A dog is usually seen as an extension of its owner in the eyes of the law, so when a dog bites a human the dog's owner may be liable for damages to that human. If you decide to file a dog bite claim, there are certain procedures that should be observed. First and foremost, you need to take care of yourself by seeking medical attention if necessary. The next step should be to call a lawyer and discuss the case; specific documentation will be required to file a dog bite claim, including proof of injuries and information about past incidents with the dog. It is important to refrain from bargaining with the dog's owner or having any contact with that person until a legal strategy has been fully defined.
It is a good idea to go into a dog bite injury suit with reasonable expectations. A dog bite claim may fail if the dog has never bitten anyone before nor shown any vicious tendencies. If you were provoking the dog by hitting it or even simply teasing it, there is a very good chance that your claim will fail. It is also important to make sure that you can demonstrate actual damages, such as the need for medical treatment, because the claim can only result in financial gain if damages can be shown. In general, if the dog bite did not cause any medically visible injuries, it may not be worth the effort of filing a dog bite claim.
When you have determined that your case has a reasonable chance of success, the next step is to contact a local lawyer. Some personal injury lawyers may develop entire offices devoted to this type of injury, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are the best lawyer for the job. Before choosing a lawyer, make sure you research his reputation and success rate. If you already have a lawyer, he or she may be able to file a dog bit claim for you.
Documentation is key to filing a dog bite claim. You must be sure to give your lawyer all available evidence of any injuries. It is usually the lawyer's job to collect information about previous incidents involving the dog, which he or she may get from the police or animal control. Typically, the lawyer will contact the dog owner's insurance as well. Laws concerning dog bites vary by jurisdiction, so a lawyer who is knowledgeable about local dog bite laws is essential.
If you are concerned about the safety of people around the dog, it may be a good idea to call the police or animal control directly after being bitten by an animal. For your own safety, it is essential that you obtain any available information about the dog from its owner, because you may need to be treated for rabies. While it can be tempting to lash out at the owner or to accept a deal with the owner, minimal contact is truly the best strategy when filing a dog bite claim. Once the claim is in the hands of a lawyer, you need only follow his or her directions in order to make a reasonable case.