Dog Bite Attorney in New Albany
Dog Bite Attorney in New Albany
After going through treatment for a dog bite and listening to the owner offer to pay your medical bills, it can seem like you don’t need to hire an attorney. However, this is usually a mistake. Your medical expenses can keep piling up, especially if the bite is severe. You may require multiple surgeries to repair the damage, and this means your expenses continue to add up after settling with the dog’s owner.
This scenario can also play out if you accept a settlement offer from the insurance company. Before agreeing to a settlement offer, you should consult with a New Albany dog bite lawyer, and Morgan & Morgan can help. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
FAQ
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Reasons to Consult with an Attorney After a Dog Bite
If you’re not sure, an attorney is necessary after being bitten by a dog. Here are a few things to consider.
Attorneys are Skilled Negotiators
Have you ever tried to negotiate with an insurance company? If so, chances are you walked away with a settlement amount that didn’t make you happy. This is common when dealing with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies are in the business of making money and don’t enjoy paying out large claims. The insurance adjuster will do everything in their power to limit your claim amount, even if it’s covered under your policy.
Your attorney can negotiate for a fair settlement that often includes your future medical expenses and even lost wages. An attorney may also be able to include non-economic damages like pain and suffering. These are typically damages you don’t receive compensation for when you try to work with the insurance company without legal representation.
Access to Extensive Legal Knowledge
Before you can seek compensation for a dog bite, you must prove negligence. You also need to know who to include in your claim. Sometimes, more than one individual is responsible for your dog bite, and this can be confusing. Yes, in most dog bite cases, the owner is the at-fault party, but there are exceptions. Knowing what these exceptions are can take a lot of research if you’re not familiar with state and local laws.
Proving negligence is rarely easy. You must prove several elements that include showing the dog owner or other at-fault party knowingly breached their duty of care. This often requires gathering evidence, like collecting witness statements. While you can talk to witnesses, it’s rarely advisable. Anything you say to a witness can be used against you in your personal injury case by the defendant’s insurance company. This can negatively affect your case, resulting in a lower settlement amount.
If you have any questions about your dog bite case, your attorney has the knowledge to provide concise answers you’ll understand.
Why Choose Morgan & Morgan as Your New Albany Dog Bite Lawyer
Morgan & Morgan is the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, and we have a proven track record of success. We have recovered over $20 billion in damages for our clients and have more than 35 years of experience. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists.