When negotiating a dog bite claim, you have to be very careful, as you might have to deal with the insurance company of the defender. They will try their maximum to limit the claim amount, hence, if you are not careful there is a possibility for you to lose a huge sum that you deserve. Hence, it is better to seek the help of dog bite attorneys when dealing with an insurance company, as they will be good at negotiation.
Many dog bite victims do not receive the compensation they deserve because of the small mistakes they make. Hence, we list some of the important points you have to consider for maximizing the claim amount.
Seek Medical Attention
Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. This is important for both your health as well as the claim. Dog bites can result in serious infections. So even if you do not get severe injuries from a dog attack, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after the attack.
Also, the medical report can be a great link that can help to prove that your injuries are linked to the dog attack. This is very crucial when you file a claim.
Report The Dog Attack To Local Authorities
Be careful to report the dog attack to the local authorities that deal with dog bite cases. Most states require healthcare providers to report the accident. So you have to make sure that your case has been reported to the concerned authorities.
When you report the attack, an animal control officer will check with the owner for getting the proof of rabies vaccination and issue citations against the owner. Also, he will isolate the dog and keep it in observation if needed.
Find Out The Owner
Finding the owner is important for filing the claim. Hence, get the name and contact details of the dog’s owner and the name of the insurance company.
Check The Local Dog Bite Laws
Each state has different laws that deal with dog bite claims. Therefore, it is important to be aware of various laws existing in your state before filing a lawsuit.
Collect Evidence
You should collect evidence including photographs of your injuries, witness statements, medical bills, etc. that can support your claim.
Know What Your Injuries Are Worth
You have to calculate the amount you can claim as compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, property damage, etc. Dog bite attorneys can help you with this task, as they will have good experience in similar cases.
When negotiating with the insurance company for your dog bite claim, you have to be extremely careful. When filing a lawsuit for getting compensation in a dog attack case, make sure to consider the factors listed above, so that you can get the maximum claim amount.