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Legal Tips on What to do in the Event of a Dog Bite.

Dogs are known to be man’s best friend but don’t be mistaken, they can turn on anyone and cause very serious injuries. Dog attacks have both physical and psychological impacts which include trauma, bite marks, and in unfortunate cases the attacked person can contract deadly diseases such as rabies. In the event a dog attacks and bites you, here is a guide on the legal steps you need to take.
The most important thing you ought to do when a dog attacks you is record everything that transpired during the attack immediately from the beginning to the end. If you might have had a verbal or physical exchange with the dog owner before and after the attack, ensure that you include it in your written record. You should also prepare a list of all the expenses you are likely to incur and also ensure that you capture any state law clauses on dog bites.
Reporting the dog bite matter is also an important step you need to take. Filing a report is very crucial as it enables the police to know if the dog has attacked someone else in the past once an investigation is launched into the matter. Reporting is also important as it enables the police to know if the dog is vaccinated up to date, a fact which may twist you case in court if you decide to sue the dog’s owner. Ensure that you seek medical attention regardless of the injuries caused by the dog being major or minor.
One of the ways you can settle the dog bite claim is out of the court of law is among the best ways of getting compensation for the claim. The compensation cost of the dog bites obtained during an attack can be covered by the dog owners personal insurance company or his or her own owner’s insurance cover if it covers for dog bites. You save on cash and time when you choose the out of court settlement option. It would be wise that you take your time and assess the settlement claim you are about to make so as to get the best possible deal out of it.
If the dog owner fails to live up to the payment of the agreed amount or any issue arises, seek the services of a lawyer. Your lawyer informs the dog owner of your intentions to sue him or her based on the expenses you have incurred through a demand letter. The lawyer also drafts a quote on the amount you are demanding from the dog owner as compensation so as not to proceed with the case in the court of law. Ensure that you file a case in court if this is not the first incident the dog has attacked and caused injury.