Three Things You Should Know If You Were Bitten By A Dog While Working
There are many people who work for a living on a homeowner's property, and many of these homeowners have dogs. Although unfortunate, many of these people are bitten while they are trying to do their job. Examples of these people include power company workers reading meters, cable installers, phone company repairmen, landscapers, and letter carriers to name only a few. If you were bitten by a dog, the following are a few things you should understand.
You must show that the bite did damage
In order to be awarded damages, you must demonstrate that the damages caused harm. The first part of establishing damage is a medical bill. You need to show that the dog bite resulted in a trip to the hospital where you were treated. The second type of damage is that you missed work because of this bite. You are entitled to reimbursement for lost wages, but this follows from establishing physical damage from the dog attack. You also are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. This is not as straight forward as the other two types of damage, and you will need an attorney.
You must show that the property was unsafe
Many injuries occur on private property because the outdoor area was not maintained, and therefore, dangerous to a worker on the property. This could be many things, but when a dog bite is involved, the safety narrows. It is focused on the dog. The owner may have thought the dog would not bite, but it had a history of biting. However, often in a court of law, the fact that you were bitten is usually sufficient to demonstrate that the property was unsafe.
You must show the homeowner was negligent
In other words, if it wasn't for the action or inaction of the homeowner, you would not have been bitten. This is where an insurance company may fight you. They may say that there was a "Beware of Dog" sign that you ignored. But if the property owner knew you were going to be on the property and failed to secure the animal, you likely have a strong case. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to be on the homeowner's property. If you were working a few doors down and the dog was running loose, you still may have a strong case. Negligence is the hardest part to prove, but this is one of the most important reasons to get an attorney.
If you are bitten by a dog, make sure you get medical attention immediately. Then, at your earliest convenience, you need to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Consultations are free, and because they work on a contingency fee, they don't get paid until they win your case.
To know more about dog bite cases, reach out to a personal injury lawyer near you,