It is highly recommended that anyone who suffers dog bites hires an Atlanta dog bite attorney. Even though this is not a legal requirement, it significantly improves your chances of getting compensation for your injuries. Some people think that they only need to hire a lawyer if they’re filing a lawsuit. However, you should seek legal advice before you talk to the dog owner’s insurance company or any other individual.
Very shortly after the incident, you’re likely to get a call from an insurance adjuster who will ask questions about your injuries. No matter how friendly and well-meaning this individual seems, you should not freely share information with them. Instead, get their contact details and other relevant information and consult with an attorney. Never discuss money or a possible settlement without seeking legal advice.
Insurance companies are heavily focused on reducing their expenses and their level of liability. They will have attorneys and agents on their side who will try to limit the amount you can collect. If you don’t know the tactics and tricks they typically employ, you could walk away without any compensation at all. The only way to give yourself a fighting chance against a big insurance company is to hire an experienced lawyer.
Compensation You Can Claim Following a Dog Bite in Georgia
Your lawyer will need to review your case thoroughly before determining how much it is worth. Each case is different and there are several factors that determine how much money a victim can get. Generally, victims can get compensation for a variety of damages including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
Your dog bite lawyer will assist you in quantifying all your losses and gathering evidence to support your claim. Since the insurance company will do everything possible to reduce the amount they have to pay you, having strong proof of your damages will be very important.
These cases can be complex especially when they involve serious injuries. The more your claim is worth,, the more likely it is that the insurance company will want to avoid paying you. If you want to be fairly compensated, you need to have sound legal representation.
What to Do Immediately After A Dog Bite
As soon as someone else’s dog bites you, you have to start protecting both your health and your right to claim compensation. Of course, you can only do as much as your injuries allow.
If you are not familiar with the dog, you have to make an effort to find out who the owner is. This is necessary so you know who to pursue damages. However, it also allows you to ask about the animal’s vaccination records.
You also need to try to gather other evidence at the scene of the attack. While your attorney will play a major role in the success of your claim, they won’t be there in the minutes or hours immediately following the incident. Therefore, if there were people who witnessed what happened, you should ask them for their names and contact information. That way, your attorney can contact them later if they need someone to back up your account of what happened.
You should also take photos of your injuries and see a doctor as soon as possible. It won’t be enough to just say you were hurt. You’ll need a doctor’s report to prove that you really suffered the injuries that you claim. Your lawyer will use this to support your claim for damages. In addition to going to the doctor, you also need to ensure you follow their treatment recommendations and keep up with all your appointments.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Help from Calvin Smith Law
If you get bitten by someone’s dog through no fault of your own, you should be fairly compensated for your losses. It’s rarely easy to get money from an insurance company so you need to hire an Atlanta dog bite lawyer who has experience in negotiating on behalf of injured victims.
Call the team at Calvin Smith Law and let us review the evidence surrounding your dog bite injury during a free consultation. If you have a case, we’ll advise you on the best course of action and represent you throughout the process. You have nothing to lose by seeking our expert advice so get in touch with us today.
