What Not To Do After A Dog Bite Incident

Being attacked and suffering a dog bite injury is often shocking and unexpected. You may be left with a severe injury and unable to work while medical bills and expenses keep mounting. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law allows you to hold the owner accountable even if the dog doesn’t have a previous history of biting or aggression. However, there are common mistakes you must avoid to ensure you can recover compensation. If you believe you have a case, make sure you set up a free consultation with one of our experienced dog bite attorneys.

Wait or Fail to Seek Medical Care

Seeking medical care immediately after a dog bite injury is critical. However, many dog bite victims wait or fail to see a doctor, which can exacerbate injuries, especially if the dog has rabies or other diseases. A physician can assess the extent of your injury and take precautions to prevent further complications from it. Additionally, medical records must link your injury to the dog to ensure you can file a claim and recover compensation. 

Fail to Call the Police

Most dog bite victims are reluctant to contact the police, especially if they know the dog’s owner, but it can be a huge mistake. By notifying law enforcement, there will be an official incident report that can serve as evidence if you file an insurance claim. 

Fail to Take Photos or Document the Scene

Although the aftermath of a dog bite can be chaotic, if you are not immediately transported to the hospital, it is important to document the scene. That includes taking photos and/or videos of your injury, the dog, where the attack occurred, and the surrounding area. In addition, if there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and if they can make a recorded statement of what they saw on your phone. 

Speak to an Insurance Company On Your Own

Filing a claim on your own can be stressful when recovering from a dog bite and may hurt your chances of recovering fair compensation. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses looking out for their best interests rather than yours. Although an insurance adjuster can seem friendly, they will look for every opportunity to devalue or deny your claim. For example, they may ask you to make a recorded statement. If you say something while telling your side of the story that can unintentionally hurt your claim, for instance, that you stepped toward the dog, you may end up with less compensation than you need. When you hire a lawyer, they will handle all communication with the insurer for you. 

Representing Yourself

If your dog bite injury is severe, hiring a Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring you recover the compensation you deserve. They will handle all aspects of your claim, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate a settlement that covers your current and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Additionally, most dog bite lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they will pay for the costs of pursuing your claim, and you will only owe legal fees if you win. Contact us for a free consultation today.