Include as much detail as possible about the dog attack as this can make your case even stronger.
The World Animal Foundation reports that more than 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States. This shows that dog bites are a persistent problem in the states. Can a dog bite hurt you?
If you were attacked by a dog, compensation in Ohio and other states can help dog bite victims recover damages, provided they are successful in their claim. Different case outcomes depend on each circumstance, including both the severity of the injury and the pre-existing conditions of the assault. Your recovery process will depend on your ability to identify and claim your loss. Process understanding will also play a role.
Let’s discuss the types of compensation a dog bite victim can claim after a dog attack.
Immediate steps after a dog attack
A person’s primary concern after a dog attack should always be their health and safety. Run away or at least keep a safe distance between you and the dog. Check for physical injuries and get yourself checked out at a hospital. A professional doctor provides treatment as soon as he examines the wound. Infections caused by dog bites can be controlled by cleaning the wound and giving antibiotics.
Collect all available information about the dog and its owner. Check if the dog has received full vaccinations. Save photographic images of the wound and file a statement detailing the dog bite for evidence before the memory fades. A factual account will be a corroborating statement that supports your explanation.
Report the incident to the authorities in your specific jurisdiction so that steps can be taken to prevent future attacks.
Types of Compensation for Dog Attack Victims
After the victim has received medical care and is in a safe condition, it is important for him to start thinking about the financial compensation that can be recovered. Required communication and coordination regarding the categories of damages for which compensation may be sought include damages resulting from medical treatment, physical therapy, follow-up therapy, and accident-related surgeries.
Wage loss may vary depending on how your injury has prevented you from maintaining employment. Damages for pain and suffering may be awarded to properly compensate for negative emotional and physical pain resulting from assaults.
If the assault causes permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be able to recover damages for that as well. Punitive damages may also be available if the dog owner is found negligent. Dog owners are obligated to consult an attorney immediately to discuss their individual situation and the possibility of compensation.
How are medical expenses covered after a dog attack?
Recognizing how medical expenses are incurred after a dog attack is critical to dog attack victims’ recovery goals. Expenses caused by a dog attack are usually covered by the dog owner.
If the landlord is a homeowner or renter with insurance, he or she will likely cover these medical expenses. Keep copies of every medical treatment bill and medical care document. These documents can be used when you submit an insurance application.
If the dog owner has no insurance, the person may consider a personal injury lawsuit directly against the dog owner.
Some states use strict liability laws, which make the owner responsible regardless of the dog’s past. Hiring a personal injury attorney will protect your rights. These legal professionals will see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.
How Dog Attacks Can Affect Your Income
When a dog attack occurs, you may need to seek additional sources of financial assistance for dog bite injuries. A reduction in wages will result if time is lost at work that is unable to meet the requirements of the job. This increases the financial burden on victims who are probably already dealing with a lot of stress.
A dog bite victim’s physical disability can lead to many changes in work hours and job duties. The emotional scars from being hit by this process will inevitably reduce productivity, resulting in some difficulty with performance and job retention.
When you are self-employed, the consequences of injuries can cause the loss of clients or projects that help generate income. It is important to determine potential income losses following a dog attack.
How to claim dog attack compensation?
Dog bites can result in severe financial losses and physical injuries. The next thing required to claim compensation is to submit a request for verifiable evidence of injuries. Such evidence shall include documentation or records of injuries, appropriate description of a doctor’s statement, medical photographs, witness affidavits, and a copy of the dog owner’s insurance.
Report the incident locally to produce an official document that can be used to support your claim. Try to find out if the dog owner’s insurance policy covers your treatment and rehabilitation costs. The help of an injury attorney will help you navigate the legal process with ease and secure compensation.
Document your claim by submitting it to the insurance company. Include all supporting documents in your submission. Be aware of the statute of limitations that applies to your case.
After a dog bite attack, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries and damages. Include as much detail as possible about the dog attack as this can make your case even stronger. Seek professional legal advice in advance to formally seek the compensation you truly deserve.
