Some dog bites are severe to the point of needing immediate medical attention. These incidents often require the services of a lawyer that understands how important it is to pursue a claim against the owner of the animal. The first step along the process is to know the laws that govern dog bites or attacks. A dog bite lawyer who has the skills to negotiate and assist in filing a claim can provide this important information.
If you have sustained a dog bite injury, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Harrisburg dog bite lawyer at Schmidt Kramer to review your case during a free consultation. We can help you through each step of the claims process to help hold dog owners accountable. Our firm works on contingency which means you do not pay us until you receive compensation for your case.
In addition to no upfront fees, there are several benefits of hiring a dog bite lawyer, including:
1. Knowledge of Dog Bite Laws
Every state, including Pennsylvania, has dog bite laws that cover different types of claims. If you suffered a severe injury resulting in fractures, disfigurement or cosmetic surgery and the dog bite happened without being provoked, a lawyer can help you initiate a claim against the pet owner for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Severe injury claims are only valid if the dog has not bitten or attacked anyone before.
If the dog bite was not serious, you may initiate a claim for medical expenses only. The other scenario is if the owner knew that the dog had a previous history of biting or attacking another person. In this situation, you may pursue a dangerous dog claim against the owner and seek compensation for the damages you sustained. A lawyer understands dog bite laws and are up-to-date on legislation that affects them.
2. Skilled Negotiators
Dog bite lawyers have skilled negotiations skills because they know how to deal with insurance companies. When the dog owner or its insurance company offers you less a than reasonable settlement to pay out as little as possible, it does not mean you have to accept it.
A lawyer can review the offer and convey the seriousness of the incident on your behalf to try and convince the insurance company to increase the settlement offer to a more reasonable level. If an insurer does not provide a sufficient offer to settle the matter, an attorney will know this and can fight for your best interests.
3. Professional Experience
Most professionals do not have the personal and field experience with dog bites to negotiate with insurance companies or pursue a claim against the dog owner. Dog bite lawyers handle these types of cases often. When an attorney deals with these attacks, he or she may initiate the matter in court or communicate with an insurance carrier appropriately. Without hiring someone with this professional experience in animal attacks, you may not receive the compensation deserved.
4. Access to Valuable Resources
Hiring a dog bite lawyer provides you with plenty of valuable resources through a team that will contribute to the case. The other members of the legal team will research and investigate the case and gather evidence to determine the dog owner was negligent. To successfully handle complex matters, it usually takes a team. With this help, you are never alone.
5. Your Own Personal Advocate
With a legal advocate, you have someone on your side. An attorney will work on your behalf to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled. A dog bite lawyer will also help determine the extent of the at-fault party’s liability, as well as whether any other parties share responsibility. In addition to the dog owner, other responsible parties may include:
- Landlords when it is known there is a dangerous animal
- Parents of minors when the dog is owned by someone under the age of 18
- Property owners if he or she let the dangerous dog stay on the property
- Animal keepers or someone involved in the care or upkeep of the animal which may include dog watchers, shelter services or a pound
Contact a Harrisburg Attorney Today
If you were injured through the negligence of a dog owner, it is imperative that you seek legal support for the incident. The Harrisburg personal injury attorneys at Schmidt Kramer are familiar with relevant dog bite laws and claims for injuries. We are here for you and will discuss all available legal options for your claim during a free, no obligation consultation.
The dog bite claims process is often confusing, and we can help you through each step of the way. Our services operate under a contingency fee, so we only get paid if you recover compensation for your injury.
Get help today by contacting us at (717) 888-8888 to get started.