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Dogs can cause considerable damage when they attack, with their strong jaws and razor-sharp incisors ripping through tissue and tendons in the blink of an eye. It’s no surprise that those on the receiving end of these attacks often suffer life-altering injuries such as disfigurement, scarring, and loss of limbs. 

If you were injured in an animal attack, you might be feeling uncertain about what to do next. After all, this is probably the first time you’ve found yourself in this precarious position. In this article, we share a few stages you might encounter if you’re planning to file a personal injury claim against a negligent dog owner:  

Investigating the Incident 

While dog owners are held strictly liable for any harm caused by their pets, this doesn’t mean you will automatically receive compensation. For instance, the owner may be able to argue that you provoked the dog or were trespassing on private property when you were bitten. 

As such, it’s important to gather evidence to counter such disputes if or when they arise. The scene of the attack can often be a treasure trove of proof, arming you with the building blocks of a strong case. For example, surveillance camera footage could help show exactly what happened, photographs can tie your injuries to the attack, and eyewitnesses might be able to corroborate your version of events.  

Other types of evidence that might be useful to your case could include: 

• Official police reports; 
• Medical records; 
• Photographs of the scene; 
• Pictures of the animal that bit you; and 
• Cellphone recordings of the attack. 

Estimating the Value of Your Damages 

A serious dog bite can leave you sidelined from work, burden you with thousands of dollars in medical bills, and lead to considerable emotional turmoil. These are just a few examples of the types of damages many victims incur in the wake of an animal attack. 

Before initiating settlement negotiations, you will need to ensure that you’ve accounted for the full range of damages you’ve suffered. While you might already be aware that you can pursue compensation for your medical bills and lost income, these losses are often just the tip of the iceberg. For instance, you may also be able to seek reimbursement for expenses for necessary replacement services, home and vehicle modifications, and even the mental scars left by the attack. 

An attorney can assess your situation and review the available evidence to determine which kinds of damages might be available to you. Additionally, he or she may consult with expert witnesses to ensure that all losses—both past and future—have been accounted for. 

Negotiating a Settlement 

Once you’ve filed your claim, opposing parties may be willing to negotiate a fair settlement. However, you shouldn’t expect them to offer you a fair settlement straight out of the gate. In many situations, they may attempt to lowball you in the hopes that you’ll take an early settlement rather than pursue maximum compensation. Thankfully, an attorney can help evaluate any offers you receive and take steps to counter them if necessary. 

Filing a Lawsuit 

If negotiations are unsuccessful, you may be left with no other option than to file a lawsuit. Understandably, this can seem like a daunting prospect, so it might be wise to enlist legal representation. A skilled litigator can help you navigate proceedings, advocating for you at every stage. 

Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney in California Today 

Were you injured in an animal attack? You may benefit from sitting down to discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney. 

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team can meet with you as part of a free consultation during which we can weigh the strengths and weaknesses of your case, provide insights into what to expect in the coming weeks, and share some of the strategies we might use to help you secure a financial award. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head to our contact form HERE to lock in a case assessment with a California dog bite attorney today.