Unfortunately, not all owners care for their animals when in public places or develop measures to prevent them from harming other people. If you recently sustained a dog bite injury, it is possible to claim reimbursement for various damages.
An Avoyelles Parish dog bite lawyer can help you seek justice against the liable party. They can also identify all damages and assign them a value to ensure you file a claim for the proper settlement. Continue reading to understand how an attorney can help you with such a case.
Determining Liability in a Dog Bite Case
The party liable for dog bite injuries can differ based on the incident. Before you file a claim, liaise with your lawyer to understand all the events that contributed to the accident. Assess if the owner took various precautions to ensure your safety.
For example, if the incident happened on public property, did they ensure the animal had a leash? Did they make sure the dog received their vaccination as needed? If the owner did not take such precautions, you could hold them accountable for the injuries.
Since your account of a dog bite accident may not be enough to prove fault, you must use other items to support your case. For example, you should present a police report indicating the injuries you sustained and a description of the animal. This document may include other details like:
- The name of the dog
- The breed and color
- The name of the owner
- The location where the incident occurred
Another item you may use to determine and prove liability is a video. If the incident occurred in a residential community, you might get the footage from doorbell cameras or CCTV systems. On the other hand, if it happened in a public place, get the footage from security cameras of nearly buildings or recordings by bystanders.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientPartial Fault in a Dog Bite Injury Case
While most dog bite accidents happen due to the owner’s negligence, others may be partially your fault. For example, if you were trespassing, the other party can deny the claim.
Another issue that may lead to partial liability for an Avoyelles Parish dog bite accident is a provocation. This aspect refers to when you trigger an animal or encourage negative behavior, causing them to attack you.
If you are partially responsible for a dog bite, you may still pursue compensation from the other party. However, your lawyer can first determine your percentage liability to assess how much you should claim. Alternatively, the other party can refund you damages but reduce the compensation by your level of fault.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientHow a Lawyer Can Assist You After an Avoyelles Parish Dog Bite
An Avoyelles Parish lawyer can assist you in several ways after dog bite injuries. First, they can advise you on the mistakes to avoid to protect your claim rights. Some measures they may recommend are:
- Avoid admitting fault to police officers or the other parties
- Do not disclose details about your case to other parties apart from authorities
- Refrain from discussing the issue on social media platforms
- Do not ignore minor injuries or health changes
Another way the attorney can help is by filing a compensation claim. They can also include enough evidence for duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. Proving these elements can prevent insurance companies from dismissing your case based on the lack of evidence.
If other parties were present during the dog bite accident, you might need their statements when filing a claim or suing the liable party. An attorney can help you communicate with witnesses during such legal procedures. They can also pass essential information such as deposition and case hearing dates.
More ways an Avoyelles Parish attorney can help you are:
- Assessing non-economic damages
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Claiming compensation within the statute of limitations
- Answering your questions regarding the case
- Communicating with your doctor
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientThe Evidence Used in Dog Bite Injury Cases
You must provide adequate evidence when pursuing compensation for dog bite injuries in Avoyelles Parish. An attorney can present various items to prove the incident occurred and led to damages.
The lawyer may use a medical report showing the physical harm you sustained. This document can also include test results indicating other health issues resulting from the injuries. Such are rabies, severe inflammation, and infections.
Other evidence the attorney can rely on are:
- Police statement
- Images of the dog and sustained injuries
- Receipts and invoices of medical expenses
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientThe Damages You Can Claim After a Dog Bite Accident
Dog bites can lead to minor or severe physical harm, depending on their severity. Hence, you may need urgent medical care, treatment, and medication to reduce the pain or fight infections. When you file a claim for a dog bite injury in Avoyelles Parish, you can seek reimbursement for all the medical expenses.
Another damage you may recover after such an incident is lost income or wages. This compensation can apply if you miss work due to injuries or their effects. More damages you may claim are:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Physical disability
- Loss of enjoyment
Dog bite accidents can be traumatizing and affect your mental health. For example, you may develop anxiety when around animals or items that remind you of them. You may also have disturbing flashbacks and nightmares due to PTSD.
An attorney can help you assess the mental health effects of the dog bite in your life. They can claim compensation to pay for medication and therapy.
Another aspect your lawyer may help you seek is property damage. This may include all the items destroyed during the incident, including mobile devices, clothing, and documents.
Contact an Avoyelles Parish Dog Bite Lawyer
Determining liability and filing a claim can be complex processes depending on the specifics of a case. An Avoyelles Parish dog bite lawyer can handle such procedures, giving you enough time for recovery.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we provide legal representation for victims of these incidents. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and gather evidence to pursue a settlement. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for a free case analysis.
