Have you been injured or knocked down by a dog? If so, this article will provide information on how to proceed to successfully hold the dog owner liable for the damages that you have suffered.
Seek Medical Attention
After being knocked down or bitten by a dog, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the wound seems insignificant, harmful organisms in canine mouths can lead to infection and become a serious condition very quickly. The emergency room physician who initially rendered treatment to you may render an expert medical opinion or conclusion at the time of trial.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If possible, you should identify the owner or keeper of the dog in Massachusetts, and other jurisdictions, because as they may be held liable for your damages. This information must be shared with your lawyer to put the dog owner/keeper on notice of your claim. Obtain the name and address of all witnesses who observed what happened and ask if they know the owner of the dog and whether the dog has been involved in a similar incident. In the case of a roaming dog, contact your local animal control agency.
Report the Incident
By reporting the incident to your local animal control agency, police department, or health department, you can document the incident and help to prevent future injuries. These entities investigate, follow up, and may quarantine the dog to determine whether the animal is up to date on all vaccines, including a rabies shot.
Take Photos of Your Injuries
Take pictures of your wounds at your earliest opportunity, and regularly thereafter. These images can be used as evidence after your attorney has commenced a civil action or lawsuit. Ensure that you take shots from various angles and through different phases of the healing procedure.
Gather Information
Obtain all of the essential details, when, where and how the incident occurred. Identify the owner /keeper of the dog and any witnesses. Contact information, including name, address and phone number will enable the successful prosecution of your claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured by a dog, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will explain your rights and the litigation process to you. Your damages may include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, physical pain and mental suffering, and disfiguring scarring.
Follow Up on Your Medical Treatment
Be sure to adhere to the instructions of your medical care providers concerning future medical treatment. This includes referrals to specialists, physical therapists, as well as taking prescribed medications and changing dressings.
Conclusion
If you have been injured or knocked down by a dog, you should do the following:
- Seek medical attention
- Identify the owner or keeper of the dog
- Identify any witnesses
- Photograph your injuries
- Hire a lawyer
How Can Attorney Snow Help?
As your lawyer, Attorney Snow will hire an investigator to identify exactly what occurred, the owner/keeper of the dog, and any witnesses to the incident. Next, he will put the dog owner on notice of your claim, obtain your medical bills and records, and file a lawsuit on your behalf. Once you reach a medical end result, Attorney Snow will obtain expert medical/ vocational narrative reports on your behalf for use during settlement negotiations or at trial.
Attorney Snow has successfully prosecuted hundreds of claims and will obtain results when it matters most for you. If you have been by a dog it is important to take action quickly. If you wait too long, the dog that caused your injury may be put down or given away, witnesses move or pass away, and collecting evidence necessary for a successful result may become difficult.
In Massachusetts, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit or you will be forever time barred from pursuing a cause of action against any potential defendant and will receive no compensation whatsoever for your injuries.
Contact Attorney Snow Today!
Attorney Snow has 30 years of experience litigating claims including dog bites, and canine-inflicted injury claims. If you have recently suffered an injury from being knocked down or bitten by a dog, contact Attorney Snow immediately.
Attorney Snow can be reached online or at (508) 477-7100">(508) 477-7100 now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your claim – Attorney Snow will obtain results when it matters most to you!
Steven Snow worked his way through law school as a retail stockbroker with Merrill Lynch. After earning his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1988, Attorney Snow worked for a Boston law firm that represented insurance companies. This experience provided him with an understanding of exactly how insurance companies value personal injury claims, and how they prepare for trial. He uses this knowledge to anticipate and counter his opponent’s defense strategies ensuring his clients obtain a judgment on their behalf. Attorney Snow bodily injuries and wrongful death claims through mediation and arbitration and trial.
Regardless of the type of injury you may have sustained, or the obstacles you may be facing, Attorney Steven T. Snow has the experience and skills to secure the best possible results in your case.
