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When the domesticated turns deadly, the consequences can be catastrophic. Dogs’ sharp teeth can cause serious damage when they attack, with some bites leaving victims fighting for their lives. It’s not uncommon for the targets of these violent incidents to experience long-term health complications and incur a small fortune in medical bills and other losses.  

While filing a personal injury claim after an animal attack cannot erase the trauma of this ordeal, it could help give you the funds to pay for the best possible care and move on with your life. However, to receive compensation, you will need to build a convincing case.  

Let’s take a look at a few signs that you might have a strong dog bite lawsuit: 

You Gathered Strong Evidence  

Whether you were able to take pictures of the dog that attacked you, track down eyewitnesses, or obtain footage of the moment you were bitten, such evidence could help you mitigate disputes during proceedings. However, if you don’t have strong evidence, the insurer could exploit weaknesses in your case to challenge your credibility, potentially resulting in the denial of your claim. A skilled personal injury attorney can investigate the attack, identify the necessary proof to demonstrate liability and damages, and take steps to gather such evidence before it is destroyed, altered, or erased. 

You Visited the Doctor Immediately after the Attack 

If you were bitten by a dog, seeking medical treatment should be your top priority. While your wounds may not appear to be very serious, a prompt diagnosis will ensure that your injuries don’t get infected and that potentially serious injury doesn’t go untreated. Additionally, visiting the doctor as soon as possible after an animal attack can also help mitigate disputes over failure to mitigate damages and make it easier for your attorney to connect your injuries to the dog bite incident. 

You Tracked Your Damages Carefully 

From bills for medical treatments to estimates for replacement services, you should compile any relevant financial documents in a safe place to share with your attorney. If, for example, you were unable to work due to your injuries, you should make sure to save copies of the associated paystubs, tax returns, and letters from your employer as such documents could help you prove lost income. 

You Took Your Recovery Seriously 

Deviating from your treatment plan is a serious mistake that might not only aggravate your injuries, but could also lead to disputes when you file your claim. As such, you should always make sure you follow your doctor’s orders—even if you believe he or she is being overly cautious. Any signs that you did not follow their instructions could be used as evidence that you were negligent, and you may be held liable for a portion of your damages. 

Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney in California Today 

If you were injured in an animal attack, it may be in your best interests to discuss your situation with a California dog bite attorney. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have decades of combined experience handling dog bite claims and other types of personal injury cases in the state. Our compassionate attorneys will treat you with dignity, compassion, and respect from the moment you pick up the phone. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or tap through to our online contact page HERE to request a free case assessment.