When Should I Call a Dog Bite Attorney?

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but even the most docile pup can turn deadly in the blink of an eye. These attacks can be incredibly traumatic, leading to extreme emotional distress and life-changing injuries.

If you were bitten by a dog, you may be wondering if you should hire an attorney to help you build a personal injury claim against the pet’s owner. While there are some situations where you may be able to tackle this task alone, proceedings can sometimes be incredibly complex, leaving you at risk of making serious mistakes that might cost you thousands of dollars in compensation. 

Let’s look at a few reasons why you should contact a dog bite attorney after an animal attack:

An Attorney Can Investigate the Attack 

Some of the evidence in an animal attack case can be time-sensitive. For instance, surveillance camera footage is routinely erased, eyewitnesses can forget what they saw, and the dog’s owner may cover up traces of the attack. As such, it’s important to start gathering proof as soon as possible after suffering your injuries. After assessing your situation, a dog bite attorney can jump into action to investigate the attack and gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate liability and damages. 

A Lawyer Can Handle Correspondence with the Insurance Company 

While the claims adjuster may make it seem like they are on your side, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Ultimately, the insurance company will prioritize their profits, so they’ll likely be looking for any reason to dispute your claim so they can reduce how much they have to pay out.  

As such, if they contact you for a recorded statement, you should expect them to ask questions intended to elicit specific responses that could be leveraged to challenge your credibility. When you hire an animal attack lawyer to oversee your case, he or she can take over all communication with opposing parties so that you don’t have to agonize over saying something that might hurt your claim. 

An Attorney Can Guide You Through Proceedings 

In the aftermath of an animal attack, it can be difficult to stay composed. In this emotional state, completing the necessary paperwork and tackling other tasks important to your claim can begin to feel overwhelming. Thankfully, a dog bite attorney can help you navigate the weeks ahead, explaining your role at each stage of proceedings, and advising you of mistakes you should avoid while your claim is pending. He or she can also represent you during settlement negotiations, litigation, and trial. 

Discuss Your Situation with a California Dog Bite Attorney 

If you were hurt in an animal attack, the legal team at HPIL may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. We offer free consultations, so you won’t have to pay a cent to get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your claim. To schedule a case review with one of our dog bite attorneys, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or fill out our contact form HERE.