Dogs are the most loyal animal you can have. They are adorable, despite what they may look like. Those intelligent creatures can understand us more than anything in the world. However, when a dog bites you or someone else, it can be both painful and problematic. Sometimes, even the calmest dogs can be seen inflicting either personal or property damage.
In case your dog bites someone or the dog himself has been injured by someone else’s pet dog, then you ought to hire a dog bite attorney. The laws regarding dog bites vary across different states.
However, by going for a dog bite attorney near me, you will be able to learn whether you have a legal claim over the injury you’ve got, the potential extent of liability in case your dog bit someone, and what types of defenses you may present, as well as the legal and monetary consequences of the dog bite case.
What Should I Do When I Get Injured by a Dog?
In case you have been bitten by someone else’s dog, you can ask for an insurance claim from the insurance company of the owner’s dog. Most homeowner insurance policies cover the dog bite claim within the property.
There are also a few insurance policies that cover the claim for dog injury, even if you had been bitten by the dog outside the property. In the latter one, you will have the upper hand in most of the states as the injury has been inflicted on you off the property.
By hiring a dog bite attorney, the whole process will get more efficient with their expertise in the situation, and you will be able to negotiate a fair settlement with the adequate knowledge of the dog bite attorney.
In addition to this, you may also file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. When filing a lawsuit, you need to hire a dog bite attorney as they will play a pivotal role in the whole thing. With the help of their extensive knowledge and experience, they will be able to sort out what’s in your best interest. Also, by helping you make your stance stronger.
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Potential Defence in a Dog Bite Case
The potential defenses in dog bite cases will vary according to state law. However, some of the common arguments that can be employed by the opposing dog bite attorney are,
- Trespassing: In case you got bitten while trespassing the property of the dog owner without any viable or legal reason, you won’t be compensated for the Injury you have got from the owner’s dog.
- Provocation: In case you were provoking the dog by teasing him, threatening him with an aggressive gesture, or having cornered him, you won’t get compensated as the dog had bitten you for his defense.
- Negligence: In case you had been warned by the owner of the dog that the dog was dangerous or was showing signs of aggression before the bite occurred, then you will be held partially responsible for your injury. In such situations, you won’t be able to plead for compensation.
How do I Hire a Dog Bite Attorney?
You may start by searching for a dog bite attorney near me on the web. By doing that, you will be provided with various expert dog bite attorneys to guide you through the entire process. In case you have been bitten by a dog off the property, you will be able to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog. On the other hand, you won’t get compensated for your injury if you are partially responsible. However, it’s better to opt for an expert as they will be able to provide you with solutions that comply with your state law.
