Tips to Negotiate a Dog Bite Claim

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If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be wondering if you can receive compensation for your wounds. Dog bite injuries may be relatively minor, or they may be more severe, requiring medical care.

Zinda Law Group attorneys may be able to help you with your dog bite injury lawsuit. Our attorneys are here to explain the legal process and help negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be made, we have the experience necessary to fight for you in court. Call (800) 863-5312 today to speak with a Zinda Law Group attorney.

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CAN I FILE A LAWSUIT FOR MY DOG BITE INJURIES?

If you have been the victim of a dog attack and have suffered an injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit for compensation. Although every state has different laws governing dog bites, generally, the dog’s owner will be held liable under a negligence standard. Zinda Law Group personal injury attorneys are available to discuss your unique case and explain the legal process in your state.

To seek compensation, you must be able to prove liability. Often, liability can be established by showing the dog owner knew or should have known that his or her dog was dangerous. For example, if the owner knows that their dog has a history of biting but fails to properly secure the dog on a leash, the owner may be held liable for any subsequent dog bite incidents.

Zinda Law Group dog bite attorneys may help you determine who is at fault in your case and help you file a dog bite injury lawsuit. We have the experience necessary to guide you through the legal process and can provide you tips to negotiate a dog bite injury claim.

Neil Solomon

Partner

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WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING BITTEN BY A DOG

Getting bit by a dog can be a traumatizing event. Following these relatively simple steps may help you get the medical attention you need, as well as giving you a better chance of receiving compensation for your dog bite injuries.

Jason Aldridge

Attorney

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Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after a dog bite or animal attack is to seek medical attention. A dog bite may easily become infected, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately following the incident. Further, a medical professional will be able to properly document the full extent of your injuries, which may help you down the road in seeking compensation.

Cole Gumm

Attorney

We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.

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Document the Incident

After seeking medical attention, you should then document the incident. This may include taking pictures of the dog, the injuries, and the location of the dog attack. Some states require you to file a dog bite report with your animal control agency. You should also make sure you have written down the dog owner’s name and contact information, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses. Get and maintain this information for your records, as it may come in handy in showing liability in your future dog bite injury lawsuit.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

Lastly, you should contact an experienced dog bite injury attorney. A Zinda Law Group personal injury lawyer may help you determine liability, discuss what your case may be worth, negotiate a fair settlement, and much more. If a settlement cannot be made, Zinda Law Group attorneys may fight for you in front of a judge and help win your case. Our dog bite injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

With any lawsuit, you will have a certain time limit to file your claim. This time limit is referred to as the “statute of limitations.” This time limit is extremely important, as you may be barred from receiving any kind of compensation if you do not file your case in time.

Each state has a different statute of limitations for different kinds of lawsuits. It is also important to know that the time limit begins at the date of the incident. If you have been injured by a dog bite, contact a personal injury attorney in your state to discuss your case.

Zinda Law Group personal injury attorneys are nationwide and available to speak to you about your dog bite injury case. We have the experience necessary to file your case in time and negotiate on your behalf to get you compensation for your injuries. We give each client the individualized attention needed in their unique case.

TIPS FOR NEGOTIATING A DOG BITE INJURY CLAIM

No matter your claim, negotiation is key. Insurance companies are not always on your side and typically will not want to give you the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries. Zinda Law Group personal injury attorneys have the experience necessary to negotiate on your behalf and help you seek compensation for your dog bite claim. Below are tips for negotiating a dog bite injury claim:

Stand Firm

If you are negotiating with an insurance company, it is important to always stand firm with your original claim. Do not let the insurance companies talk you down from a reasonable sum of money. Your settlement demand should fully compensate you for your injuries and medical costs.

Be Patient

If you are rushed into a settlement, you may make mistakes. For example, if you feel like you are under pressure, you may accept an unfavorable deal. Take a deep breath and do not accept the first offer unless it fully compensates you for your injuries.

Use Concrete Numbers

When you are negotiating, always use concrete numbers, not a range of numbers. For example, if you feel like you are entitled to $1,000 for your injuries, but will settle for $800, do not tell the other party that you want $800 to $1,000. The other party will almost always give you the lower amount. Ask the other party for $1,000, keeping it, quietly, in your mind that you are willing to settle for $800 if needed.

Zinda Law Group attorneys are experienced in negotiating and are available nationwide to help you in your dog bite injury case. Our personal injury attorneys understand that each case is different and may require a different amount of time and energy. We treat each one of our cases with the individual care necessary to build the strongest case possible.

POTENTIAL COMPENSATION

If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation. There are three main kinds of compensation, or “damages,” that you may be able to receive. These damages are described below:

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as “specific” damages, are damages meant to compensate the victim for their actual, monetary losses. Economic damages can be easily calculated by adding up your various expenses, such as hospital bills, medical costs, or pharmaceutical costs. Examples of economic damages include:

Lost wages (past and future)
Property damage
Surgical costs
Future medical expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are also known as “general” damages. These damages are not easily measurable and cannot be calculated by adding up medical bills or invoices. These kinds of damages are highly subjective and vary from case to case. Examples of non-economic damages may include:

Emotional distress
Disability
Disfigurement
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are relatively uncommon and should not be expected from each case. Punitive damages are not given to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer and to prevent others from similar conduct. These damages are typically given only in the case of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct.

If you have been injured by a dog bite or dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney today to discuss your case. Our experienced attorneys may help determine what your case might be worth.

CONTACT A ZINDA LAW GROUP DOG BITE INJURY ATTORNEY

If you have been injured by a dog bite or animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Negotiating a favorable settlement for your injuries may be difficult. Zinda Law Group’s personal injury attorneys have the experience required to negotiate on your behalf or fight for you in court if a favorable settlement cannot be made. We give each one of our cases, and clients, the individual attention they deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay us anything unless we win your case.

Our Zinda Law Group dog bite injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience required to help with your personal injury lawsuit and provide you with tips for negotiating a dog bite injury claim. We are available nationwide to discuss your case and help you seek the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today at (800) 863-5312 to set up your 100% free consultation.