Dogs are animals that can sometimes be unpredictable and aggressive. Getting attacked by a dog can leave both emotional and physical scars. To help you recover, you may need to go to court to get a settlement for the incident. Here are some of the things that you will want to know before you begin a legal settlement for your dog bite case:
1. Dogs Do Not Have to Be Aggressive to Attack and Bite
Many people think of aggressive dogs like the pit bull when they hear about dog attacks. These animals can be very territorial and protective of their owners. Usually, something provokes a dog to attack people. The dog that attacked you may not have been an aggressive dog. Even a family dog will attack a person when they feel threatened. It can be due to something as simple as approaching an owner or family member too quickly. Many dogs can be especially protective of children. The fact that the dog was a family dog does not mean that you do not deserve a legal settlement. Often, insurance policies will cover these incidents.
2. The Owner of The Dog Is Responsible for The Injuries Due to Attacks
No matter where the dog was when it attacked you, the owner is always responsible. If the dog was out when it attacked you, then it is negligence on the part of the owner. You may think that if you were visiting a home when you were attacked, the aggressive behavior was your fault. No, the owner should have warned visitors and put the dog up to prevent this type of aggressive behavior.
3. Many Homeowner's Insurance Policies Will Cover Dog Bite Legal Settlements
Many homeowner's insurance policies will cover these types of attacks. Even if the policy does not cover the attack, there is legal action that can be taken to get you a settlement. A personal injury attorney will check with the owner of the dog to find out what type of insurance they must cover damages. In some cases, additional animal insurance policies may cover the legal costs of a settlement.
These are some of the things that you will want to know when dealing with a dog bite legal battle. If you have been injured by a dog, contact a personal injury attorney to help insure you get the help you need and a fair settlement.
