Have you recently been bit or attacked by a dog in Zephyrhills, Florida? If so, how should you respond to that situation?
While not all dog bites require a trip to the emergency room, it’s important to keep in mind that some dog bites can result in a laundry list of complications — such as nerve or muscle damage, bacterial infections, rabies, and more. As a result, it’s strongly recommended that you seek immediate medical attention as soon as you have been bit by a dog. In some cases of dog bites, early diagnosis can literally save your life.
What now? Here are the steps to take after a dog bite:
Hire a Dog Bite Attorney
Many dog attack victims are reluctant to consult with a dog bite attorney because, more often than not, the dog owner is a friend, relative, or neighbor. If you find yourself in this situation, you might want to rethink your position of “not doing anything about it.” It can be hard to assess just how complicated and severe that seemingly minor dog bite injury can be. If you do not consult with a dog bite attorney as soon as possible, you may end up losing out on much more than you can imagine.
As we mentioned above, dog bites can result in various (sometimes even lifelong or fatal) health complications. Nerve or muscle damage, for example, can significantly affect your ability to go to work, while also costing thousands of dollars in medical bills. Expenses that you never anticipated can start popping up, too, and they can add up quickly. For example, down the road, you may discover that your nerves were damaged from the dog attack, and you may need physical therapy indefinitely.
This is why it’s always best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Who ends up getting sued in the event of a dog bite lawsuit?
Many dog bites are completely covered under the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, so it is usually the dog owner’s insurance company that ends up getting sued. This is where things tend to get challenging. Insurance companies will do everything they can to offer you the quickest and cheapest settlement that favors them. They may look and sound like it, but they are not on your side. Do you think you are qualified to conduct negotiations with insurers who do this on an everyday basis? Most people are not. This is why it’s better to hire a dog bite lawyer who can assess the situation from every angle to determine the best settlement possible for you.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
In cases where the dog owner does not have this type of insurance coverage, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the dog owner directly. This can depend on the extent of the dog bite injuries, as well as the relationship between you and the dog owner. It is generally not recommended for you to be involved directly with the dog owner. This is another reason why it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer.
Looking for a Dog Bite Lawyer in Zephyrhills, Florida?
Navigating the world of personal injury claims in Florida can be complicated. But that’s what we are here for. If you or a loved one has been bit or attacked by a dog in Zephyrhills, Florida, turn to the team of qualified and experienced dog bite attorneys at O’Toole Law Group.
Contact us today to schedule a free legal consultation with Neal O’Toole.
