Reasons to Hire a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Case?

Dog Bite Case: Why Hire a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer?

It’s unwise to tackle a personal injury case on your own. Discover how a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can help you win your dog bite case.

Dog bites cause severe physical injuries and emotional trauma. Navigating a dog bite claim without help can be quite complex and overwhelming. A West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer will help you recover compensation for your losses.

As per a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one out of five individuals bitten by a dog needs immediate medical attention. In this case, you’ll likely incur substantial medical expenses.

Let’s discuss some of the ways a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can help you win your dog bite case.

What Should You Do in Case of a Dog Bite?

If a dog has just bitten you, you need to tend to the wound immediately to prevent a bacterial infection. Depending on the severity of the injury, you can choose to administer first aid at home or visit a healthcare center.

The first thing to do after a dog bite is to distance yourself from the dog. This action prevents the chances of it biting you again. If the bite didn’t break your skin, wash the affected area with warm water and soap.

Proceed to press on the wound gently until it bleeds slightly to get rid of germs. If the wound continues bleeding, apply a clean cloth and press to stop the flow. Apply a thin layer of antibacterial lotion and use a sterile bandage to cover it.

Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, feel pain, or the wound worsens.

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove a Dog Bite Case?

In case of a dog bite, the owner should compensate you for the injuries incurred. However, for you to win a dog bite lawsuit, you’ll have to provide relevant evidence that proves the severity of your injuries. Below are the types of evidence you should collect to help in your case:

Photos of the dog, your injuries, and the location of the incident
Clothes you wore during the attack
Statements and contact information of witnesses

Why You Should Hire a West Palm Personal Injury Lawyer for Dog Bite Injury Claims

A West Palm personal injury lawyer can make a significant impact on your dog bite case. Some of the reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney include the following:

Legal Advice for Dog Bites

Personal injury attorneys have extensive knowledge of dog bite laws in West Palm Beach. According to Florida Statute 767.04, any dog owner whose animal bites an individual in a private or public place is liable for the injuries suffered by the victim. This is regardless of whether the dog has been brutal before, and the owner knew about it.

With an experienced attorney by your side, you’ll understand victim rights in dog attacks and the options available.

Recover Fair Compensation

A personal injury attorney will evaluate the full extent of your injuries and ensure all future, present, and past damages are considered. Insurance companies tend to downplay the damages incurred to minimize payouts.

Luckily, a skilled dog bite lawyer will ensure you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Access to Relevant Resources

A personal injury attorney has a way of accessing witnesses and other resources that will be helpful in your case. For instance, the lawyer can find the medical professionals who catered to your wound after the attack. These doctors will testify on the severity of your injuries and how aggressive the dog was.

Experience in the Field

An experienced attorney can help you build a strong dog bite case. They will gather evidence and use legal arguments to counter the tactics used by insurance companies. Experienced personal injury lawyers from Felice Trial Attorneys also know how to accurately calculate the amount that you should fight for in the animal attack legal process.

Represent You in Court

In case your dog bite lawsuit fails to settle outside of court, a competent lawyer will offer to represent you in court. They will:

Cross-examine the witnesses
Present your case
Fight for your rights before a jury or judge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation do you get for a dog bite?

It’s difficult to determine the exact amount of compensation you’ll get from a dog bite lawsuit, since cases are different. Your case will be evaluated based on the following:

Financial losses suffered due to the injury
The long-term effects on your life
The severity of the injuries

How long does it take to get compensated for a dog bite?

The exact time it takes to settle a dog bite case may vary depending on:

Whether the case will go to court
Insurance company negotiations
The seriousness of the bite

Sometimes, these kinds of cases need proper evaluation and negotiation.

A West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer will do their best to get you fair compensation within the fastest time possible.

What are the symptoms to look out for after a dog bite?

You should monitor your dog bite injury, whether minor or major, for signs of bacterial infection. These signs include:

Pus or liquid coming from the wound
Chills and sweats
Heat, swelling, and redness around the wound
Swollen glands in the groin, neck, armpits, or under the chin
Red streaks that appear from the wound

Why should you always report a dog bite?

Reporting a dog bite to the relevant agency helps you and those around you. If the dog is identified, you can retrieve vet records to check whether it’s up-to-date with its rabies vaccines. If a stray dog bit you, then you need to get a rabies shot immediately.

Moreover, filing a report for a dog bite will help you get compensation regardless of whether the injuries are minor.

Get Maximum Compensation for Your Dog Bite Case at Felice Trial Attorneys

Dog bites can cause victims to suffer broken bones, infections, and even PTSD. With the help of a skilled West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer, you’ll receive fair representation for your dog bite case and the compensation you deserve.

At Felice Trial Attorneys, we handle all our cases with custom legal strategies and with a passion for our clients. We’ll help you recover damages incurred, including physical pain and suffering, present and future medical bills, and punitive damage.