Dog bites can cause serious injuries, especially when the victim is a child. Children may be left with physical and emotional scars that will affect them long after the injury heals. This can result in thousands of dollars in expenses to meet the future needs of the victim.
While dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets, many people are reluctant to sue. This is especially the case if the owner is a grandparent or other relative. However, in most cases, medical and other expenses are covered by the dog owner's homeowners insurance or renters insurance.
Even though a personal injury lawsuit is an adversarial proceeding, it doesn't need to be conducted in an aggressive manner when the defendant is a relative. In most cases, personal injury lawsuits are resolved through negotiation.
To achieve a favorable resolution of a personal injury case, it's important to seek representation from an attorney who is skilled at documenting the past and future losses of a dog bite injury. Those losses may include:
- Past and future medical bills, including future cosmetic surgery if the bite is in a visible area of the body
- Counseling expenses to overcome fear of dogs
- Lost wages, if the victim is a wage earner who missed time at work due to the injury
- Noneconomic damages such as pain, suffering and emotional distress
Without legal representation, the insurance company of the animal's owner will likely seek to minimize the amount it has to pay. You could end up with less money that you need to cover future costs.
Perrotta & Cahn, Attorneys at Law in Cartersville, Georgia, offers a free initial consultation to discuss your accident case.
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