Dogs provide us with companionship, security and also unconditional love
when they are kept in our homes. However, dogs can at times get out of
control and cause bite injuries. These bites can be permanent and
serious at times and hence need to be addressed properly medically and
legally. The first reaction immediately after getting the dog bite
injury would be to seek medical attention. After you recuperate, you
should seek damages or compensation for the injury you suffered. In
order to succeed in your claim, you will require the services of a dog
bite lawyer. This is necessary as there are several conditions that
ought to be proved before court in order for the dog owner to be held
liable.
Most Dog Bite Injuries Go Uncompensated
In a
country like the United States, dog bites are prevalent and it is
estimated that at least 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs. However,
most of these dog bites go unreported and hence the victims do not get
compensated at all. For the cases that get reported to insurance
companies, the victims do not get adequately compensated. Insurance
adjusters usually offer the victims only 10 or 20% of the total amount
they are supposed to get if they had a lawyer. Once you hire the
services of a lawyer then the insurance adjuster will have no chance of
shortchanging you by offering a low amount of money.
Costs
The
victim need not have the money to pay the lawyer in order for them to
start their claims as this is the reason most people fear instructing
attorneys. It is possible to hire an attorney on a contingency basis
meaning that the lawyer will not demand any payment from the victim. The
attorney will get paid once he recovers the money on behalf of the
victim. If the claim would not bear any compensation then the victim in
such a case would not owe the lawyer anything not even for his costs.
Professional Experience and Expertise
If
you as the victim of the dog bite decide to pursue the claim on your
own, you will be thrusting yourself to the position of a prosecutor.
This would prejudice your claim as you will not have the necessary
knowledge, experience and expertise to get your claim settled well. You
will need the services of a lawyer who has the knowledge and expertise
on how to lodge and defend these claims efficiently. Hiring a lawyer
would make the whole process less stressful and also more efficient
without posing a huge financial risk.
Out of Court Settlements
If
the insurance company covering the dog owner does not wish to go to
court, you can opt to settle the matter out of court. Having a good
attorney on your side will ensure that they present your case well
before the insurance company to get the claim resolved amicably. The
claim would be handled in a fast and efficient manner to ensure the
victim gets justice. The lawyer will ensure that you get compensated on
all the grounds provided by the law. You should get damages for pain and
suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, embarrassment and
humiliation and loss of enjoyment of life. You should also have all your
special damages reimbursed to you.
All the above are some of the
important reasons as to why it is imperative to hire the services
of dog bite lawyer los angeles.
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