When a dog attacks, the consequences can be gruesome. Victims often suffer grisly injuries, such as scarring, disfigurement, and even loss of limbs. As such, it’s not uncommon for dog bite incidents to lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. If you were hurt in an animal attack, turn to our Granada Hills dog bite attorneys to discuss your options. 

We are available to take your calls 24/7. Reach out to us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to get started. 

What Evidence Can Help Strengthen My Dog Bite Claim? 

Securing a financial award after an animal attack is rarely straightforward. The dog’s owner will likely attempt to dispute aspects of your case to reduce how much they have to pay out, so it’s important to gather sufficient proof to counter such defenses if or when they arise. 

Let’s take a look at a few kinds of evidence that could help support your claim: 

• Photographs of Your Injuries: Taking pictures of your wounds immediately after the attack will not only make it easier to connect your injuries to the incident, but could also provide context for your medical records, possibly helping you build a case for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. If you are able to do so, you should also take photographs of the dog who attacked you, the area where you were bitten, and any other aspects you believe could help corroborate your version of events.
• Eyewitness Statements: Anyone else who saw the attack happen may be able to help support your case. As such, you should take down the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses to share with your attorney during your first meeting. Your lawyer might want to contact them to determine whether their deposition could be beneficial to your claim.
• Medical Records: These documents will usually include information about the nature and severity of your injuries, necessary treatments, and details about the ways in which your condition limits you. As such, your medical records will likely play a crucial role in proving your damages. To ensure you have access to up-to-date records, you should visit the doctor as soon as possible after the attack.
• Personal Injury Journal Entries: If you’ve been documenting your recovery in a personal injury journal, you should share your entries with your attorney. This diary is a space to track your pain levels, describe your limitations, and note down any medication side effects. Your attorney may be able to use your entries in conjunction with other evidence such as psychiatric reports to build a case for intangible losses such as loss of enjoyment in life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. 

How Much Is My Animal Attack Claim Worth? 

A dog bite injury can be incredibly expensive to treat, but these medical costs are often just the tip of the iceberg. Some animal attack victims are unable to work for an extensive period after the incident, causing them to miss out on thousands of dollars in wages.  

As such, the attack may have put you and your family in a precarious financial position, so you’re likely eager to get your hands on a financial award. However, before agreeing to a settlement offer, you will want to make sure that you’ve accounted for all of your damages. 

Let’s look at a few losses that may be recoverable after a dog bite incident: 

• Medical Expenses: In a personal injury claim, your medical costs will likely make up the lion’s share of the eventual damages award. Recoverable expenses can include ambulance trips, ER visits, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy sessions, prescription medication, procedures, and other healthcare interventions. 

• Lost Income: A serious dog bite wound can put you out of commission for weeks, months, or even years after the incident. Some victims never fully recover from their wounds, leaving them unable to work ever again. Fortunately, you have a right to seek compensation for both the wages you’ve lost and those that—because of your injuries—you might miss out on in the future.  

• Pain and Suffering: A dog’s strong jaws and sharp teeth can tear through tissue, sever arteries, and even crush bones. As such, these types of injuries can lead to excruciating pain, making it difficult for you to enjoy your everyday life. In California, you have a right to seek compensation for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.  

• Replacement Services: If you had to bring in someone else to handle everyday tasks that—prior to the incident—you were perfectly capable of tackling on your own, you may receive compensation for the cost of any replacement services. 

Discuss Your Case with a Dog Bite Attorney in Granada Hills Today 

Were you the victim of an animal attack? It may be in your best interests to speak to a dog bite attorney as soon as possible.  

At HPIL, we can assist with almost every aspect of your case, from investigating the attack and gathering the necessary evidence to support your claim, to providing tenacious representation throughout proceedings. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS today or click through to our contact form HERE to request a free consultation.