Under certain conditions, a dog’s behavior may turn from friendly to aggressive in a matter of seconds. A responsible dog owner should be able to control their dog and prevent them from causing you harm. However, in some cases, you may not be able to anticipate or avoid a dangerous dog bite.
Dog bites are an unfortunately common experience throughout the United States. A 2015 study estimated that 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in America and hospitals across the country treat over 1,000 dog bites each day. Serious dog bites can cause life-altering physical harm and may require significant medical care. However, if another person’s dog bites you, no one should expect you to pay for this injury.
You may be entitled to significant compensation for the pain you suffered from a dog bite injury. In 2019 alone, dog bite liability claims paid approximately $797 million to victims of serious dog bites. Although money from an injury claim can never take away the pain you suffered, it can help ensure that you and your loved ones do not face serious financial strain after a dog bite injury.
If a dog bit you or a loved one, the Hickory dog bite lawyers at DeMayo Law Offices, are ready to help you seek the compensation you need. We have the skill and experience necessary to help you navigate filing an injury claim. DeMayo Law Offices knows that dog bites are an overwhelming and stressful experience, and it is our mission to make the injury claim process easier for you.
Take the first right now by calling DeMayo Law Offices, at (877) 333-1000 to set up a free consultation with our skilled dog bite injury law firm.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury?
Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and ensuring they do not cause harm. When a dog owner demonstrates poor judgment and careless behavior that leads to a bite, this owner is legally responsible for your injuries.
You may have been bitten by an unknown dog if an irresponsible owner let their dog off-leash in a public space or placed their dog in a stressful situation. However, many dog bite injuries involve a dog that you already know, such as a friend or family member’s pet. You do not want your loved one or their dog to suffer consequences after a bite and filing an injury claim against someone you know may feel impossible. Nevertheless, you need compensation to manage the serious medical and financial burdens of a dog bite.
Fortunately, most people’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance plan will provide financial compensation for dog bite injuries. Dog bite policies allow you to file an injury claim through the owner’s insurance, rather than seeking money from the owner directly. Filing a claim through insurance will help you receive the money you need after a dog bite, without causing someone you know significant financial distress.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Hickory, call (877) 333-1000
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite
Seeking compensation after a dog bite injury is often a confusing and frustrating process. Although insurance is supposed to provide coverage when accidents happen, at the end of the day, these companies want to make money. They make filing an injury claim difficult, and they look for any possible reason to deny your claim. You cannot afford to make a single mistake on your injury claim, which is why you need to work with a skilled dog bite attorney.
Your attorney will review the details of your case and help you understand the amount of compensation you should expect from your claim. They will use their extensive knowledge of the law to help you make the strongest case possible and will negotiate with the insurance provider on your behalf. Although most injury claims end in a settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take the insurance provider to court if they refuse to offer you the amount you deserve.
Hickory Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
How Can the Attorneys at DeMayo Law Offices Help?
The attorneys at DeMayo Law Offices have been fighting to protect the people of North Carolina since our firm’s founding in 1992. Our attorneys have years of experience with personal injury claims which has prepared us to take on your case, no matter how complex the circumstances. Furthermore, we have over 100 trained legal professionals who are dedicated to helping you seek the best possible outcome in your case.
Our expansive staff allows DeMayo Law Offices to take on cases both big and small. Using aggressive and effective legal tactics, we have helped our clients recover over $750 million in settlements.
However, the key to our success is the compassionate legal counsel and individualized service we guarantee each of our clients.
When you work with DeMayo Law Offices you will know that you have an advocate who will fight for your right to fair compensation after a serious dog bite injury.
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Complications From a Dog Bite
In many cases, the injuries you sustain from a dog bite are much more serious than a small cut or puncture. The size of the dog and the number of times you are bitten will likely determine the severity of your injuries. However, dogs of all sizes and breeds are capable of causing you serious harm.
Dog’s mouths contain a wide variety of bacteria and they can transmit diseases during a bite, even if the dog is up to date on their vaccinations. When bacteria of any kind enter a dog bite wound, you may suffer serious illness in addition to the physical trauma of the bite. This is just one example of the many possible complications you may experience from a dog bite.
You need to seek appropriate medical attention after a dog bite to ensure that you receive the proper treatment for serious complications such as:
- Infection
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Broken bones
- Torn skin and muscle
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Disfigurement
- Permanent scarring
Even with medical treatment, some of these complications may have long-term consequences for your health. You may find that you have to take time off from work to recover from your injuries. In the worst cases, you may even have significant disabilities as a result of this dog bite. No matter the type of complications you experience after a dog bite, you need compensation to help you cope with this devastating injury. Filing a dog bite injury claim is the best way to ensure that you have the financial support you need to heal.
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Possible Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injury
Your dog bite injury claim can provide compensation for a wide variety of physical, emotional, and financial consequences of your injuries. The amount of compensation you receive is typically based on the severity and long-term impact of your injury. Although every dog bite injury is different, some of the most common types of compensation include payment for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Emergency medical services
- Hospitalization or surgery
- Ongoing treatment and medications
- Rehabilitation services
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages during recovery
- Inability to return to work
- Temporary or permanent disability
These are just some of the ways your dog bite injury claim can help you recover from this incident. Through the compensation you receive, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from financial distress after a dog bite.
Before you agree to any settlement from an insurance company, you should talk to your attorney about the type and amount of compensation that is appropriate for your injury. They will help you negotiate fair compensation and will prevent you from accepting less than you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
In the state of North Carolina, you can file an injury claim up to three years after the dog bite occurs. After this three-year mark, the dog’s owner is no longer responsible for the injury and you cannot take legal action.
Although you have a maximum of three years to file your claim, it is always best to take action as soon as possible after a dog bite You will need to describe the incident in detail when filing your claim. If you wait to file until years after the bite, you may not clearly remember the details of the event, which decreases your chances of receiving compensation.
To ensure you receive the maximum compensation, you need to contact DeMayo Law Offices and start working on your claim as soon as you can after a dog bite injury.
Contact DeMayo Law Offices, Today
After a serious dog bite injury, you need compensation to help you heal and move forward with your life. The Hickory dog bite injury attorneys at DeMayo Law Offices are ready to start working on your case right now. We offer a 24/7 phone line so you can get support and legal counsel whenever you need it most. You cannot afford to wait for compensation any longer, contact DeMayo Law Offices at (877) 333-1000 right now for a free consultation.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
