Toledo Dog Bite Attorney

Millions of people across the United States have dogs as pets. Dogs are often considered a member of the family, loved and cherished as a faithful companion. Although dogs are domesticated, they are still animals and can display unpredictable behavior. A dog bite can happen out of the blue, especially if you’re near an animal that is not familiar with you. When this happens, it can be challenging to figure out what your next steps can be and an experienced Toledo dog bite attorney at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC.

Why Dog Bites can Lead to Serious Injuries

An injury from a sudden dog bite can become serious quite quickly, and there are several reasons for this. 

• A scared animal that feels threatened and is trying to protect themselves may not realize how much strength they have. Therefore, the bite can be intense and meant to send a message that you should stay away. 
• Many people underestimate the seriousness of a dog bite and do not seek medical attention right away. 
• Dog bites can become infected quickly if not treated properly. 
• If a child is bitten by a dog, they might be too scared to mention this to an adult for fear of the dog or themselves getting in trouble. 
• There is a chance that an aggressive dog has rabies, a potentially deadly disease, that requires immediate medical attention to be treated successfully. 

What to do if You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog

After a dog bite injury, it might be tempting to wash off the bite and forget the entire thing ever happened. The problem with this strategy is that dog bites can escalate into serious injuries if not treated properly. It is often difficult to tell how serious the bite is at first, which is why it is advisable to treat it right away. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, some important steps to take include but are not limited to:

• Ask to see documentation of all shots, especially a current rabies shot. 
• Take pictures of your injuries so that you can show the extent of the dog bite if needed. 
• Go to a doctor right away. Bring copies of the dog’s current vaccinations so that you can show these to a medical professional. The doctor should treat your acute injuries and will potentially also start you on a rabies treatment if needed. 
• Collect documentation from your doctor, including all of the medical records related to the accident. 
• Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise on the best way to proceed with a claim. 

How an Attorney Can Help

Although you might be unsure of how to proceed, if you’ve been bitten by a dog, it is advisable to speak with a personal injury attorney right away. These situations can become complicated, especially when the dog that bit you is the pet of someone you know. A lawyer can be an impartial party who will advocate for your rights to just compensation to help your recovery. An attorney can:

• Act as an intermediary – A dog bite injury can feel personal when you know the owners of the dog that bit you. For this reason, you might be tempted to avoid pursuing damages for your injuries. In the long run, you might find that you regret this decision, especially if you are dealing with long term medical issues that are expensive and difficult A skilled attorney can be an advocate on your behalf so that you can feel more removed from the process. 
• Work with the insurance companies – When you’re attempting to heal from a dog bite, the last thing that you need to deal with is speaking with the claims adjusters from various insurance companies. Your attorney can speak on your behalf and make sure that the correct information is communicated while also being careful to avoid oversharing. The insurance adjusters are tasked with the job of minimizing the value of your claim in order to save their company money. Your attorney will work to emphasize the seriousness of your injury and will fight for your right to fair compensation. 
• Advise on the legal process – If this is your first time working with a personal injury lawyer, the process can be confusing at first. Legal jargon and the entire claims process can seem like a different language. Your experienced dog bite attorney can help you understand exactly where your claim is in the process, what might happen next, and what steps you can take in order to strengthen your chance for a positive outcome. 
• Estimate the total value of your claim – One of the most important parts of the claims process is understanding the monetary value of the compensation due. Many different factors can influence this. The cost of your current and potential future medical treatment, lost wages due to time off work, and therapy needed to overcome a new fear of animals can become very expensive. Taking all of these factors into account is essential in putting together a realistic request for compensation from the insurance company or at-fault party. 

Speak with an Experienced Toledo Dog Bite Attorney Today

A dog bite can lead to both a serious injury and a fear of animals, both of which can be devastating to the victim. As medical bills start to pile up, and you are unable to work due to your injury, the situation can quickly evolve to becoming incredibly stressful. It can be difficult to focus on recovery while you are fielding frequent calls from various insurance adjusters who are trying to get your statement on record.

If you are in this situation and unsure of how to proceed, contact the experienced team of attorneys at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC. We have worked with personal injury victims in Toledo, OH, and understand the complicated feelings that are often associated with a dog bite injury. We are dedicated to fighting for your right to full and just compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.