Being unfortunate enough to have suffered an injury from a dog bite can be a stressful and painful experience, and it is important to understand your legal rights in these situations. Sadly, it can be common for victims of these accidents to be unfamiliar with their rights, and this can make it difficult for them to make informed choices. After you have the following couple of routinely asked dog-bite injury questions answered, you will be in a better position to make the best choices for your situation.
What Is Needed to Win a Dog-Bite Accident Case?
In many cases, the owner of the dog who bit you will be considered liable for your injuries. However, you should be aware that if you were taking actions to provoke the animal, this may limit the strength of your case. While this may not prevent you from recovering damages, the courts may hold you partially responsible for the incident, and this could decrease the compensation you are able to recover.
Due to these factors, you should always consult with a personal injury attorney about this sort of incident. During this consultation, you should be as open and honest as possible with the attorney. Some individuals may make the mistake of withholding information during the initial consultation, but all the facts surrounding the incident will come to light during the discovery phase. By being open and honest during the initial consultation, you can ensure that you are receiving accurate legal advice for your particular situation.
What If the Dog's Owner Lacks the Money to Pay Your Damages?
The medical costs that can result from a dog bite can quickly become staggering. As a result, there is a strong chance that the individual may lack the available cash to pay for your damages. In instances where the dog bite occurred on residential property, the homeowner's insurance policy will likely cover the injuries under the liability section of the policy. By pursuing the insurance company for the damages, you may have better success with recovering your damages.
If the dog bite occurred on public property, the owner's homeowner's insurance will not cover the damages. In these situations, it may be necessary to garnish the wages of the owner, seize assets and property, or take other actions to compel them to pay for your damages. The exact options will vary from one state to another, but your attorney will be able to advise you as to the best option for recovering the damages that you are legally entitled to.
