Dog Bite
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility. Most of us know that our dogs change over time and can become more protective or aggressive depending on location, age, illness, or guarding of certain family members. Sometimes, if a dog has been abused in its past, it can be triggered by certain people or events. If you own a dog, it is imperative to have proper insurance so that, should a tragic event occur, you are financially prepared. The best course of action is to avoid placing your dog in a situation where it might respond aggressively or out of character.
For a free consultation call (360) 792-1000.
If you are bit by a dog, it is important to:
- Get to a safe location
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Contact Animal Control or law enforcement immediately
- Take pictures of the dog and location
- Maintain records of all medical expenses related to the attack
Your attorney at Witt Law Group will investigate the dog’s past behavior, determine ownership of the dog, determine insurance polices in place, calculate medical care costs for your injuries, determine a reasonable case evaluation including pain and suffering, and negotiate your case with the insurance company.
Dog bite attacks can be some of the most significant injuries we see as attorneys. They include physical and emotional suffering that can last a lifetime. It is even more painful to witness when the attack involves a child. We understand the delicate and emotional nature of these cases. Even if you think an attorney is not necessary, remember that taking the step to have your case evaluated and handled professionally might mean you protect someone else from a similar attack.
Serious injuries from dog bites include:
- Severe bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Permanent physical handicap
- PTSD and other psychological impairment
Dog owners are responsible and liable for their pet’s behavior on and off their property. Unfortunately, our pets are not always safe in every situation. Regardless, it is up to the owner to make sure the public is always safe.
Victims need to be compensated for:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Physical therapy
- Scar revision
- Counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Future care
Approximately 4.5 million people are bit by a dog every year and half of dog attack victims are children. Almost 20% of dog bites require medical attention and most attacks occur in everyday interactions with humans the dog already knows.
Naturally, dog bite cases can become very contentious because dog owners are very protective of their pet. Additionally, many of these cases involve neighbors or friends. It is best to let an attorney determine the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that need to be negotiated on your behalf. It is important that future care, counseling, or other needs such as scar revision are considered before resolving your case.
The attorneys at Witt Law Group will handle all of the details of your dog bite case. You do not need to deal with the insurance adjusters, the dog’s owner, or manage subrogation to insurance companies. We will take the worry out of the case.
Victims of dog bite attacks often suffer anxiety and PTSD from the attack and this makes it hard to focus on the minutiae of insurance issues. An attorney in your corner will cost you nothing and there will be additional peace of mind that your injuries and bills are taken care of properly.
Contact our office for a no risk and no obligation evaluation of your case. We can review the facts of your case and offer guidance on how to proceed. If you decide to hire us, it costs you nothing. We get paid when you get paid.
Learn more about how personal injury lawyers are paid through contingency fees.
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Whether you choose to handle your case alone or you hire the Witt Law Group, get educated and prepared. There are so many factors that occur in the early part of your case that can dictate whether you will end up with a fair recovery. Remember that a consultation is free and worth your time. You will likely discover that the earlier you get an attorney involved in the process, the easier the transition back to normal life. Your attorney will take over all contact with the insurance adjuster and keep track of your treatment providers and bills. Your job is to heal. Our job is to present your injuries and damages to the insurance companies and argue for a fair settlement that accurately reflects the pain and damages you’ve suffered.