they take responsibility for their actions. In the future, they may be more likely to care for their dog in a way that minimizes harm to others.

To Determine Fault

Determining fault in a dog attack is not always straightforward. For example, you may have been an unwelcome intruder on someone's property or taunted the dog before it attacked. Alternatively, you may have been minding your own business in a public place or visiting a friend with permission.

Given the wide variety of circumstances in which a dog attack can happen, it's crucial to seek legal help. They can shine a light on the events of the case to ensure that the blame is placed with the right people.

A dog bite is not something to take lightly. One slight nip can end up causing a severe illness that takes its toll on your entire life. If you have been involved in a dog attack of any kind, it might be time to consider your options around legal representation.