According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 4.5 million people are attacked by dogs each year (CDC). Around 800,000 of these bite victims require medical attention. When a person is bitten by someone else’s dog, the sufferer may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
What Exactly Is A Dog Bite Injury Attorney?
A Denver dog bite lawyer is a legal specialist who defends dog bite victims in court.
- Victims seeking compensation for injuries sustained from a dog bite;
- Dog owners requiring representation during a euthanasia hearing for their pet;
- Dog owners requiring assistance dealing with the insurance company following a bite; and
- Dog owners requiring assistance with recovering damages after their pet was bitten by another dog.
A Dog Bite Injury Attorney’s Roles And Responsibilities
Dog bites may cost a lot of money in medical bills, missed pay, pain and suffering, and emotional anguish. A dog bite injury attorney can frequently assist clients to get compensation for these damages. An expert dog bite injury attorney will be familiar with the rules and regulations governing dog bites in the victim’s state and will advise on how to best proceed with the case. A dog bite injury attorney will also know how to negotiate a settlement to obtain the best possible outcome depending on the specific facts of the case.
Here’s a deeper look at some of the most important functions and obligations of a dog bite injury lawyer.
Filing A Lawsuit For A Dog Bite
The law of New Mexico acknowledges a “one bite” rule, which states that a dog’s owner can only be held accountable if the dog has had at least one prior incident in which it forcefully attacked someone. However, depending on the circumstances, a person may still be found accountable regardless of the pet’s past. In New Mexico, for example, it is illegal to keep a dog that is known to be dangerous or aggressive.
If a dog bite injury lawyer feels that a bite victim has a case based on local legislation, the lawyer may advise the victim to sue the dog owner.
Making A Demand Letter To The Insurance Company And The Defendant
It is not unusual for an adjuster to propose a quick compensation to settle the claim with as little money as feasible. However, this is not always in the victim’s best interests. A dog bite injury lawyer will always advocate for their client and seek the recompense that the sufferer is entitled to.
Writing and mailing a demand letter to both the insurance company and the defendant is an important part of launching a dog bite case. When composing a demand letter, the lawyer will include critical case material, such as the settlement worth of the injury claim based on variables such as medical expenses and wage loss claims.
Establishing The Dog Owner’s Liability For Injuries
If a dog injures a human because the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the animal, the dog owner may be held legally responsible for the injuries incurred. However, proving negligence is not always simple.
To potentially win a negligence action, the victim must demonstrate that the dog owner had a responsibility to exercise reasonable care in controlling their pet’s conduct and that the dog owner was negligent in failing to satisfy this obligation. The victim must also show that the carelessness caused the injury directly or indirectly.
Obtaining Compensatory Payments From The Dog’s Owner
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensating payments from the dog owner following a bite that causes harm, depending on the individual circumstances of the case and the applicable legislation. The following are the most prevalent forms of damages recovered:
- Medical Bills – The most typical expenditure arising from a dog bite is medical bills. Medical expenses often include hospital bills and physician fees, as well as physical therapy, medicine, and, if necessary, psychiatric care.
- Pain And Suffering – If a dog bite caused mental or emotional distress, the victim may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.
- Lost Income – If a victim is forced to miss work due to a medical diagnosis, treatment, or recovery, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Property Damage – If the dog bite resulted in property damage, such as broken spectacles, the dog owner may be held liable.