Benefits of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Dog Bite Claims
You can often settle dog bite claims in a small claims court with little help from an attorney. However, such courts offer compensations not exceeding $10,000. If you incur severe injuries from a dog bite, you’ll need to involve an experienced personal injury lawyer.
A dog bite claim payout will depend on the injuries and consequential damages. Usually, large payouts are given if the dog bite leaves a visible disfigurement or scarring. In these cases, claimants can get up to $100,000 or in damages.
Your lawyer can also help you claim $200,000 or more if the injury results in permanent disability. Other cases that may offer higher payouts include bites that require emergency medical care or extended procedures, such as surgery.
Claims are often for medical bills, including payments for mental health therapy if the incident results in post-traumatic stress disorder. Also, you can get compensation for pain and suffering or lost wages.
Learn why hiring a personal injury lawyer is vital.
1. To Get Fair Compensation
Dog owners have insurance policies to cover them in case of an incident. However, the insurance carrier will not always issue payouts upfront. Usually, they’ll provide an insurance adjuster to investigate the case and bargain for lower compensation.
Some cases don’t end up in trial, but you may have to go to court if you have no other choice. Fortunately, a personal injury lawyer who deals with dog bites knows what’s required to get fair compensation.
Victims of a dog bite don’t always know what damages to sue for except for the medical bills and lost wages. Your attorney can help you explore all angles to claim compensation deserving of the extent of injury and damages incurred.
2. To Ease the Burden
Getting bit by a dog can be a traumatic experience, especially if you incur severe injuries with permanent scarring or disability. As the victim, your priority is to get proper healthcare and begin your recovery.
Filing a compensation claim on your own should be the last resort. A personal injury lawyer already knows how to go about gathering evidence and preparing the claim forms. The lawyer will also handle negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company.
Involving a lawyer frees you from the burden of filing the compensation claim so you can focus on getting well. On the other hand, using small claim courts will mean handling everything independently, including case presentation and attending court dates.
3. To Minimize Expenses
Most personal injury lawyers use a No Win, No Pay arrangement, which means they get nothing if you lose the claim. As such, they’ll only take on cases they think are winnable in court. More importantly, you won’t pay for anything.
The attorneys will deduct their fees and other expenses directly from the compensation you receive from the court’s verdict. You don’t have to worry about paying lawyer fees from your pocket.
However, you should know the rates to avoid losing more of your compensation to law firms. Work with a trustworthy law firm with experience in dog bite cases. Make sure you know about upcoming appointments to avoid unnecessary meetings and charges.
Dog owners are liable for bite injuries, and you can sue them if you get bit. Their insurance companies may settle the claim, but only if you have a compelling case. An experienced personal injury lawyer gives you a better chance of getting compensation.
Compensation for dog bites shouldn’t take too long. You’ll need to submit the claim within two years, although some exceptions exist. The attorney will get you up to speed on what’s required.
Don’t waste any more time. Contact Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney today to start building your dog bite case in Northern Nevada.