Questions to Ask a Lawyer After a Dog Attack

It is estimated that every day in the United States, an average of one thousand people become victims of an attack by a dog. Whether that person experiences a mild nip or suffers a more severe injury, it is important to make sure all parties involved come to an agreement that benefits the person bitten. We may think of the possibility of a dog attack and feel confident it will never happen to us or a loved one, but the fact remains that if you are near a dog the risk is always there. Even a dog you know who has acted friendly toward you in the past may try to bite without warning.

The possibility, too, that an attack in which you are involved is perpetrated by a friend's or relative's dog may make your situation awkward. On the one hand, you or your child is hurt and may need to seek medical attention. On the other, the dog in question may have been friendly to you in the past and is likely a beloved pet of somebody you have known for years. It is no surprise that many dog bites go unreported in this country for fear of straining personal relationships. Would you want to cause a rift with a best friend or cousin over a dog bite? You may not be bothered to do anything for a warning nip, but what if the bite requires stitches and shots? What if the dog bit a child, and your son or daughter becomes deathly afraid of animals as a result?

In severe situations, if medical and/or psychiatric help is needed somebody will have to pay the bills. Dealing with insurance companies can prove frustrating, particularly if one hedges in compensating you for your injuries. If the dog's owner is insured, you should work with him/her to make sure they have all the information so they can handle payment of any medical expenses. You may also wish to consult with a personal injury attorney who works with victims of dog bites. As you search for a good lawyer, you'll want to keep a few questions in mind.

1) What steps do I need to take? If you have already seen a doctor about the injury, what information does the lawyer need?

2) How will the lawyer mediate between you and the dog's owner?

3) What happens if the owner's insurance company denies the claim?

4) What type of compensation can you get?

You want to preserve your relationship with the dog's owner, but if you or your child is injured you must also take steps to completely recover. Seeking help with a personal injury attorney can help you.