According to a survey conducted in the US, at least 1000 people require emergency care treatment due to dog bites injury, everyday.
Dog bites usually occur due to negligence of dog owners. They can occur with any one, at any time. If you are a dog lover, a dog owner, or jut someone taking a stroll in the park or streets, chances are that you might be one of the victims of a dog bite.
When bitten by a dog, people often find themselves in a state of shock. This makes it very difficult for them to remember what happened, or how it occurred. In order to help you claim recovery for injuries, we have prepared a step-by-step guide that can help you in dealing with the legal aftermath of a dog bite.
1. Dog owner
This is one of the most crucial steps to take. Post bite; make sure to track down the owner of the dog who has the legal custody. Getting hold of the owner, or his address will greatly help you in making a strong case.
2. Witnesses
If there were people around you at the time of the incident, make sure to collect their information, such as: name, phone number, and address. People who witnessed the attack will be of great help once you take the matter to the court and ask for a relief.
3. Take pictures/videos
Get hold of your mobile phone and take picture/videos of the situation. Record the dog, the marks, people, and the vicinity to gather evidence and proof.
4. Medical assistance
As per the severity of the bite, call the emergency department for aid, or ask someone to take you to the nearby medical clinic.
5. File your case
After the medical treatment has been availed, file your case with the local or city authorities. Report the case formally to take matters further towards the claim. However, when filing your complaint, you must include the following information:
- Cause of the action
- Statement regarding what the victim is seeking (medical expenses, bills, etc)
- Request for recovery/relief
6. Get acquainted with a local dog bite lawyer
A case such as dog bite injury should be discussed with an experienced lawyer, who has in-depth knowledge related to this specific case. The attorney should be familiar with such cases in order to take yours further. This is because such a case is easy to navigate by the suspect (rightful owner of the dog), so it is best to have an experienced attorney on board.
If you or your loved ones have been bitten by a dog, and as a result have been injured, missed work, suffered permanent damages, or paid for expensive medical bills, then its time you get in touch with a Federal Way dog bite lawyer. You can get your case evaluated for free by the Ye Law Firm, who can help you relax and recover the cost of the expenses!
