6 Mistakes You Should Avoid After a Dog Bite
Most often, dogs are some of the most friendly creatures, but some untrained dogs may bite a person, even when unprovoked. So unless you've trespassed on someone's property, you’re entitled to receive compensation for your injuries after a dog bite. However, you may hurt your chances of receiving compensation if you make these common mistakes in the following list.
1. Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Some victims of dog bites assume they can walk off their injuries. As such, they don't bother to seek medical attention. Sadly, such people don't realize that dog bites can cause lasting adverse effects on their health.
Getting evaluated by a medic after the dog bite ensures your injuries are identified and treated. Treatment also ensures that you at least won't contract rabies or create worse problems for yourself. Moreover, the medical records and your doctor's report of the incident can help prove that you sustained dog bite injuries, improving the validity of your case.
2. Failing to Follow Doctor's Directions
Seeking medical attention is quite different from following the doctor's orders. Sadly, some dog bite victims seek medical attention but fail to complete medication or follow the physician's orders. Unfortunately, such mistakes can delay healing or worsen the injuries.
So if the physician asks you to report for follow-up treatment, stitches removal, or a change of bandages, ensure you do so. Complying with the doctor’s directions will serve your personal injury case.
3. Failing to Inform the Police
Dog bite victims may hesitate to call the police, especially if it's a neighbor's dog. However, knowing the dog's owner doesn't mean you should not contact the police.
You must call the police in order to generate an official police report for your case. Besides, the police will take statements from witnesses, yourself, and the owner. The police can also view CCTV footage from the neighboring houses to find out what exactly transpired. Moreover, the records taken at the scene can strengthen your case and make things easier for the lawyer working with you on this case.
4. Failing to Take Photos
Pictures are crucial evidence in a personal injury case. If a dog bites you, it’s important to take pictures of the injuries, the scene of the incident, the dog, the dog owner, and anything you find relevant, if possible.
The injuries might seem minor, but that shouldn't dissuade you from taking pictures. Moreover, you may want to take photos or videos of your injuries if they worsen. These photos will help you strengthen your claim.
5. Failing To Hire a Lawyer
Dog bite cases are no different from medical malpractice, work injury, or car accidents. Therefore, you must engage a lawyer after a dog bites you. An experienced lawyer is the only person who can look out for your best interests.
By failing to hire a lawyer, you might miss out on the best offers. An attorney with experience in dog bit cases should take over the case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. At least the insurance adjuster won't attempt to settle your claim cheaply.
Working with a lawyer increases your chances of recouping the money you lost through medical bills, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Besides, an attorney can represent you in court if necessary.
6. Speaking Freely With the Insurance Company
Speaking with the insurance company isn't bad, but you must be mindful of what you say. Insurance adjusters might call you to know what happened or ask questions. However, you should not answer or give a recorded statement without a lawyer.
If anything, your lawyer should guide you on how to respond to the adjuster's questions. By doing so, the insurance adjusters won't use your recorded statement to poke holes in your personal injury case.
Choosing an experienced attorney to assist with a dog bite claim can make a huge difference. At Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi, we have experienced lawyers dedicated to representing victims of dog bite accidents. Contact us now to request your free consultation.