Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend. However, if they bite you, then they can inflict serious injury. That is why it is a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney if you have been bitten by a dog. There are several reasons that you should hire a personal injury attorney.
Understand the Laws
The laws regarding dog bites can be quite complicated. The laws in your state are one of the things that will determine how your case is going to be handled. Some states have a one-bite rule while others have a strict liability law. States with one-bite laws are more lenient. However, that does not necessarily mean that the owner will be off the hook if the dog has only bitten someone once.
Your personal injury attorney will make sure that you understand all of the laws. They will also help you understand all of the rights that you have.
Hold the Dog Owner Responsible
A dog bite can leave you with permanent injuries. It can also cause you to suffer emotional scarring. A personal injury attorney will make sure that the owner is held responsible. Owners are supposed to keep an eye on their pet. Dog bites are usually the result of negligence. If this is the dog’s first time and the owner had no idea they would bite someone, then the owner won’t get in trouble and they’ll be more aware for the future. If it’s not, then chances are someone else is going to get bit if you don’t step up. All in all, you’re not hurting innocent people by speaking up, and you’re protecting future victims.
No Fees
Many people think that they cannot afford an attorney. However, you will not have to pay fees upfront if you hire a personal injury attorney. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that you will not have to pay until you win your case. Your attorney will take a portion of the settlement that you get. That means that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking out help.
Higher Compensation
You can file a claim with the owner’s insurance company and get compensated. However, you probably won’t get the amount that you truly deserve. In fact, insurance companies profit by under-compensating people. Your personal injury attorney will help you get the maximum compensation possible. They will be able to negotiate with the insurance company so that you don’t have to.
A dog bite can change your life forever. The good news is that you have the option of calling an attorney. An attorney will help you understand all of the dog bite laws and how they affect your case. They will also hold the owner responsible and help you get the maximum amount of compensation possible. Furthermore, you do not have to pay any fees upfront.
Author information: Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
