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Most of the time, dogs are friendly and well behaved. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite 4.5 million people every year and approximately 20 percent require medical treatment for their injuries. Nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery for dog bite injuries in 2012.
Dogs bite for many reasons including fear, possessiveness, pain, maternal instincts, and the prey drive. Whatever the reason, however, a dog bite can be extremely painful and dangerous. Victims can experience bleeding and infections resulting in serious illness and even death.
Dog bite victims can take legal action against the dog owner or handler. When doing so, the victim should consult with a dog bite attorney in order to obtain the best possible outcome. Following are four ways a victim will benefit from using an attorney for his dog bite case:
- Knowledge – When it comes to a dog bite lawsuit, most people do not have detailed knowledge of the applicable laws and legal procedures required to handle their case. An experienced lawyer will have the knowledge it takes to obtain a favorable settlement.
- Experience – Most accident victims do not have experience dealing with dog bite cases. An attorney who regularly handles dog bite injury cases will be able to leverage knowledge and experience gained working on previous cases to help current clients.
- Negotiation skills – Personal injury attorneys regularly negotiate with insurance companies to help clients obtain favorable settlements for their injuries. They know what a fair settlement looks like and they understand the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying on a claim.
- Answers – With any type of lawsuit, the victim is usually full of questions. An attorney will be able to answer all of the victim’s questions and concerns.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries. Contact a Santa Monica dog bite attorney at Steinberg Injury Lawyers at 800-989-6385 to schedule a free case evaluation. You may also wish to download a free copy of our book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case, for information you can use as you pursue your dog bite case.
