They might be cute and furry, but dogs have their own sets of sharp teeth that can do damage to anyone who is at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Thus, as a dog owner, it is your responsibility to train your dog and make sure that he can handle himself in public places.
But, unfortunately, unlike human beings, dogs are animals and will always have a degree of unpredictability in their movements. Knowing how to handle dog bite incidents, both medically and legally, can help you deal and work with a personal injury attorney here in Utah easier.
Also, it can help give you an idea of what legal consequences you would face in case you get into one.
Medical care
The safety of the victim should always be a priority. Performing first aid measure to keep the wound clean and seeking professional help as soon as possible is a must.
Exchange of information
Like in car accidents, exchanging information with the victim is necessary. This helps the victim contact you more easily to gather necessary information about your dog and the incident. Giving your contact details as early as possible will help show that you are not running away from your responsibility as a dog owner.
Work with a lawyer
Always work with a lawyer of you have a personal injury case in front of you because of the damage your dog did to others. The injured party will seek assistance from Personal Injury Lawyers, so you need a competent lawyer who can support you as a dog owner, too. This is the best way to get through the whole situation as smoothly as possible.
Owners and victims from all around VB agree that this can help calm the situation down as having an expert to help you with the legalities and gathering necessary documents can greatly reduce stress levels. They like to find the best personal injury lawyer in Virginia Beach who will guide them through the whole process, helping them get a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as dog owners. What’s more, a personal injury lawyer can also help negotiate settlements and represent you in court if necessary.
Witness account
Witnesses will always have value especially if you are dealing with a legal case. Simply getting their contact details can help you in your case.
Documentation
As much as possible, it is recommended to take a picture of the injury after it happens to understand the extent of damage done more accurately. Also, seeking proper medical records can depict a clearer picture of the injuries and eventually, your responsibility as a dog owner.
Types of compensation to expect from a dog bite accident
Medical bills
It is a known fact that the dog owner will shoulder all the medical costs from the accident. In some cases, this can also include a pre-existing condition that might have been aggravated by the incident.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the intangible effects of the accident that any victim might face. Lack of self-esteem and self-confidence and PTSD, which can affect a person’s daily life and social function can be taken into account. Computing the number of damages done in lieu of pain and suffering can be tricky and would need the expertise of a trained and experienced lawyer.
Loss of income
Recovering from injuries mean one would not be able to attend his or her job for a couple of days. In most cases, this means loss of income. In the law, it is also the responsibility of the dog owner to pay for such losses.
Being a dog owner is a huge responsibility. Investing in all the necessary preparations to make sure that your dog behaves the way he should is a must for every dog owner.