Navigating the Trauma of A Dog Bite

Dog bites are more common than you might think. If you are attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Finder Law has extensive experience in litigation for dog bites and can help ensure that you are fairly compensated.

Being bitten by a dog can be a very scary experience & injuries can be serious. Whether you have minor injuries, or suffer permanent disfigurement from your attack, you may be able to recover a financial settlement from the owner’s homeowner’s insurance. The first thing you need to do is determine who the owner of the dog is. You should get their full name, address and phone number. Try to find out from the owner if the dog is up to date on their vaccinations as well. If an insurance claim is filed by the owner, their insurance company may reach out to you about a potential settlement.

However, before you start speaking with their insurance company, you should seek legal counsel to help you determine if the settlement amount is fair and reasonable. Often, it is not.

You should also gather names and contact information for any witnesses to the attack. Their testimony may be important in settlement negotiations or a potential trial. Taking photos of your injuries is also very helpful. These should include any and all wounds, torn clothing, the scene of the attack, and the dog if possible. Calling the police is also best practice. That way, an official record of the incident is made by a third party. Again, this can be helpful in settlement negotiations or a potential trial. The homeowner’s insurance company will likely have their own investigators, so the more evidence you can gather on your behalf will only help your case.

Seeking medical care after a dog bite, no matter how minor, is important. Dogs often carry diseases, so you will want to have it properly disinfected and stitched up if necessary. Additionally, this will create another independent record of the extent of your injuries and treatment. You will want to keep written record of your pain level, treatments, and your physical and emotional well-being during your recovery. Keeping something like a journal will help because sometimes these cases take months or even years to settle. Rather than relying on your memory, a journal will provide better detail and reliability. 

Once treatment is completed, your attorney can start negotiations with the insurance company about a potential settlement. To determine a fair amount, medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering may be considered. Each case is different, but an attorney acting on your behalf will work to get you a settlement that reflects all the damages from your injury. 

At Finder Law, we will always put the needs of our clients first. We provide aggressive representation and know how stressful it can be when dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite. The negative effects of this type of injury can be overwhelming, but we work hard to help our clients through this process & support you through each step.