When a dog bite happens to you, your first step is to get medical care. Document the injury and the area as well as possible with photos. Gather as much information as you can, including the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. Understanding what to expect when you file a dog bite claim in San Diego with the help of a San Diego dog bite lawyer helps you learn what your rights are.
The Owner’s Insurance Should Cover Your Losses
The dog’s owner is responsible for covering your losses in most situations. San Diego dog laws require that dogs be vaccinated and must be leashed when out in public unless in a designated area, such as Fiesta Island or Dog Beach. If the owner fails to do so, and you are hurt, you can seek a claim against the dog’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy.
You Can Expect the Insurance Company to Push Back
Insurance companies will do everything possible to minimize the compensation paid to victims. To do this, they will actively seek ways to deny your claim or reduce its value. There are various ways they may take these steps:
- They may try to show you were at fault because you provoked the dog.
- You may need to clarify the losses you have incurred.
- The insurance company may claim they do not have responsibility for paying damages in your case.
If they do approach you with a settlement, it may be for far less than what you owe. That is a problem, as you may not know your losses and may agree to far less than you are owed.
Be Ready to Provide Evidence
You should expect the insurance company to want as much evidence as possible to validate your claim. That typically includes photos of your injuries, medical records, proof of the treatment you received, and documentation from multiple providers about the pain and suffering you experienced.
You may have to provide evidence of your emotional trauma, including information about mental health treatment and counseling you received. In some situations, you will be asked to clarify your pre-existing conditions.
Expect to Seek Legal Representation
You do not have to hire a lawyer to file a dog bite claim in San Diego, but doing so provides you with numerous benefits. Those benefits begin with understanding your rights and avoiding the need to answer the insurance company’s questions. Your lawyer will help you examine all ways in which this incident is impacting your physical and mental health, as well as your financial well-being.
You can then expect your attorney to seek fair compensation against all involved parties, negotiate aggressively, or even go to court when it is necessary to do so. Most of the time, your case will settle out of court, and you will receive compensation. However, the value of what you receive is dependent on numerous factors, including how well you can prove your rights.
Seek Out the Guidance of a Dog Bite Lawyer in San Diego
For victims facing serious injuries, the support of a dog bite lawyer in San Diego is critical. Take the time to contact one for a free consultation. Get information about your rights before you agree to a settlement.