Moreno Valley Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or your child was badly bitten by a dog, our lawyers are here to help. A dog attack can lead to vicious injuries and permanent scarring and disfigurement. Our dog bite attorneys in Moreno Valley can help you seek compensation for any resulting medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. There are many potential avenues for recovering compensation after a dog attack. Our lawyers can help you explore those options. We don’t charge anything for the consultation, and we accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. To speak with a member of our team, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Should I Do After Being Attacked by a Dog?

From the moment the attack occurs, it is important that you are cautious about what you say and do because your statements and actions can have a major impact on the outcome of your case. We’ve seen plenty of personal injury victims jeopardize their claims inadvertently by providing a statement to the insurance company or making some other error. The best way to avoid costly oversights is to enlist the help of a seasoned dog bite lawyer in Moreno Valley. Our attorneys can serve as your knowledgeable source of guidance through every stage of the proceedings. We will take over the logistics of your case and all dialogue with the opposing party so you don’t give any statements that end up harming your case. Below we’ve outlined the steps that should be taken after a dog bite:

• Report the Attack: Try to find the owner of the dog and let them know what happened. If you were attacked on a business-owned property, file an incident report with the manager on duty.

• Record Information: Write down the names and contact information of the dog owner and/or property owner, as well as any eyewitnesses.
• Get Medical Attention: Even if the injuries do not seem critical, you should seek medical care right away.

• Contact an Attorney: Your dog bite lawyer will want to start investigating your case as soon as possible so key evidence is not altered or destroyed. It is also advisable that your attorney handles all correspondence with the opposing party from day one so your statements don’t lead to a dispute down the road.

• Prepare for the Free Consultation: Write down every detail you recall about the attack including where and when it happened, whether there were witnesses, the kinds of injuries you sustained, the response of the dog’s owner, and any correspondence you’ve had with the opposing party or insurance company since the attack.
• Disable Your Social Media Accounts: It’s a good idea to deactivate your social media accounts temporarily. Social media is a primary source of evidence for insurance adjusters. By disabling your accounts, you will be removing one potential source of evidence for disputing your claim.
• Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Once you’ve received an official diagnosis and your doctor has prescribed a treatment plan, be sure to follow his or her instructions exactly. This will reduce the risk of facing a dispute over a failure to mitigate damages.

• Keep Track of Damages: Store any documentation of purchases you’ve had to make as a result of the injury.

• Start a Daily Journal: Write daily entries about the severity of your symptoms and how the injuries are impacting your routine and quality of life.

Do I Have to Visit a Doctor If My Injuries Don’t Seem Critical?

Absolutely yes. Getting an official diagnosis is essential if you think there’s even a chance you might file a personal injury claim. This documentation will help your lawyer tie the injuries to the attack, prove their severity, and demonstrate your commitment to mitigating damages.

What Are Common Reasons for Disputes to Arise in Dog Bite Claims?

There are many kinds of disputes that can arise over the course of personal injury proceedings. Depending on the circumstances, the opposing party might challenge your claim by making one or more of the following arguments:

• Your attorney has overestimated the cost of medical care and other damages;
• Some of your damages were caused by a preexisting condition and not by the attack;
• You were harassing the dog and therefore should be held at least partially responsible;
• Your own negligence has caused your injuries to worsen;
• You have failed to mitigate the damages; or
• Another party is liable for the damages.

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience overcoming all of the disputes listed above. We are able to anticipate disputes before they arise and take the necessary steps to counter the defenses brought against your claim.

Schedule a Free Case Review with a Dog Bite Lawyer in Moreno Valley

Getting sound legal advice is essential for avoiding costly mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. To schedule a free, no-obligation case assessment, send us a message or call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.