A dog bite accident is a startling event. Whether an attack comes from a strange dog or a more familiar one, a dog bite accident is unexpected and frightening. This shock and distress can lead to you not getting the treatment you need or the compensation you deserve.
Victims are sometimes afraid of repercussions to the dog and the dog owner’s family if they report the incident. Some victims not only fail to report the attack, but they also put off seeking necessary treatment.
An attack from an unfamiliar dog has its own set of complications. A dog owner may deny the identity of the dog that bit you, claiming it was not their animal.
Whether your situation involves a known or an unknown animal, it is important to get advice from a dog bite lawyer in Loudoun County. You do not have to figure everything out on your own.
If you or a loved one has suffered an attack from a dog, you need to explore your options in a safe, confidential way. The Loudoun County personal injury lawyer at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, helps dog attack victims in Loudoun County and other areas of Virginia. We offer free consultations to dog bite victims. To schedule your free consultation, call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, today at 571-229-1800.
We Can Help You Deal With the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company.
If a dog owner’s insurance company has already contacted you, you may believe that you do not need the assistance of an attorney to move forward with a claim.
An attorney can offer you several benefits when it comes to seeking compensation after a dog bite.
We Can Keep You From Settling Too Early.
A conflict of interest exists between you and the insurance company that the insurer is unlikely to point out. Insurance companies pressure adjusters to settle cases for as little as possible. An insurer might try to close a claim quickly by offering a fast settlement to a dog bite victim.
While you may feel it is in your best interest to settle the case and put it behind you as quickly as possible, this can come back to haunt you. If you agree to a low settlement offer, you cannot ask for more compensation later if you are facing unexpected bills.
We can review the terms of any settlement offer and determine if it is enough to pay for your current and future costs. Dog attacks can cause serious, long-term complications for victims. You should not have to pay for those costs yourself.
We Can Protect Your Interests During the Claims Process.
Our legal team has experience helping dog attack victims recover compensation through the insurance claims process. We can ensure the insurance company in your case does not succeed in any tactic to delay, reduce, or deny your claim for compensation.
For example, if the dog owner claims you provoked the animal into attacking, we can help you stand up against these accusations. We will help you gather evidence showing what happened leading up to the attack, the injuries you suffered due to the dog bite, and the medical care you required because of the incident.
We can also collect medical bills, receipts, and other documentation showing a fair value for your damages.
We Can Communicate Directly With the Insurance Company.
Insurance companies often ask dog bite victims a series of scripted questions after an attack. Any information you offer in response to these questions could impact your case. If you offer information that calls your right to compensation into question, the insurance company may use it to reduce or deny your claim.
This is why it is advisable to talk to an attorney before you speak with the dog owner’s insurer. Our legal team can handle communications with the insurance company to ensure your right to compensation remains protected.
If Someone Else’s Dog Attacked You, You Deserve Compensation.
The costs associated with a dog attack can be substantial. Aside from any immediate or emergency medical care you need, you may also face reconstructive surgeries or other additional treatments to deal with disfigurement or scarring. You likely had to miss significant time at work during your recovery. It is common for dog bite victims to experience negative mental health effects, too. You deserve compensation for these and other related damages.
You may qualify for compensation for the following damages:
- Future and past medical bills, even if you have health insurance;
- Current and future lost wages, even if you used sick leave;
- Pain and suffering;
- Inconvenience;
- Physical disfigurement, including any scarring;
- Disability; and
- Loss of earning capacity, if the attack will have a long-term impact on your ability to work.
In limited cases, punitive damages may be available to punish the dog owner. These damages punish an at-fault party for intentional or egregious behavior, and they are awarded at a judge’s discretion.
Loudoun County Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Making a Claim Against a Neighbor, Friend, or Relative
In cases where you know the dog’s owner, you may be hesitant to file a claim after a dog attack. While doing so might feel uncomfortable, it is important you act after a dog bite. Not only will filing a claim allow you to get the compensation you need to pay for your related expenses, but taking action could help prevent the dog from attacking another victim in the future.
Situations like these are the reason why dog owners carry homeowners insurance to protect them. Whether the attack happened on or off the owner’s premises, an insurance policy obligates the insurer to pay the damages.
Talk to an Dog Bite Lawyer in Loudoun County, VA
There is no risk to you in scheduling your free consultation with the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC. There are no upfront out-of-pocket costs, and we will offer our advice on your legal options.
Schedule your appointment today by calling 571-229-1800.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form