Why it’s Necessary to Hire a Lawyer After a Dog Attack

Being attacked by a dog can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Don’t navigate the recovery process alone! Instead, hire a lawyer after a dog attack to get the compensation you deserve.

The idea of filing a lawsuit may seem intimidating at first, especially when it seems like no one but the dog was at fault. Thankfully, a vast majority of dog bite claims are settled out of court. Your dog attack attorney may even get you the money you deserve without ever filing a lawsuit.

You might also hesitate to take action because you’re worried the dog will be put down. Rest assured that this is unlikely unless the animal has a history of biting people. In most cases, the dog owner receives a citation and a warning to better control their pet. Don’t let feelings of guilt or anxiety stop you from seeking compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Here’s how a dog bite attorney can help you after a dog attack:

• Negotiate with insurance companies: To save themselves time and money, insurance providers often pressure victims into accepting insufficient settlements. An experienced dog bite attorney knows what your claim is worth and can increase your negotiating power to maximize your payout amount.
• Obtain your medical records: The only way to prove the severity of your injuries is to provide medical documents showing the diagnostic test results, treatments, and therapies you’ve received. These records are the legal property of your medical provider, so it’s worthwhile to have a lawyer help you obtain the necessary documentation.
• Decide when to file your claim: You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a dog attack, but you may not want to file your claim until you know the full extent of your injuries. A skilled attorney can advise you on this decision to ensure the most favorable result.
• Obtain expert testimonies and witness statements: The opinions of medical experts and those who saw the incident firsthand are critical for building your case. An attorney has the resources necessary to obtain these testimonies and statements.
• Help you receive compensation for non-economic losses: It’s relatively easy to show the medical expenses and lost wages associated with a dog attack. It’s more difficult to put a dollar amount on pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other non-economic losses. An experienced lawyer knows how to assess and prove these damages to a judge.
• Represent you in court: If you aren’t able to settle your case out of court, your dog bite attorney will help you prepare a winning argument to present before a judge.

If you have been bitten by a dog, contact Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC to speak with a dog attack attorney in New Jersey. We have 65 years of combined experience demanding pet owner accountability. Call us at 862-263-0770 today to schedule your free, one-hour consultation. A Spanish translator is available upon request.