If your friend’s dog bit you, it is critical that you seek medical care as soon as possible. Even a minor injury can result in infection and permanent damage or scarring. We recommend you get medical care regardless of whether you feel injured. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that dog bites can result in rabies, capnocytophaga bacteria, Pasteurella, MRSA, and/or tetanus.
Medical care after a dog bite is particularly important if you have not had a tetanus shot recently, are unsure of the animal’s rabies status, or if you have significant bleeding or pain. The long-term impact of a severe bite can quickly become life-threatening without proper medical care.
The good news is, while it may be an awkward scenario, your friend’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance should cover your damages, including medical bills. In most cases, your friend will not have to pay out of pocket for your injuries.
Damages You Might Recover in a Dog Bite Accident Case
After a dog bite injury, medical bills and lost wages can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. You should not have to cover these losses on your own. While it may feel awkward to ask a friend to cover your losses, it is important to realize they likely have insurance to cover these types of incidents.
The amount in damages you are able to recover through your friend’s home or renter’s insurance will vary based on how severely you are injured and their policy details.
You can expect to recover some or all of the following losses.
- Medical bills, including medication, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and other medical costs
- Lost wages, if you are unable to return to work after the bite occurs
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience for the physical pain and mental anguish you experience
Make sure to keep medical bills and take photo evidence of your injuries, which can be used to support a dog bite insurance claim.
Dog bite laws like VA § 3.2-6540 may limit what you can recover. Be sure you speak to a dog bite attorney to determine the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney Today
Once you receive medical care, your next step is to begin gathering evidence to file a dog bite accident claim with your friend’s insurance company. We highly recommend working with a dog bite accident attorney who is used to working with insurance companies and knows how to navigate the process.
Remember, your friend purchased insurance coverage for just this type of situation. Do not feel guilty about filing a rightful injury claim. In most cases, you will not need to deal with your friend directly.
To begin the process of filing a dog bite injury claim after your friend’s dog bit you, contact a dog bite lawyer at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC at (571) 229-1800 for a free dog bite accident claim review.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form
