Dogs are loyal pets, providing affection, companionship, and protection. However, these animals can also cause serious injuries when their owners fail to keep them properly restrained. If you were injured in an animal attack, turn to our Carson dog bite attorneys to find out how you might be able to hold the owner accountable for your damages. 

We have a proven track record of success handling personal injury claims in Carson and throughout California. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to secure a free case review.  

What Kinds of Evidence Could Help Prove My Animal Attack Claim? 

Just like any other personal injury case, compelling evidence is crucial to achieving a successful outcome in a dog bite claim. However, the types of evidence you will require can vary drastically from one claim to the next. At HPIL, our attorneys will know which proof might be necessary to demonstrate liability and damages, and can take steps to obtain such evidence before it becomes unavailable.  

Let’s take a look at a few types of evidence that might play a role in your case:  

• Eyewitness Testimony: If anyone else saw the attack take place, their testimony could help corroborate your version of events. 

• Expert Witness Testimony: If there’s a disagreement over whether your injuries will require ongoing care, or disputes regarding liability and damages, your dog bite lawyer might depose expert witnesses to assist with your case. For instance, a medical expert could testify to the long-term limitations of your injuries, while a vocational expert could provide insight into how your condition affects your ability to do your job. At HPIL, we have access to an expansive network of specialists including doctors, nurses, economists, accident reconstruction experts, and financial experts. 

• Medical Bills: If you suffered a serious injury, your medical expenses would likely account for the lion’s share of your potential recovery. As such, you should compile any associated receipts, bills, and invoices as you will need these documents to prove your healthcare costs. 

• Photographs and Video Footage: If you took pictures of the area you were attacked, your injuries, and/or the animal that bit you, these images could help prove liability and damages. Alternatively, if nearby surveillance cameras recorded footage of the incident, these videos could also help show what happened. 

How Long Will My Claim Take to Resolve? 

The duration of a personal injury case can range from a few months to several years. With your financial security at risk, this might feel like an eternity. However, while you might need a payout sooner rather than later, rushing into negotiations could end in disaster as your claim is denied or you’re left with a payout that falls short of covering the full extent of your damages. 

Let’s look at some of the factors that could affect the timeline of your case: 

• The Time It Will Take for You to Reach Maximum Medical Improvement: We often advise our clients to wait until they have achieved maximum medical improvement (MMI) before entering settlement negotiations. MMI is the point in your recovery where your condition will not improve with further treatment. This can mean you’ve made a full recovery, or that you will be expected to live with ongoing health complications. Agreeing to a settlement before this point could leave you on the hook for any additional medical expenses if there are any unexpected issues down the line. 

• The Strength of Your Evidence: A claims adjuster will investigate your case and decide whether to approve it and, if so, how much to pay out as part of a settlement. However, as these individuals represent the insurer, they will usually look for any possible reason to dispute aspects of your case. As such, you will need to gather strong evidence to ensure that your bases are covered. The weaker your evidence, the higher your likelihood of facing disputes which can lead to delays. 

• The Amount You Are Seeking: If you are seeking a substantial amount, the insurance company will usually be more incentivized to find reasons to challenge your case. 

• The Severity of Your Injuries: If your condition is relatively complex, it’s possible that opposing parties may disagree on the long-term care and treatment you will require. These disputes can often lead to delays in proceedings. 

Discuss Your Case with a Carson Dog Bite Attorney 

If you were hurt in an animal attack, our attorneys may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. At HPIL, we know what it takes to succeed in even the most complex cases.  

Our legal team can help investigate the attack, gather the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages, and provide tenacious representation throughout proceedings. To lock in a free case assessment, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or skip over to our online contact page HERE.