Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury
Being attacked by someone else’s dog is not only terrifying but also extremely dangerous. Dog bite injuries can lead to serious health complications, but taking the proper steps following an animal attack can make a big difference in your ability to recover fully. After seeking immediate medical attention, a critical step in regaining your health and well-being is consulting the experienced Reading dog bite attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment for Dog Bite Injuries
Canines have powerful jaws, which means they have a powerful bite. When they attack, they tear and rip the skin and underlying tissue, often mangling the affected area. This means that dog bite wounds are far more complex than clean cuts and are also more likely to become infected.
The bottom line is that if someone else’s dog bites you, you should seek immediate medical attention. The road toward recovery is likely to be challenging, but prompt medical care is closely associated with improved health outcomes.
Step 2: Why Early Legal Guidance Matters
You are well advised to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as you’re able to do so. Pennsylvania applies strict liability to dog bites. This means that you are not required to prove that the dog owner engaged in some form of negligence or knew their pet was aggressive to recover your financial losses, including your medical bills and lost income.
It’s important to note, however, that for more comprehensive coverage, which includes your potentially immense physical and emotional pain and suffering, the matter is more challenging. To address these losses, you’ll need to prove one of the following:
- That the pet owner knew or reasonably should have known their dog was dangerous
- The pet owner engaged in some form of negligence, such as failing to keep the animal leashed
In other words, you need dedicated legal representation backing you up from the start.
Step 3: Strengthen Your Case
There are also specific steps you can take to strengthen your case along the way, including:
- Carefully follow your medical team’s guidance and instruction
- Allow your focused dog bite attorney to make a statement to and skillfully negotiate with the involved insurance company on your behalf
- Refrain from posting on social media while your claim is pending
- Recognize that the insurance company is motivated by its own profits and does not accept a settlement offer without legal guidance
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Reading Dog Bite Lawyer
At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, we have an imposing track record for guiding even the most challenging cases toward optimal outcomes, and we’re here for you, too. For more information on how we can help, contact us online or call us at 484-869-2113 today.