Although a dog is often considered to be a man’s best friend, that is not always the case, especially if we are talking about a stranger’s dog. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a whopping 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
Whether it is owner negligence or just plain bad luck, you need to have a solid case to get compensation for your financial and psychological injuries. Read on for a list of 5 things that you need to avoid after a dog has attacked you…
Not Getting Medical Help
Thinking that dog’s bite is not serious and delaying taking professional help is a mistake. Harmful bacteria in the dog’s saliva can cause several infections and allergies. Moreover, medical records will provide credibility to your claim and help you prove the severity your injury.
Not Reporting to the Police or Animal Control Authorities
Sometimes, the victim may be too terrified to report; other times, the dog owner may promise to pay all medical bills and ask you not to report. However, your failure to notify relevant authorities will mean that the incident is not well-documented. This will not go down very well in the court of law. Make sure you report the incident, no matter what the situation.
Not Taking Photographs of the Injury
By the time your case goes to mediation or to court, hopefully your injury will not look as severe as it did at the time of the accident. Therefore, having photographs of your injury will give the other side or the judge or jury a clear idea of how serious it was. You do not need a professional camera for this—pictures taken from your smartphone will do just fine.
Giving Statement to Your Insurance Claim Adjuster
Talking to representatives from your insurance company may not be a good idea. While you may think that since they are with your insurance, they are on your side, that is often not the case. Indeed, they may frame questions in a way that can put words into your mouth and reduce your claim. Their goal is to save money for their companies and you need to be wary before speaking with them.
Not Getting Legal Help
With the complexities of laws surrounding dog bite claims and the stakes that your insurance company has, it is important that you hire experienced legal help. Without legal counsel, you may not get compensation your injuries deserve.
Barry P. Goldberg and his team of qualified legal professionals have immense experience in dealing with dog bite cases. Contact him today for a free consultation.