At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know the trauma and pain that a dog bite can cause. Regardless of size or breed, dogs can cause serious injuries when they bite, resulting in many victims suffering long-lasting, disabling, and even life-threatening complications.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, the Alameda dog bite attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights from the day you contact us until the day you get your check.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
After being bitten by a dog, taking the proper steps in the minutes, hours, and days to come is important for you to protect your health and rights to compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority after a dog bite. Get medical help immediately to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible. Collect contact information from any witnesses and the dog’s owner.
- Report the Dog Bite: Inform local animal control or the police about the incident. This creates an official record that can support your case along with your medical records.
- Contact an Alameda Dog Bite Lawyer: Contact an experienced lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation from the dog’s owner.
Types of Dog Attack Injuries
Dog attacks can result in many different types of injuries that may have long-lasting effects:
- Physical Injuries: These can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe lacerations, broken bones, and nerve damage.
- Psychological Trauma: Victims of dog bites often experience emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites can leave permanent scars and result in disfigurement, impacting a person’s appearance and self-esteem.
Liability and Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
As a dog bite victim, you have the ability to hold the dog’s owner liable for your injuries and to seek compensation for your damages. Here’s what to know about your rights:
- Calculating Damages: You can file a dog bite claim to get compensation for your injuries and related expenses, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases: You can show that the dog owner was negligent in allowing their dog to attack you, especially if the dog had a history of aggression or bites.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies frequently offer settlements that are lower than what injured victims deserve, especially after dog bites. It’s important to have an experienced law firm on your side who knows how to negotiate with insurance adjusters.
Choosing the Right Dog Bite Lawyer
Selecting the right lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take after being bitten by a dog. When choosing a lawyer, it’s important to look for one with these traits:
- Experience in Handling Dog Bite Cases: Look for a lawyer with specific experience in dog bite cases who understands the unique aspects of these claims in California and Alameda.
- Track Record of Successful Settlements: A lawyer with a history of winning settlements can give you peace of mind and confidence in their ability to handle your case effectively.
- Client Testimonials and Reviews: Positive feedback from previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s skills and dedication to their clients.
- Free Consultation: Look for lawyers that offer free consultations. This gives you the chance to meet with a lawyer to determine if they’re the right fit for you and your case.
Contact Our Alameda Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Being bitten by a dog is painful and shocking. Whether it happened in your neighborhood, at a dog park, or in public, you may be unsure of what to do after such a traumatic incident. However, because dog bites are so expensive and debilitating, it’s important to seek the compensation you deserve.
After a dog bite, contact Berg Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our Alameda dog bite attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve, and we have the experience and track record of success necessary to win your claim.