Common Dog Bite Mistakes
Being bit by a dog can result in very serious injury. Each year, about 800,000 people experience dog bites that land them in the care of a doctor. If you are the victim of a dog bite, it’s important that you understand your legal rights to mount a case and collect damages.
The prevalence of dog bites cannot be overstated. Most frequently happening in the home of the pet owner, dog bites comprise one of the most common injuries among children. Insurance companies recognize the significant risks posed by owning dogs, reflected by the fact that dog bites account for about one billion dollars each year in insurance settlement cases. As a result, insurance companies may drop homeowners who own dogs with tendencies to bite.
In the unfortunate circumstance that you are bit by a dog, responding in a smart way could protect your health and finances in the future. Common mistakes that victims of dog bites make, include:
- Waiting to get medical help. Even if you don’t have a severe wound, how can you be sure that the dog that bit you isn’t rabid or sick? It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially considering that you’ll need medical documentation if you decide to press charges.
- Not reporting the incident. Mounting a successful case in light of a dog bite starts with reporting it to authorities immediately after the incident. Even if the dog owner suggests you handle it informally, it’s in your best interest to have legal documentation of your injury.
- Neglecting to take photographs. Waiting to take photographs of a dog bit obscures the severity of the injury. Take photos immediately after the injury takes place so that courts will understand the extent of the damages you’ve experienced.
- Neglecting to get a lawyer involved. It should go without saying, but when you’re bit by a dog, contact a trusted lawyer as soon as possible. Between dealing with the dog owner, insurance companies, animal control, and the legal system, you’ll need the professional assistance of an attorney who has your your best interests in mind.
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite from someone else’s dog, don’t make the injury worse by losing the opportunity to be compensated for damages. Contact the Milwaukee personal injury lawyers of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. Not only will we help you at every step of your case, but we also offer free consultation to help you feel confident in our services.