Dog bites happen more often than most people realize. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. When something like this happens to you or someone you love, the decisions made in the hours and days that follow can significantly affect the outcome of any legal claim.
Our friends at Nugent & Bryant discuss these types of cases regularly and emphasize how quickly missteps happen when people are caught off guard. A dog bite lawyer can be an invaluable resource in helping you understand your options before you make any decisions that could hurt your case.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away
This is one of the most damaging mistakes we see. Even a bite that looks minor can become infected or cause deeper tissue damage than it appears on the surface. More importantly, medical records create a documented link between the incident and your injuries. Without them, the other side will argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else entirely.
Get evaluated by a medical professional the same day if at all possible.
Failing to Document the Scene
Photos are your best friend after any injury incident. Before you leave the scene, try to capture:
- The location where the bite occurred
- Visible wounds on your body
- The dog, if it is safe to do so
- Any witnesses or nearby residents
If you are too injured to do this yourself, ask someone with you to help. These images can be powerful when establishing the facts of what happened.
Talking to the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company Alone
Insurance adjusters are skilled at reducing payouts. They may reach out quickly, seem sympathetic, and ask you to give a recorded statement. We strongly advise against doing this without legal guidance. Anything you say can be used to minimize what the insurance company owes you.
A dog bite attorney can handle those conversations on your behalf and make sure your words are not twisted against you.
Assuming You Do Not Have a Case
Many people hesitate to pursue a claim because they feel guilty, especially if the dog belongs to a neighbor or family friend. But dog bite laws in most states place liability on the owner regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. Your medical bills, lost income, and pain are real. You have every right to explore your legal options.
Waiting Too Long to Speak With an Attorney
There are statutes of limitations that govern how long you have to file a claim. Waiting weeks or months before consulting a dog bite injury lawyer can close doors that would otherwise be open. Evidence gets lost, witnesses forget details, and legal deadlines pass.
Posting About It on Social Media
We understand the urge to share what happened with people in your life, but social media posts can be taken out of context and used against you. A photo of you looking fine at a family event, posted after the incident, could be used to argue you were not seriously hurt. The safest approach is to stay off social media until your case is resolved.
Not Understanding What Your Claim May Include
Many people think a dog bite claim only covers immediate medical bills. That is rarely the full picture. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Ongoing medical treatment and therapy
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages during recovery
- Future lost earning capacity
Understanding the full scope of your damages is something an experienced dog attack lawyer can help you work through carefully.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, do not wait to get informed. Reach out to a qualified dog bite lawyer who can review the specifics of your situation and help you understand the path forward. The sooner you act, the better positioned you will be to protect your rights.