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Though dogs are lovely family pets that almost every family admires to have, there are times they can be hazardous since they are unpredictable. A dog bite is one of the most common causes of personal injury claims. If you’re bitten by someone’s dog demands, the law demands that you be compensated and the dog owner pay for your damages. In some circumstances, this means that you have to file a claim with the home insurance company of the dog owner. Unless you are the one who provoked the dog to anger, you have the right to seek compensation. Anyone who has experienced a dog attack knows how difficult it can be to handle such as a case without an experienced lawyer.
What Should You Do After A Dog Bite
Any dog bite injury requires quick medical attention. The unique thing with dog bites, unlike other animals, is that even a seemingly minor dog bit can escalate to substantial medical bills. Not forgetting other harmful consequences. To protect yourself both physically and financially, you need to consider the below factors:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible: Tending to the bite right away reduces the risk of any bacterial infection. You are also able to assess the injury and determine its severity. Dog bites are very scaring, you may be frightened and hence get confused. In such a case, you may consider calling someone to drive you to the nearest hospital. This will ensure you have a professional opinion and records that will be used when claiming for compensation
- Document the injuries: You may not be in a position to do so, immediately after the accident. However, after receiving some immediate medical attention, take photos of the injuries. This is because an injury can heal faster, or the medical treatment may act quicker and clear them up such that they don’t appear to be severe.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: Dog bites results in complex cases. It can be daunting to seek for compensation alone. To avoid the hustle and bustle, you can call a Anchorage attorney to help you make the process easier.
What Should I Sue For?
A dog can bite anyone if provoked. In most cases, the owner is liable for the damages you may have suffered. The cost of medical bills alone is enough to make you get worried. However, such should not matter if it wasn’t your fault. You should file a lawsuit to ensure you recover compensation for any setback, including anything you may not quantify. Some of the damages you may recover from include:
- Medical bills: This is the core component of why you should sue. These expenses may include ambulatory care: This may include rabies shots, stitches, plastic surgery to mitigate any scar or any other medical service you may have received.
- Lost wages: Mostly likely, you will miss work due to the injuries and the recovery period. If you have not been receiving a set salary, your personal injury lawyer can advise you on what should be done.
- Lost earning capacity: Some dog bites can lead to debilitating injuries. In such a case, you may not be able to perform the same duties you previously carried out. You may recover from reduced earning capacity. It can be beneficial for someone who had not yet started working. For instance, a college student who may have suffered nerve damage from a dog bite may be unable to become a future athlete.
- Property damage: You may have suffered injuries such as torn clothes or any other property you were having at the time of the dog attack.
- General damages: This could be the pain and suffering or any other form of damages that could have resulted in emotional distress after the dog bite.
The Common Law Liability Concerning Dog Bites
Most of the states have strict liability for the damages suffered as a result of the dog bite. However, in Alaska, a dog bite is based on the decisions made by the court; the state doesn’t have a specific statute that covers the dog bite liability. But, they follow the “one bite rule” when it comes to dealing with dog bite claims. The negligence factors of the case mostly determine any liability. Thus, if a dog owner fails to exercise reasonable control of his/her dog and the dog bites someone and causes injuries, the owner may be held liable. The injured party has to prove that the owner knew the dog had some funny traits and had a tendency of causing harm. If you have questions regarding how to deal with a dog bite, you may consider looking for a dog bite lawyer to give you advice on whether you have a winnable case against the dog owner. The lawyer will make sure the dog owner is held legally and financially liable for the damages caused. Yet again, hiring a lawyer will ensure you file your claim within a reasonable time.
