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Originally Posted On: https://www.boettcherlawoffice.com/8-steps-an-injury-attorney-takes-to-win-your-case/
Are you confused about handling a dog bite case? Find out how a dog bite injury attorney can simplify the process and secure your compensation. Read now!
Dog bites are a significant issue in the U.S., with over 4.5 million people falling victim to canine attacks each year. The CDC estimates that 800,000 of those bites require medical care. The physical and emotional trauma resulting from dog bites can be profound.
Victims often face financial distress due to medical expenses. But that’s not a load you have to bear alone. Working with a dog bite injury attorney can prove invaluable.
They understand the complexities of such cases and can make navigating the process easier. Here are the steps they’ll take to win your case and secure you a fair compensation.
1. Investigating the Incident Thoroughly
One of the first steps your dedicated dog attack lawyer will take is to investigate the incident thoroughly. They’ll leave no stone unturned, gathering crucial details and evidence to support your case. This includes:
- Obtaining official reports from law enforcement and animal control
- Interviewing witnesses to better understand the circumstances leading up to the attack
- Collecting valuable testimony that can support your claim
- Securing any available video footage from nearby surveillance cameras or personal devices
The lawyer will also review your medical records to understand the full scope of your injuries and their impact on your life. This allows them to establish a clear link between the dog attack and the damages you’ve suffered. Such a comprehensive investigation sets the foundation for a strong case.
2. Establish Liability and Negligence
Seeking personal injury legal help is crucial in establishing liability and negligence in a dog bite case. An experienced attorney understands the nuances of local laws and regulations determining liability. As such, they’re better equipped to identify anyone responsible.
Many states hold dog owners strictly liable for bites, regardless of whether the dog has ever been aggressive. However, the legal landscape can be complicated. Factors like the victim’s location and the dog’s history can affect each case differently.
Beyond dog owners, other parties may be responsible for your injuries. This could include landlords, property owners, or individuals supposed to supervise the dog.
3. Prove Negligence
Securing fair dog bite compensation requires proving that the dog owner or other party was liable. Your attorney will demonstrate a breach of duty of care that directly led to the attack and your attack.
Negligence can take many forms, such as:
- Failure to properly restrain or leash the dog in public areas
- Allowing the dog to roam freely in violation of local ordinances
- Ignoring or disregarding warning signs of aggressive behavior
- Lack of proper training or socialization for the animal
Your lawyer will gather evidence to establish a pattern of negligent behavior. This may include prior complaints about the dog, citations for leash law violations, or testimony from witnesses.
4. Document Damages
Seeking canine injury legal aid ensures that all damages resulting from the attack are properly documented and accounted for. Your attorney will work closely with medical experts to evaluate the full extent of your injuries. This includes emergency care, ongoing treatment, and estimated costs for future medical needs related to the injury.
But that’s not all — the lawyer will take the emotional and financial impact of the injury into account. This includes lost wages due to missing work while recovering. The same is true for earning capacity you might lose as a result of liability caused by the attack.
5. Expert Witness Testimony
Your dog bite injury attorney will work to build the strongest case possible. That includes calling upon expert witnesses to provide testimony. These experts can shed light on critical aspects of your claim, making your case stronger.
For instance, medical professionals can testify about the extent and impact of your injuries. Their expertise helps quantify damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Those who specialize in animal care can analyze the dog’s behavior leading up to the attack and identify any signs of aggression that should’ve been addressed. Law enforcement and animal control officers can provide eyewitness accounts and documentation of the scene.
6. Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Even after building a strong case, dog bite victims often face an uphill battle when dealing with insurance companies. These companies care more about protecting their bottom line rather than what’s fair. An experienced dog bite injury attorney levels the playing field by negotiating fiercely on your behalf.
They understand all the tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize your claim. The lawyer will leverage the law and evidence to fight for your rights. This increases the odds of getting a fair compensation that covers your damages.
7. Comply With Statutes of Limitations
As with any case, there is a time limit for taking legal action after a dog bite injury. Most states have a statute of limitations of 1-3 years. Missing this deadline could mean losing your rights completely, even if the dog owner was clearly at fault.
An experienced dog bite case lawyer understands these time limits very well. They’ll work quickly to investigate what happened, collect evidence, and officially start your case before the deadline runs out. By taking fast action, your lawyer prevents any delays that could hurt your ability to get the justice you deserve.
8. Represent You in Court (If Necessary)
Most dog bite injury claims are resolved through out-of-court negotiations and settlements. However, some cases may require litigation if the opposing party refuses to agree to fair terms. When this occurs, you need an aggressive litigator who can make a persuasive case to a judge and jury on your behalf.
Your dog bite lawyer will forcefully argue your case in court, using all evidence to prove the defendant’s full liability. They’ll skillfully question witnesses to impact the outcome in your favor. Moreover, their expert legal strategy will provide peace of mind that your case is forcefully argued if this path becomes necessary.
Don’t Go It Alone — Trust a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
You’ve been through a traumatic experience that has left you with physical and emotional scars. Navigating the legal complexities of a dog bite case while recovering from your injuries can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced dog bite injury lawyer from BDIW by your side.
With our expertise and unwavering advocacy, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal battles to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free no-obligation consultation.
