When an individual decides to adopt or purchase a dog, they are also taking on the responsibility of that animal. This includes making sure the dog is well-behaved and does not pose a threat to others. Unfortunately, not all dog owners take this responsibility seriously, which can lead to dangerous and even deadly situations.
Pets need to be trained and socialized properly to avoid aggression and biting. Unfortunately, sometimes even the most well-behaved dog can bite, and the consequences can be serious. Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries, as well as expensive medical bills.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to know that you have legal options available to you. A personal injury attorney with experience handling dog bite claims can help you understand your rights and options under the law and fight for the compensation you deserve. It is important that you find yourself an experienced and professional dog bite lawyer in Harrisonburg, VA.
How to File a Dog Bite Claim in Harrisonburg, VA
Dog bites can be extremely serious and even deadly, so it is important to know what to do if you or someone you love is the victim of a dog bite.
- If you have been injured by a dog, the first thing you should do is get medical attention.
- Once you have been seen by a medical professional and have documentation of your injuries, you can then begin to build your dog bite claim.
- You will need to gather evidence to support your claim, which can include things like photographs of your injuries, medical records, and witness statements. It is important to have as much evidence as possible to back up your claim.
- Once you have gathered all of the evidence you need, you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner.
This can be a complicated process, so it is important to have an experienced dog bite lawyer by your side for example the pros at KENDALL LAW FIRM.
Damages You Can Recover in a Dog Bite Claim
If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, you may be able to file a claim. Some of the damages you may be able to recover include:
• Medical expenses
Should you end up with severe injuries, you may have expensive medical bills, including hospitalization costs, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages
Due to the injuries, you sustained, you may be unable to work and earn an income. This can lead to lost wages and a loss of earning capacity. In such cases, you may be able to recover these lost wages.
• Pain and suffering
Dog bites can cause physical pain and emotional suffering. You may be able to recover damages for the physical and emotional anguish you have suffered.
• Punitive damages
In some cases, the court may award punitive damages, which are designed to punish the dog’s owner for their negligence.
It is important to note that each case is unique, so the number of damages you are able to recover will depend on the specific facts of your case. An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to help you determine what types of damages you may be entitled to.
Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Claim
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering filing a dog bite claim:
1. You’ll need to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent. This means showing that they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous and failed to take appropriate precautions.
2. You’ll need to show that you were injured as a result of the bite. This may require medical records or other documentation.
3. You’ll need to show that you suffered damages as a result of the bite. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
4. You’ll need to file your claim within the appropriate timeframe. Each state has its own statute of limitations for dog bite claims, so it’s important to be aware of the deadlines in your state.
An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to help you gather the evidence you need to prove negligence and recover damages.
Defenses Tactics You Might Face
When you file a dog bite claim, the dog owner’s lawyer or insurance company will likely try to defend their insured. Some of the common defenses they might use include:
1. The victim was trespassing or otherwise not authorized to be on the property where the bite occurred.
2. The victim provoked the dog or was otherwise at fault for the incident.
3. The victim did not suffer any injuries or damages as a result of the bite.
4. The statute of limitations has expired and the victim is barred from recovery.
5. The victim cannot prove that the defendant knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous.
and/or
1. The dog’s owner can claim that they were not aware of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
2. The dog’s owner can claim that you were trespassing on their property when you were bitten.
3. The dog’s owner can claim that you provoked the dog into biting you.
4. The dog’s owner can try to show that the injuries you sustained were not severe.
5. The insurance company may try to lowball your settlement offer or deny your claim altogether.
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to speak with an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate these defenses and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Legal Help with Your Dog Bite Claim
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it is important to know that you have legal options available to you. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Contact a dog bite lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights and options.