Although dogs make great family pets and enrich our lives, they are not always the safest animals to have in a home. In some situations, they might bite and seriously injure a human. Being bitten by a dog can be devastating, resulting in scarring, disfigurement, loss of vision, nerve damage, infection, and more. The attack could also lead to severe emotional distress or psychological trauma.
The state’s personal injury claims process allows anyone bitten and injured by a dog to seek compensation for the financial and psychological cost of the attack. An experienced Universal City dog bite lawyer can help you understand this process and take charge of your unique claim.
Medical expenses and other complications associated with a dog bite can add up quickly. Further, the injuries and psychological distress of the event can leave a plaintiff unable to work for some time, leading to lost wages and a reduced quality of life.
The local Animal Care and Control Department investigates incidents of dog bites and can help with collecting evidence, but seeking compensation is a much more involved process. This is where retaining a legal representative can prove incredibly valuable. For instance, a skilled dog bite attorney in Universal City can:
Finally, one of the most crucial qualities an experienced dog bite lawyer in Universal City can bring to a claim is familiarity with the process and the ability to provide personalized guidance.
After determining who is liable for a dog bite and assessing evidence to value a claim, our attorneys will send a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance provider. The insurance agent will either accept liability and pay the value of the claim, deny the claim, or offer to settle the claim for less than the established value.
This might seem out of a plaintiff’s control, but a hardworking dog bite lawyer in Universal City can negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance provider to get them to make an offer closer to the value of a claim. If the insurance provider fails to pay the claim or make an offer that fairly compensates the plaintiff, our team can file a dog bite lawsuit in civil court so that a judge can decide, by trial, the amount of compensation the case warrants. It is important to note that if the state court system becomes involved, a dog bite case needs to be submitted within two years of the accident.
When you approach a domesticated dog, you do not expect that it will bite or attack you. Dog bites can be unexpectedly devastating, and getting adequate compensation for the physical, psychological, and financial repercussions of an attack can be a complex process. If you were attacked by man’s best friend, an experienced Universal City dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the stages. Our firm can handle the difficult aspects of your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.