Dog bites can occur under many scenarios. You may be walking one morning only to come upon a loose dog. You may be enjoying the company of your own dog at a dog park or other public place. Your child may be playing in a friend’s yard and come across a strange dog. Children can also sustain bites from a friend’s family pet.
Dog bites leave scars, often require stitches, and can lead to infection. One in five injury victims who sustain a dog bite require medical attention; half of those are children. Young children who are bitten may also show emotional impacts and develop a lifelong fear of dogs and other animals.
The most serious dog bites may require reconstructive surgery. In 2012, 27,000 people required reconstructive procedures after being bitten by a dog.
While most states give dogs “one free bite,” some jurisdictions have stricter laws. Regardless of the jurisdiction, the owner’s renter or home insurance is not going to pay the claim unless a solid case is presented. This is where experienced legal representation can make all the difference in your case.
A Fight with the Owner and Insurance Company
Dog owners may fight for their pet’s reputation, perhaps blaming you or your child for the attack. The owner may argue that the dog had no previous history of vicious behavior or that you somehow instigated the dog attack. The latter is common with child victims as it is often assumed that mistreatment or mishandling preceded the bite.
Their owner’s insurance company will most likely dispute the claim as well. Insurance companies are interested in making a profit — and that means they will try to deny your claim or pay you as little as possible.
Legal Help for Dog Bites
With over 40 years of experience representing injury victims, Attorney Bruce A. Blaylock brings knowledgeable legal representation to your dog bite case. By understanding injuries and knowing how to explain them to insurance adjusters and opposing counsel, Mr. Blaylock is able to settle over 85% of his cases without having to file a lawsuit. These skills can help save you time, aggravation and money while protecting your right to a fair settlement.
While you recover from your injuries, or help a loved one through that process, Mr. Blaylock will speak to your medical providers, gather facts, and prepare a case for the purposes or settlement or litigation.
Do you believe that you were injured by a dangerous animal? Contact attorney Bruce A. Blaylock to arrange a free consultation and evaluate your potential dog bite claim. Contact the firm today at 301-951-1800 for more information.
