Being bitten by a dog is quite a traumatizing event. It can lead to significant physical and mental injuries for a victim. Unfortunately, dog bites are more frequent since most people prefer to keep these furry friends as pets or for security.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, California has the most dog bite incidents in the U.S. General injuries resulting from a dog bite heal fast and do not lead to severe health issues. However, sometimes complications arise because of the victim’s health or compounding issues. This might lead to long-term physical and psychological issues.
If you have been involved in such an incident, seek legal help after a dog bite accident. Hiring an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases can assist you through the legal benchmarks.
You will need to thoroughly assess your options before proceeding. However, the first step is to hire a competent team. To do so, keep the following in mind.
Look into dog bite injury attorney qualifications and experience
Ensure that the attorney you choose has plenty of experience handling dog bite cases and is qualified. Don’t hesitate to request credentials and proof of success.
Dog bite complications can be a sensitive issue for all parties involved. Hence, you need legal representation that weighs the pros and cons of any situation before making a move on your behalf.
Ask for referrals from trusted friends or family members
If someone you know has successfully hired a dog bite injury attorney, try asking them for referrals. Find out about the charges from those referrals.
Keep in mind that peer feedback is good to consider. An attorney with a high level of expertise will receive referrals from other attorneys. In general, lawyers may charge an hourly rate while others may take a percentage of your compensation in payment.
Get clarity on any additional fees incurred. To be safe, request the attorney to give you a copy of all the costs you’re expected to settle.
Research potential dog bite injury attorneys online
Look up potential attorneys online to read reviews and gather more information about their services. Several sites rate the efficacy of different legal firms. Browse through the ranks of multiple sites. You might see a few key names recurring in the list. Those are likely your best options.
Look for a firm that has a good communication ethic. Attorneys must constantly contact their clients while the case is active.
The bottom line is to hire an attorney who will comprehensively review the accident and fully understand your predicament. With good communication skills, an attorney can carefully argue your case before the court and increase your odds of landing fair compensation.
Contact several firms and compare offers
Contact multiple firms and compare their services, fees, and other factors to find the best deal. The best legal representative for a dog bite accident is well-versed in the dog bite injury law.
You must check whether they have an operating license to practice law in your state. In addition, the attorney must have educational training and knowledge in personal injury law, animal law, or both.
Pro Tip: Not all personal injury lawyers are experts in dog bite accidents. You need to hire a well-versed lawyer in dog bite injury claims.
Request a free consultation
Request a free consultation to ask questions and ensure your lawyer is the right fit for you. Lawyers provide free consultations for several reasons.
First, it allows them to build trust and establish a relationship with the client.
Second, it will enable the lawyer to determine if the case is viable and whether they can help the client.
The free consultation lets the lawyer explain their services, fees, and other important information to potential clients. This enables clients to become more familiar with their legal situation and make better decisions.