Car Accident Lawyer
An unexpected encounter with a dog ends up not being a good experience. Unintentionally surprising a dog that became defensive or coming upon an aggressive dog that attacks and bites you has left you with an injury. Regardless of the situation, if a dog bite leads you to the hospital or urgent care, these medical expenses are unexpected and could be substantial. You might be wondering if you are eligible for a personal injury claim to get reimbursement for these expenses.
With a dog bite, the owner of the dog would be the liable party. Is this a person you want to hold responsible for this injury and medical expenses? If this unexpected accident happened with a familiar dog, most friends and family would take action and pay for these expenses. But what if the dog’s owner won’t take responsibility?
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Hopefully, the dog’s owner realizes their liability and will come to a settlement with you to pay for medical expenses. If this is not the case, filing an injury claim can be your next step. First, make sure you have the evidence to prove your case. Are there witnesses to the dog’s attack? If only the owner of the dog saw the incident and refuses to admit that it happened, can you win the case?
If you do think you can win your case, you need to consider how you will get your medical expenses paid. Will the dog’s owner be able to pay? Do they have insurance coverage to pay the claims? A personal injury attorney can help you answer these questions.
Assess Your Options
Going through the legal process may be more costly and less advantageous than settling with the dog’s owner. You could accomplish settlement by presenting a demand letter. Respectfully lay out the medical expenses and what you would like to have the dog’s owner pay. Not having to go through the court process may be enough incentive for the dog’s owner to see their liability and settle with your demands. Mediation is another alternative. Having a neutral third party facilitate negotiations between you and the dog owner could be a reasonable means to a settlement.
If none of these options are viable in your situation, contact a personal injury attorney. Dealing with an irate and irresponsible dog owner may need more serious action. A car accident lawyer like our friends at Daniel E. Stuart, P.A. can help you understand more about the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
