Take the Crime Out of a Bite: 3 Reasons to Pursue Compensation If Bitten by a Dog
Most people delight in dogs. They are called man's best friend for very good reasons, most of which are about the unconditional love and devotion that a dog can provide its caretaker. Unfortunately, sometimes dogs bite complete strangers for a variety of reasons, and this can happen even if the dog has exhibited no previous signs of aggression. You may feel bad for the owners of the dog who suddenly decided to bite you, but that sympathy and understanding does not mean that you should neglect the importance of protecting yourself at such a time. See a lawyer if you've been bitten by a dog because you may need to pursue compensation for the following reasons.
Reason #1: Mounting Medical Costs
If you are bitten by a dog, you may face a mountain of medical bills. That is unfair to you since you certainly wouldn't have chosen to be in such a situation, and the owner of the dog needs to be held responsible for the costs associated with the bite. The more severe the bite and the subsequent pain you feel are, the more care you may need to make a full and complete recovery. The owner of the canine companion that bit you may be held accountable for the expenses incurred from doctor visits, emergency room visit (including any X-rays and other expensive methods of care), hospital visits, prescription medications, and even the mileage of going to and from the doctor's office or hospital.
Reason #2: Prolonged Expenses
You need to think ahead when it comes to the damage that the dog bite has caused. The bite may impact your well-being, health, and quality of life well beyond the initial week or so after the painful encounter with the dog. Your lawyer may explain this when you try to recover damages from the dog bite. Also, punitive damages may be assessed to help motivate the dog owner to avoid putting others at risk in the future, and that required payment is designed to teach them a lesson about their carelessness or neglect in putting you at risk for the bite.
Reason #3: Missed Income from Missed Work
If a dog bite caused you significant harm, you are sure to have to miss days or even weeks of work. That is income that you are missing, and that can cause mayhem and financial devastation in your life. You should be compensated for missed income, and the dog owner may have had a general liability insurance policy to cover their property. If you were bitten while on the dog owner's property, their insurance may cover the expenses that are associated with the bite.
Finally, keep in mind that you don't have to take a dog bite lying down. Fight back to get what you deserve and ensure that people will be better protected in the future because you hold the negligent dog owner responsible.