Dogs continue to be beloved pets amongst people all over the country. While dogs are generally safe to be around, they are still animals with natural instincts that could drive them to attack a perceived threat. If you or someone you care about is bitten by a dog, it could result in painful injuries, medical bills, and other expenses. Because of this, it is always a good idea to hire an attorney. Hiring a dog bite lawyer in San Antonio can benefit in various ways.
Receive Consultation on Case
If you are bitten by a dog, it is always important that you first receive medical attention and then contact local police to document the situation. However, once that is done, you should contact an attorney to discuss the situation. When you call a dog bite lawyer in San Antonio, they will first provide you with a consultation on your case. The attorney will be able to document and review all relevant information including police and medical reports, witness statements, and discussions with other informed parties. The attorney may also drive by the dog owner’s home to see if they have a fence or other security measures in place.
Based on this review, the attorney can offer their advice. This can include telling you what can be done to move forward, what the process will look like, and what compensation you should be entitled to. Based on this consultation, you can determine whether you want to move forward with a claim.
Notifying Other Parties
If you have been involved in a dog bite accident, your attorney can also help by notifying other parties and filing a legal claim. If you would like to move forward with a claim, it is important that proper steps are followed when it comes to notifying the relevant parties. This will include notifying the owner of the dog, notifying their insurance company or attorney, and eventually filing all necessary paperwork with your local county.
Negotiations with Other Parties
In the vast majority of situations, a dog bite accident will be handled outside of the courtroom. In many cases, the other party involved will have liability insurance through a home or renter’s insurance plan. Because of this, much of the negotiations will take place with the other party’s insurance company to try and come to a fair settlement. This is often an ideal approach as it is more efficient, will reduce stress, and can result in a quicker resolution.
Deliberations in Court
While most dog bite cases will be handled outside of the courtroom, there are situations when settlement discussions go stale and you need a formal ruling. In these cases, you may go to a small claims court, arbitration, or through another civil process. In these cases, your attorney will provide all the legal support that you need. This can include helping to prepare your case and presenting it in front of the court.
If you have been bitten by a dog in the San Antonio area, it can be a very stressful situation. As you could incur medical bills, lost wages, and mental anguish from a dog bite, it is always a good idea to have a dog bite lawyer by your side. There are various benefits that come when you hire a dog bite lawyer in these situations.