What Do You Need for A Dog Bite Case?
The old adage “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst,” can seem a bit pessimistic at times, but when it comes to understanding what you need to protect your rights in the event you are injured by a dog bite, it’s simply prudent. As dog bite attorneys, we understand that preparing for a potential lawsuit isn’t most people’s favorite past time but having this knowledge handy can save you a lot of time and grief if you find yourself in need of legal assistance. Here are some key components that play into dog bite personal injury cases.
Right After the Dog Bite Injury
The information gathered directly after a dog bite is some of the most pertinent and can sometimes make the difference between winning a case or losing it. If possible, you want to get the contact information of the dog’s owner, and potentially any witnesses. Obviously, if you are in immediate need of medical attention, that supersedes the rest. If there is no owner in sight and no contact information on the dog’s collar, jotting down the supposed breed, coloring, etc. of the dog can potentially help build your case as well.
Documentation
Whether this documentation occurs on-site or while in the care of a medical professional, documenting the bite wound and any other wounds associated with the dog bite incident as soon as possible after the incident occurs is another key component. Detailed documentation through photographs and written accounts can help support your case by showing the full extent of injuries this event caused. You should also keep documentation related to any expenses the injury caused as well.
Dog Bite Medical Treatment
Another part of the documentation process is keeping track of all medical treatment, associated diagnoses, treatment plans, and doctor’s conclusions. Everything that goes into your medical records in relation to the dog bite incident is incredibly pertinent information.
Legal Necessities
Consider filing a report of the incident with the police. Intent to take action can potentially help bolster your case as well. There is nothing wrong with wanting recompense for something that has impacted your ability to live as you normally would, caused you unexpected and undue duress, or caused an injury that may impact your quality of life well into the future. Having your ducks in a row legally isn’t vindictive, it’s human.
Gray Area Readiness
As with most legal cases, especially in the realm of personal injury, there is likely gay area to contend with. In order to assure fair rulings, the onus is on the plaintiff to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the incident occurred as explained and was not provoked by the injured party. It’s something every lawsuit deals with, but it’s important to be ready for it all the time. That’s where working with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer comes in. Working with a lawyer you can trust to have your best interests at heart alleviates the pressure because they understand what gray areas might be encountered in court and how to prepare your case for them.
At the end of the day, if you’ve suffered a personal injury – moderate to severe – from a dog bite and are interested in receiving compensation to help get your life back on track, understanding your rights, building your case well, and working with a trusted personal injury attorney is your best bet and getting what you deserve. If you want to know more about what preparing for your specific case might look like, give us a call at 303-372-6145 or sign up for a free consultation.
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If you, or someone you know, have been injured by a dog bite and suffered an injury, fill out the form or call 303-372-6145.
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