Dog bites are devastating events that can lead to severe injuries and lasting damage. An experienced Atlanta Dog Bite Lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites. However, the dog owner may try to avoid liability by arguing that you were responsible for the attack (for example, that you provoked their pet). Your attorney can combat these arguments.
Insurance Companies Will Try to Deny or Minimize Your Claim
Injuries from a dog attack can leave you with severe wounds and lasting physical and mental trauma, not to mention enormous medical bills and other financial losses. Fortunately, New York law enables victims to recover compensation from pet owners who are responsible for dog bite injuries. An experienced New York dog bite lawyer can help you identify and collect existing sources of compensation for your losses.
Insurance providers will do everything they can to avoid paying you the full amount that you are owed. A dog bite attorney understands the tactics used by insurance companies to devalue your claim and will fight them every step of the way to get you a fair settlement.
A dog bite lawyer will also review all the information related to the incident and may conduct a thorough investigation of the facts surrounding the attack. They will look at evidence such as medical records, photos of your injuries, witness statements, and other documents. This will give them a clearer picture of what actually occurred and the true value of your claim.
They will also help you locate the owner of the dog and his or her contact information. This is essential if you want to pursue a claim against the dog owner. Sometimes this can be done quite easily, such as in the case of a pit bull subway attack, but other times it may be difficult. This is why it is so important to have a lawyer who can help track down the dog and its owner.
In addition to identifying the dog and its owner, your New York dog bite lawyer will also determine whether more than one party is responsible for the attack. This is possible under New York laws, and if so, it could substantially increase the amount of money you are entitled to receive. Practical examples include landlords, dog walkers, and property owners who knew the animal posed a risk to people but failed to take any action.
Many victims are tempted to accept the first lowball offer from the insurance company, but doing so can leave you with no way to pay your medical expenses and other financial losses down the road. A New York dog bite lawyer can help you understand your options, including the potential for future losses and expenses that will arise from the incident.
Insurance Companies Will Offer You a Quick Settlement
Dog bite injuries can be devastating. They can leave you with expensive medical bills, loss of income, and emotional trauma that lasts for years. That’s why it’s important to hire a dog bite lawyer who will fight for your right to compensation. A reputable attorney will know how much your injuries are worth and will be able to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
The first thing your lawyer will do is evaluate your case. They will take into account the specifics of the attack, such as the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the bite, and whether the dog has a history of aggression. They will also assess your emotional trauma and other resulting damages. Lastly, they will determine what the dog bite statutes and negligence laws in your state allow you to recover for.
Once your lawyer has assessed your case, they will file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog who bit you. They will seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other resulting damages. They will also pursue punitive damages if appropriate.
Unfortunately, some dog owners will use a variety of strategies to avoid responsibility for their dogs’ attacks. For example, they may argue that you provoked the dog or that you were trespassing on their property. Your lawyer will be well-versed in the many different defenses that can be used against dog bite victims and will be able to counter these arguments.
When an insurance company sees that you have a dog bite lawyer representing you, they will take your claim more seriously. They will be less likely to try and offer you a lowball settlement or attempt to convince you that your case is not worthy of a fair payout. They will also be more likely to offer you the maximum amount that they can within their policy limits. This is another reason why it’s essential to hire a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Insurance Companies Will Try to Blame You for the Attack
A dog attack can leave you with more than just physical injuries. It can also have serious financial consequences. You may have to pay for extensive medical care, and you may lose income from being unable to work due to your injuries. These costs can add up quickly, making it difficult to keep up with your bills. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your losses.
A New York dog bite lawyer can review your case and gather evidence to support your claim. This includes examining the dog’s history, which could include previous incidents of aggressive behavior or violent episodes. Your attorney may even interview witnesses who can testify that the dog behaved badly in the past.
The insurance company may attempt to minimize your damages by blaming you for the incident. For example, they may argue that you provoked the dog or that you didn’t follow proper safety measures. Your lawyer can fight back against these arguments.
One of the most important things you can do after a dog bite is seek immediate medical attention. Not only will this ensure that you get the critical care you need, but it will also provide crucial documentation for your legal claim.
Documenting your injuries and their effect on your daily life is vital in a dog bite case. Your lawyer can take the burden of these tasks off your shoulders and work to collect the financial compensation you deserve for your medical expenses and other losses.
If you’re able to identify the dog owner and swap contact information, it’s wise to ask about their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy details. Many of these policies cover incidents involving pet owners and their animals, so it’s worth investigating the details of their coverage.
It’s best to hire an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack. By doing so, you can give your legal team the time they need to build a strong case for you. The longer you wait to file a lawsuit, the more likely it is that your claims will be denied or minimized.
Insurance Companies Will Try to Deny Your Claim
Dog bites can be incredibly traumatic and can cause lasting physical, emotional and mental damage. Victims often require costly medical care, lost wages, and intangible damages such as pain and suffering. Insurance companies know this, and they will use every tactic they can to reduce or deny your claim. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you combat these tactics and fight for fair compensation.
Dogs are prone to biting and attacking when they feel threatened or their instincts are activated. This happens whether they are playing, tussling, or simply feeling aggressive. Over 4.5 million people are attacked by dogs each year, and most of these attacks involve children. These children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries, including death. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to work with a skilled Long Island dog bite lawyer like Shaevitz & Shaevitz.
A successful lawsuit can result in awards that cover a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and disfigurement. The more severe your injuries, the higher the potential award. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and calculate your total damages.
Some states follow the traditional common law “one-bite rule,” which gives owners liability for their dog’s first bite unless they knew or should have known that the animal had vicious propensities. Other states utilize strict liability, which holds the owner responsible for any medical costs resulting from an attack. New York uses a combination of both approaches.
An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to navigate the varying laws regarding dog bites in your state. They will also be able to identify all parties responsible for your injuries. This could include the dog’s owner, the landlord if they owned the property where the bite occurred, or police officers who use their own dogs on duty.
An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able identify all parties who may be liable for your injuries and negotiate with them to settle your claim. This will avoid the time, stress and expense of a trial.