A dog bite can be one of the most severe injuries you can suffer. These attacks cause hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits and tens of thousands of hospital stays annually in the United States alone. They can also lead to costly medical bills and lost wages for injury victims who are unable to work while they recover from their injuries.
When you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, you need a lawyer to help you navigate your claim. You need someone who isn’t afraid to fight the insurance companies and will do what it takes to win you fair compensation. A New York City personal injury attorney can provide you with the assistance you need to get your life back on track after a dog attack.
An experienced New York Dog bite injury Lawyer can help you pursue a claim against the owner of the dog that bit you. In many cases, the owner will have some form of insurance coverage that can pay for your losses.
This may include homeowners, renters or umbrella policies. The insurance company will try to work out a settlement with you to avoid going to court, but you should never sign any offers without first consulting your lawyer. By signing, you could potentially waive your right to make any future claims against the insurance company for your New York dog bite injuries. This means that months down the road, when your medical needs have increased beyond what you can afford to cover, you won’t be able to seek additional funds from the insurer.
Typically, to successfully recover damages for your injuries, you will need to prove that the dog owner was negligent in some manner and that this negligence directly caused your losses. The specifics of what you will need to prove in a dog bite case depend on the laws of your state, but they may include showing that the owner failed to keep their pet under control or that they knew or should have known their dog had a propensity for aggression.
Your New York dog bite injury lawyer can assist you in proving these elements and more. In some cases, soft tissue injuries from a dog bite can have long-term effects. Your lawyer can ensure that your compensation accounts for these resulting expenses, including medical treatment, rehabilitation and potential future surgeries.
Your New York dog bite injury attorney can also represent you in a trial against the dog owner if negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful or if they offer an unsatisfactory settlement. They will stand up for you in court, calling witnesses and arguing your case before a judge and jury. They can dramatically increase your odds of success by providing strong representation and protecting your rights. This is why it’s important to hire an experienced and aggressive New York dog bite injury attorney. Contact TopDog Law today for more information on how they can help you.